The key to their elevated aesthetic lies in the pleats, which add a touch of refinement and create a sleek vertical line that elongates the silhouette. Baraka emphasizes their importance: “To me the most important part of these pants are the pleats and that they’re ironed in a way that pleated pants are. They walk the line between the very formal and the abysmally informal.”
But the true value of these pants is their unrivaled versatility. “When thinking about taking them from their natural habitat, which is lounging, to a cocktail party, brunch with friends, or any smart casual or dressed-up event that doesn’t require a super formal outfit – maybe even say a beach wedding, I can pull this off. They’re perfect for any party where adults are gathering and you have to look good and stylish,” Baraka shares.
Losing the office uniform has proven harder than it should be.
Dressing for a modern casual office can be surprisingly challenging. In some ways, the old business casual dress code made things easier. You want to dress well, without standing out in a bad way from others who may dress, in your opinion, too casual. How do you look like, “I got ready on purpose,” and not, as Tenacious D says, “It’s gig time, what t-shirt am I gonna wear?” But also not like a time traveler from 1998 business causal office? This outfit combines tactical choices and clean lines to strike that balance.
Dark Denim Button Up Shirt
The dark denim button up shirt is the backbone of this outfit. Its structured design offers a more refined appearance than a casual t-shirt alone, while still maintaining a casual vibe. Worn open, it doubles as a light jacket in spring, perfect for those in-between days when a heavier layer is too much. In many modern offices, where the norm leans towards t-shirts and polos, the denim shirt strikes the right middle ground. The unique details, like chest pockets, add a rugged touch that pairs well with the chinos.
Light Grey Chinos
The lighter grey chinos are particularly helpful to counter the other dark tones so the outfit doesn’t become too dark and heavy, which would still be a great look, but might be better suited for evening events.
Simple Black Pocket T-Shirt
Under the denim shirt, a simple black crew neck t-shirt adds a casual layer and tricks your casual colleagues into thinking you’re not more dressed up than they are. Mine is an off-the-rack faded black color, and is the darkest of the neutrals in the outfit.
A classic black leather strap watch is an understated touch of refinement without being flashy. This 3 hand hack watch is inspired by military field watches.
Dark Grey Boots
Sticking to a monochrome palette with varying shades is an easy way to make the outfit feel cohesive and put-together. This approach simplifies the process of looking stylish without relying on bold colors or patterns. It’s an easy method to appear refined and thoughtful in your style.
There are two voices in the men’s style world. One is that fashion is really hard and it takes dedication and a passion for the art form to get it right. The other is that dressing well is incredibly easy, all you have to know is the basics and you’ll be the best dressed man in the room.
But any guy who has, well, ever worn clothing, knows there’s another, frustrating aspect: Practicality.
You’re doing your best, you bought the thing that people said was good. But either because of your line of work, lifestyle, or unique body, something about your style is obstructing instead of doing its job—make you look and feel damn good, then be out of the way as you get on with your day.
You’re not alone, in fact, based on all the talking about men’s style I do with guys, it’s more the norm than the outlier.
So today I’m running down some specific style picks that address common frustrations Primer readers and friends have reached out about. These include struggling to look presentable in a job that requires a lot of moving around, options for sizes outside of the frustratingly narrow scale found at most stores, and more.
Nice-ish Business Casual Work Pants for Guys Who Move A Lot for Their Job, Get Hot, But Don’t Want to Wear Shorts or Hiking Pants
Take for example, my friend Eric who had an issue I’ve heard multiple times from Primer readers. Eric was wrestling with finding work attire that was practical and kept him presentable. Eric is the co-founder of a business that builds testing equipment for the aerospace industry. On any given day, he could be in a 90 degree airplane hanger wrestling heavy gear, running cables, troubleshooting over here and over there – and then have to give a presentation to the client in a boardroom an hour later.
“I need to work and not overheat, have some stretch, but have a fit that is intentional enough that I can still throw it on with a button down and not look like I’m wearing hiking pants,” he told me.
The find he’s been most happy with is the Free Radikl pant from Khul, which are technical pants offering stretch, reinforced construction, lightweight and quick-drying – and come in a modern, tailored fit without the zippers and pockets of many similar options on the market.
Stylish Pants for Guys with Inseams Longer Than 34
Men who wear larger sizes have always struggled to find options. But our tall, slim brethren perhaps have had it harder than most.
It’s true that common stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic offer an inseam length as long as 36 in some styles but only for larger waist sizes.
Stillman takes a 36 inseam
For guys like me who prefer an awkward 29-29.5 inseam, it’s annoying, but at least I can pay someone to remove fabric. If you need anything in an inseam longer than 34 that isn’t also accommodating a higher waist size, you can’t just pay a tailor to sew on extra denim to the bottom. (I mean, I guess they’d take your money, but I wouldn’t recommend the outcome.)
Stillman Brown is the perfect example of this. At 6’7”, Stillman’s 36 inseam makes one of the foundational requirements of participating in society – wearing pants – a significant challenge. “Levi’s has it for some, but it ruined pants shopping for me for a long time,” he told me.
Fortunately, in the last couple of years there have been more options than ever for taller guys. Recently when we were hanging out he told me about some new brands he’s come across. One is American Tall – it’s essentially a Banana Republic aesthetic and price but for guys 6’ to 7’1” (and women up to 6’6”).
So If you need a smart casual pair of stretch chinos in a 32×40 or a budget-friendly $129 pair of suede boots in size 16, now there’s a place to look.
PRIMER PARTNER
Underwear That Actually DOES Something
If you’re a guy that has to move a lot, the struggle of heat and chafing is real. From sweat to irritation to honest-to-goodness medical problems – the external male anatomy wasn’t designed for an extended lifespan cooped up in pants.
And while every iteration of the modern under garment, from boxers to briefs to boxer briefs, has been an attempt to silo those parts of the body from the legs, all were half measures with flaws of their own.
If there’s one type of guy that would know this alarmingly well, it’s a US Army veteran doing two tours in Iraq in 2007:
“I was under extremely hot conditions and all I wanted was a pair of underwear with a pouch or pocket to separate my balls to keep them from sticking to my legs. The male groin generates more heat than any other part of the body. Similar to the skull and the armpits. I had a hat and sleeves but my balls were out of control,” Robert Patton told Primer in 2017.
The undefeatable temperatures, heavy gear, and inherent stress meant life was a sweaty, chafed disaster. The soldier-turned-inventor got to work with the supplies he had on hand in the desert, fashioning his first prototype of the pouch underwear that would be the foundation of his eventual raving success, Sheath:
Patton’s first prototype, created in Iraq
Now 17 years later, Sheath is the official underwear of the UFC, relied upon by world-class fighters, Olympians, and law enforcement; and Inc. Magazine labeled the company one of the 100 fastest growing veteran-owned businesses in the United States. From that initial makeshift prototype, Patton’s Sheath brand now offers 5 versions, including single or dual pouches, differing lengths, material options like modal or bamboo, and a palette of colors and patterns.
I can personally vouch for them. I still have pairs from 2017(!) in my rotation because they’re in great condition. I was initially skeptical of how comfortable this could possibly be but they really do work as advertised. You completely forget you’re wearing anything different – except for the lack of swampiness and chafing. I didn’t recognize how beneficial the extra support was until I actually wore them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to take my word for it. Sheath offers a no-questions-asked 100% refund on your first pair, and a 6-month manufacturer warranty on defective items, plus Primer readers get an extra 20% off their first order.
Sunglasses for Low Nose Bridges
Stephen reached out to me frustrated about sunglasses. As he’s gotten more into developing his own personal style, he’s taken to the plastic sunglass frames common in a more refined aesthetic, but none of the ones he’s tried fit right.
“Every pair I’ve tried looks good for about 60 seconds but they always end up sliding down my face and sit on my cheeks,” he told me, “I’ve always been an aviator guy just because I can pinch the nose pads to force them to fit.”
The plastic acetate-style of sunglasses use the shape of the bridge, versus adjustable nose pads on metal styles like aviators, to hold them in place. So if you have a low nose bridge, there’s just no way these things are gonna stay up.
Fortunately, mainstream framemakers have started addressing this frustration. Brands like Warby Parker, Maui Jim, and Ray-Ban make acetate frames with wider, or in some cases, adjustable nose bridges so they stay put and don’t sit on your cheeks. Look for terms like “low nose bridge sunglasses” or “Asian fit sunglasses”.
Chinos for Guys Who Carry Things in Their Pockets (Everyone)
You know, we gave the old guys a hard time for their belt clip phone holders but at least they were doing something about a terribly annoying problem: Pants with side pockets like every pair of chinos, khakis, and dress pants cause your $1,000 smartphone to fall out CONSTANTLY.
We all smirked yet provided no alternative.
The Dockers Ultimate Chino is not only a budget-friendly, comfortable work pant that is widely available, it also features a sneaky hidden zip pocket right next to to the side pocket so you can keep your phone or keys or whatever else you want to haul without the risk of it sliding out every time you sit down.
It’s completely unnoticeable while zipped up and the pants can easily be worn dressed up or down.
Nicer Summer Shoes to Replace Boat Shoes
Connor messaged me with a plea more from his wife than him, “I grew up on the east coast but have lived with my wife in Ohio for 10 years. Every date night gets my go-to boat shoe treatment. She has been politely nudging me for years to get something a little less dock-ready.”
For some areas the boat shoe is akin to a white sneaker: It’s a perfectly acceptable uniform regardless of where you go. If you’re looking for something a little more refined, I’ve got just the thing, and for your part, you won’t even notice a difference.
Swapping your boat shoe for a suede loafer will give you the same summer comfort you’re used to but give off a little bit more of a dressy vibe. The right pair can still be worn with jeans and even in cooler temperatures, making them just as versatile as your go-to.
Dress Pants That Aren’t Dry Clean Only
Dress pants are usually made out of wool because of inherent temperature properties, ability to maintain shape, natural wrinkle resistance, and its ability to be woven in a variety of textures giving it a sophisticated look and feel.
Unfortunately, wool dress pants are typically labeled as “dry clean only” because the material can easily shrink, distort, or become felted if exposed to water and agitation. Linings and interfacing can also be damaged by regular machine washing.
“I have to wear dress pants almost every day of the week but I hate that I have to pay to have them cleaned so often,” Primer reader Jeremy lamented in a conversation we were having. My recommendation is textured cotton pants. The ones I’m wearing here are from Bonobos, and brands usually offer them in the fall. The benefit is since they’re cotton, they’re machine washable.
While not quite the same level of dressiness since they lack the fine, shiny weave of the dress pants, I’d argue they’re pretty interchangeable in a modern context for all but the dressiest situations. For a different option that’s currently available in a bunch of colors, check out the Weekday Warrior from Bonobos.
What are your solves for your clothing frustrations? Chat with me in the comments!
Plus, a high/low outfit you can wear anywhere on a casual evening.
There’s a secret trick that people with average budgets and enviable personal style and amazing well-designed home interiors always rely on: a concept known as high/low. At its core, high/low style is all about striking the perfect balance between investing in special pieces and stretching your dollar on affordable wardrobe staples, then mixing these elements together in a way that feels effortless and cohesive.
It’s the surprising juxtaposition of a vintage leather motorcycle jacket with a $20 sweatshirt, or a hand-thrown ceramic vase sitting on top of an IKEA shelf that makes a space feel curated and cool.
Think of these luxe items as the sartorial equivalent of a classy picture frame. Just as a refined frame can make even the most minimalist, paint splash artwork feel significant and gallery-worthy, a single high-end garment can transform a basic jeans and tee combo into an intentional style statement.
By grounding your look with a few carefully chosen investment pieces, you create a solid foundation that makes the rest of your outfit shine.
A grail jacket with a $10 t-shirt and $28 jeans. Links below.
The true genius of this approach lies in understanding which items are worth the extra cash – the ones where premium quality and craftsmanship are immediately apparent, instantly elevating everything else around them, like a buttery soft leather jacket, a decadent cashmere sweater, a perfectly tailored wool suit, or a one-of-a-kind vintage rug. These are the show-stopping pieces that do the heavy lifting, making everything else you wear look a bit more considered and refined.
High/low mastery is a mindset that goes beyond simply prioritizing what’s on sale. It’s a conscious approach to getting maximum style mileage out of your wardrobe, ultimately about selectively splurging on what you adore while staying perceptive about what everyday items benefit from the big bucks versus where to embrace value, but still well-made, offerings.
To illustrate an example of high/low, we’ve put together the ultimate casual evening Getup that works just as well for a low-key beer as it does for a spontaneous gallery opening, striking an ideal balance between nonchalance and sophistication.
The cornerstone of this look is the olive suede trucker jacket, a piece that effortlessly bridges the gap between luxury and laid-back, rugged style. Its rich texture and deep olive hue that looks brown under some lighting inject a dose of understated sophistication, making it versatile enough to pair with anything from a tee to a more structured button-up shirt. This jacket represents the ‘high’ in our high/low mix, serving as a statement piece that elevates the entire outfit.
An easy way to nail the mix of higher priced and lower priced clothing items is to set the more expensive item up to be the star of the show. Let the jacket’s lush nap and distinctive hue be the focus, and keep other pieces subtler to avoid competing textures and shades. A light gray tee allows those jacket nuances to really pop.
Regardless of which price tier you go with, stick to quality, well-fitting basics without a lot of overt logos or branding. You want that minimalist vibe that lets the special pieces (and your personal style) take center stage.
These faded black jeans have a practical read as dark gray, offering a complementary shade to the light gray t-shirt, that creates a shade hierarchy for the suede jacket to shine on top of.
When it comes to jeans, you don’t need to go all-in on the pricey options every time. Sure, investing in a premium pair that fits you like a glove is absolutely worth it. Quality denim that molds to your body is hard to beat. But you don’t have to approach every single jean purchase with that premium mindset.
Mixing affordable jeans into your rotation is a smart move. The key is balancing it out – maybe you splurge on one or two killer pairs that makes you feel like a million bucks. Then fill out your denim lineup with quality, value-priced options, without killing your style vibe. Rocking those cost-effective jeans with your designer jacket or fresh kicks is the epitome of high/low mastery.
Those scuffed up, broken-in boots with the chunky lugged sole? High-fashion’s antidote, keeping even the most elevated casual looks from ever veering too precious or pretentious. True style sweet spot achieved.
Rugged legitimately colliding with elevated sophistication – not just randomly throwing stuff together. Mastering that counterbalance of high and low is how you achieve the pinnacle of an “easy cool guy” evening vibe without ever veering into trying-too-hard territory.
You don’t HAVE to tell anyone how comfortable it is.
This outfit is your secret weapon for looking sharp without skimping on comfort. You’ve got the simplicity of a fleece jacket paired with the traditional structure of a button up but made of soft knit, all while the tri-blend tee and sneakers keep things laid-back. Slide into these refined stretch Italian chinos and strap on a Timex with classic Rolex vibes, and you’ve crafted an ensemble that’s low-key luxe. It’s a polished, casual look that doesn’t just say you’ve got it all together—it feels like it too.
Aesthetic: Heritage Meets Modern
Outfit Styling Tips
The outfit’s vibe is cool, effortless, and unmistakably sharp. It’s the kind of smart casual mix for a guy who wants to look put together but needs to feel comfortable. It’s not about the pieces themselves but how they come together to form a look that’s both casual and refined. The clean lines of the tab chinos combined with the high-tops balance the more chameleon-like top 3 layers. It’s an outfit that works as a whole because it’s all about balance: sharp but not stiff, relaxed but not sloppy, utilizing a color hierarchy to bring it all together.
Outfit Occasion Suitability
This style works for those days that blend leisure with a touch of necessity—think brunch dates, casual Fridays, or a relaxed evening out. It’s smart without being stuffy, making it ideal for places where you want to look put-together yet approachable. It has you covered for most semi-casual settings where making a good impression is key, but so is comfort.
Seasonal Revisions
When the weather warms up, you can lose the fleece jacket, or ditch the shirt and go for a jacket of either color. In cooler or wetter months, consider layering with a thermal underneath the tee, or switch the sneakers for boots to keep the chill at bay. The versatility of the chinos means they work year-round, just adjust your top layer and footwear to match the season.
This outfit works as a solid base to go either more casual (ditch the green shirt), or dressier (lose the t-shirt, add a shawl collar sweater, and swap loafers or nice boots for the sneakers). To go really casual, drop the chinos for your favorite jeans.
The Donegal wool blend car coat is a sophisticated choice for the cooler months, offering warmth without sacrificing style in the way a tech-forward jacket might. The charcoal color is versatile for dressy or casual, and the black and white flecked texture provides depth and interest. Its hidden button front maintains a sleek silhouette, and the fact that it’s machine washable adds a practical touch to its refined feel. What’s the difference between a car coat and other top coats? Primarily, car coats have spread flap collars like this, whereas most top coats have notch lapels.
The selvedge denim trucker jacket is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship. Made from 13.75 oz Japanese selvedge denim, the raw indigo color imparts a sharp, yet rugged aesthetic. The jacket is constructed with the same attention to detail as the finest jeans, featuring chain stitching that nods to its workwear history. This medium weight layer is unlined, making it an ideal mid-layer beneath the car coat for those brisk fall days ahead. Crafted in Portugal from 100% cotton, it is an upgraded, quality homage to the storied past of the trucker jacket, a garment that has become synonymous with American style.
This Banana Republic sweater is a comfortable addition that doesn’t skimp on style. Its raglan sleeves are not only cozy but also create a flattering shape across the chest and shoulders. The wide knit waffle knit introduces a tactile element, while the rib stitch construction ensures the sweater retains its shape. Made from certified organic cotton, it’s a choice that feels as good as it looks.
No outfit is complete without the right footwear, and the Thursday Boot Co. Stomper boot is a statement in itself. The Old English color is a rich, deep brown and the dark sole provides ample grip for autumn’s unpredictable weather. The full grain leather and Storm Welt construction exemplify the boot’s quality, while the Kevlar blend laces are an impressive detail for durability and style. The paratrooper jump boot-inspired side zipper allows for easy-on, easy-off, adding a practical touch.
Transitioning to the lower half of the Getup, the stretch cord Ford Standard corduroy pant offers a textural counterpoint to the flecked wool and waffle knit of the upper layers. The 4-wale cotton corduroy is fine and sophisticated, offering a contemporary take on this classic material. The pants are cut with a straight leg that tapers below the knee, echoing the silhouette of a jean while providing the comfort of stretch corduroy. Perfect for fall and winter, they’re a warmer alternative to traditional chinos or jeans, ready to be dressed up or down as the occasion demands.
To pull the look together (and the pants up), the English-made leather belt from LLBean is a subtle yet crucial accessory. The full grain leather and brass finish buckle create a sense of heritage and quality. This belt, hand-finished in Northamptonshire, is a testament the craftsmanship and tradition is still very much alive in English leather goods today.
And finally, to punctuate the outfit with a touch of elegance, the minimalist watch from Movado. The 41 mm size has presence but is refined, while the Swiss quartz movement ensures precision timekeeping. The minimalist design is complemented by a bronze dial and grey leather strap, reinforcing the modern aesthetic of this timeless timepiece.
It’s amazing how many times you can see a movie and miss so much. I must have seen the original Ghostbusters legitimately at least a hundred times in my life. I even wrote the most extensive guide on making a DIY Ghostbusters uniform that has helped thousands of people fulfill their childhood fantasies, with unique details from my guide appearing in museum display recreations. Saying I’m familiar with the movie would be an understatement.
And yet I only recently started noticing all of the off-duty getups, the outfits the Ghostbusters wore when they weren’t decked out in their signature tan jumpsuits and proton packs. These overlooked moments provide a unique window into the characters’ personalities and the film’s setting in 1980s New York City.
These outfits incorporate enduring elements that have stood the test of time, seamlessly transitioning from the 1980s to today’s contemporary style. This is particularly evident in the recent shifts in design philosophy from brands like J.Crew, where there has been a noticeable return to styles and designs reminiscent of the 1980s.
While, ok fine, it is unlikely that J.Crew has been directly inspired by “Ghostbusters,” the parallels between their current offerings and the film’s costumes are uncanny.
This retro revival has brought with it a resurgence of classic cuts, pops of color, and an appreciation for mixing classically utilitarian clothing with refined accents—all elements that are present in the Ghostbusters’ casual off-duty outfits. The result is that these looks are not only relevant again but are almost entirely re-creatable using modern pieces, and 80% of it from J.Crew.
“We can relax, I found the car.” Ray’s Workwear Outfit
Ray’s attire in “Ghostbusters” strikes a perfect chord between utilitarian simplicity and a quiet nod to style—a visual cue to how he straddles his academic background with the out-in-the-field realities of his new business. The denim chore coat he dons is an option that means business, but its choice of fabric and detail adds a hint of sartorial savvy. Similarly his gray sweatshirt and dark gray jeans are subdued and functional but have details like the boxer’s v on the collar and the raglan sleeves. He’s ready for work, but he’s not oblivious to the aesthetic details.
He wears the chore coat again with the white t-shirt and khakis during the Dana interview scene, to a similar effect:
It’s the kind of outfit that doesn’t date, the sort you could pull from a wardrobe thirty years on and still feel current in. It’s a combo that works, whether your job is wrestling with supernatural entities or social media trolls.
In a particularly memorable moment from the film—the “last of the petty cash” scene—Ray sheds the jacket, and we see the outfit in its most basic form. Even without the jacket, there’s something undeniably put-together about the minimalism and honesty of the look.
What’s crazy is that even though I’ve overlooked the casual outfits from the film, I already wear a lot of it. Just a few years ago I did an entire article on how to style the same gray sweatshirt and charcoal jeans 5 different ways.
It’s practical, yes, but it’s also got a sense of style—a blend that’s enduring, just like the film itself.
“Do you know how much a patent clerk earns?” Ray’s Green Toggle Duffel Coat
Ray’s green toggle duffel coat stands out as another piece that combines function with classic menswear style. This type of coat has European roots, especially linked to British naval wear, designed with toggle fastenings for ease of use in cold conditions. Featuring a hood that separates it from dressier topcoats with notch lapels and often have a tartan lining, duffel coats remain a solid outerwear pick for the colder months.
Today, if you’re leaning towards getting a similar look, there are two options worth considering. First, there’s the Italian Wool Parka from Bonobos.
It takes cues from the classic duffel but opts for a more streamlined design, skipping the toggles and interior flannel. It’s a modern, subtle take on the iconic coat. Alternatively, Montgomery offers a coat that closely mirrors the one from the film, with a design and wool blend that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Winston effortlessly embodies a smart casual outfit for his interview that has stood the test of time in the decades since.
The light gray tweed sportcoat strikes a balance between sophistication and hardy practicality, paired with the white, pink, and blue plaid shirt creates a look that could seamlessly transition from a laid-back work setting to a relaxed evening outing.
Grounded by dark, well-fitting denim, solidifying a look that suggests readiness and professionalism, all while maintaining a sense of approachability – a smart move for showing up to an interview at a business that is equal parts quantum physics and pest control.
Fast forward to today, and this outfit’s cultural relevance and stylistic prowess remain remarkably intact for a contemporary interview in a casual work setting. Brands like J.Crew have championed this aesthetic for decades, offering checkered shirts that blend vintage vibes with modern tailoring, and dark denim jeans that ensure professionalism.
“Does this pole still work?!” Ray’s Firehouse Outfit
Ray’s “firehouse” outfit is steeped in a rugged New England aesthetic, merging the practicality of utility wear with the understated sophistication often found in East Coast casual style. The dark blue plaid jacket hints at a preppy influence, while the utility pants reminiscent of the OG-107 fatigue pants ground the look in function. This blend creates a style that’s both outdoorsy and classically refined, perfect for those seeking a balance between the two.
The standout piece? That dark blue plaid jacket. If the movie is any evidence, plaid was huge in 1984, and Ray’s jacket throws in that touch of casual style over his simple blue work shirt. It’s functional but with enough taste to make it more than just workwear.
Unless you’ve got a heavy prep influence to your personal style, you may want to switch from a polo to a henley, like I have here.
“Who’s the stiff?” Venkman’s Orange-red Chamois Shirt
Venkman appears to be wearing a heavy flannel shirt jacket or chamois shirt in an orangish red tone with tan leather elbow patches. It was likely sold as a “hunting shirt,” a poetic choice, considering the scene.
With its roots in catering to outdoor enthusiasts, the chamois shirt’s design provided enduring quality, warmth, and a tactile feel of chamois leather. First labeled as the “Leatherette Shirt” due to its visual semblance to traditional buckskin garments, LLBean rebranded it in 1933 to be known as the “Chamois Shirt.” For about thirty years, its classic tan shade was the signature color until the bold move in the 1960s to introduce “scarlet” – a hue believed to repel black flies.
Today, for those looking to recreate Venkman’s look, the chamois shirt remains a modernly wearable choice. Whether paired with jeans for a relaxed weekend or layered under a jacket or vest for a more polished appearance, its legacy as a blend of practicality and style endures. LLBean, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Filson still offer red-hued chamois shirts, though one with the leather patches is few and far between. If you really want an exact copy, you can order one from Magnoli Clothiers, a company that remakes famous film clothing.
“We’ll eat and read.” Peter’s First Date Tweed
The outfit’s pairing of browns with purple, blue, orange, and green hues represents an intriguing blend of earthy stability and regal elegance. Brown, with its grounded and reliable look, aligns with the depth and richness of purple, traditionally associated with luxury or creativity, and clearly separates the tweed from a vintage countryside style. This combination pushes traditional color boundaries, but maintains a refined harmony, something that aligns with a man more like a gameshow host than a scientist.
Moving to the broader fashion landscape, this fusion has found renewed relevance with J.Crew’s ’80s-inspired resurgence. The brand’s bold, blocky color statements set against their signature classic menswear rugged aesthetic, resonates with this brown and purple dynamic. This pairing, once an outlier in the ’90s and 2000s, now feels fashion-forward.
Nearly 40 years after its cinematic debut, the casual outfits from Ghostbusters have either endured or found new relevance with recent fashion trends. It’s never been easier to find style inspiration from your favorite movie without looking like you’re wearing a costume.
And if you’re ready to get your on-duty Ghostbusters uniform put together too, dive in to my DIY guide.
Thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for their support in furthering Primer’s mission of promoting affordable and durable style by partnering with us on this Getup.
Uniforms have their pros and cons. Sure, wearing the same thing every day can feel boring and drab, but the advantage is you know what’s expected of you. The era of most men being required to wear suits, and at this point, even business casual, to work has come and gone. The mornings where we wake up, slide both legs into a pair of khaki pants, tuck in a dress shirt, put on a tie and some oxfords are behind us.
But where does that leave us? Freedom to wear what you want is great, but it can also be a chore. Let’s walk through one simple framework to building modern work outfits easily.
What do we wear when we’re allowed to wear something other than a dress shirt? At first glance around the office, it seems like the options are limited to very casual items, such as pique polos or t-shirts.
But it is possible to dress casually and comfortably, fit within the new cultural attire expectations, and still present yourself intentionally in a way that is respectful to your career goals.
Any loss of texture, color, or pattern from a shirt and tie combo can be made up in other ways.
This sweater features the classic houndstooth pattern, one of the more detailed but timeless patterns. It’s often associated with finer English or European menswear and has a refined English sportsman air to it. Jacquard isn’t a pattern but a type of fabric that is woven using a Jacquard loom, which utilizes a series of punched cards to control the pattern being woven, allowing for intricate designs and textures.
Merino wool’s fine fibers make for soft, comfortable sweaters, while its natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties provide all-day wearability.
What if I told you there was a perfect work shoe that was as easy and comfortable to wear as a pair of canvas high tops, went with just about everything you own from jeans to suits and is on the more affordable end of the spectrum?
Well…there is. It’s the suede chukka, and they’ve been one of my primary go-tos for smart casual and business casual outfits.
Suede chukkas have a sleek and streamlined profile with minimal decorative additions. The suede can read either as casual or refined, making it an easy style buy if versatility is of primary concern.
I’ve had the chukkas from Thursday Boots for years and they’ve held up great. These are fully lined with soft glove leather, have shock-absorbing insoles, and leather mid-soles that conform to your feet. Not only that, the suede is WeatherSafe, so you don’t have to baby them or check the weather before choosing which shoes to wear. Especially in this rich mocha color, there’s no need to worry about either matchability or maintenance.
There’s kind of this blind spot for men. They’ll spend a lot of time putting together a coordinated outfit, neck to feet, with a goal of creating a strong presentation for who they are and how they want to appear in their career. But then they’ll wear their athletic sunglasses or carry their laptop in some came-free-with-purchase-of-laptop-at-Best-Buy backpack. It’s not that I’m judging those items specifically, they’re being used in the wrong context, and as a result, undoing all the efforts you put in.
I love that Thursday Boot Co. has branched well beyond footwear, from belts and jackets to a surprisingly broad line of messenger bags. Available in both leather and canvas options, the Commuter Bag comes in 9 colors, 6 leather and 3 canvas. The vintage tobacco canvas shown here is made with 18 oz Halley Stevensons canvas with bridle leather handles and shoulder strap. It’s a tough-as-nails bag that also looks like it belongs in a conference room, and at under $300 you won’t have to negotiate a raise to afford one.
In a dressy casual outfit, often our pants tend to fall to one end of the formality spectrum or the other and then balanced out with other more neutral items. Dress pants or jeans, say. But it is possible to find that middle ground chameleon pair of pants that can have it both ways. These chinos are cut like, and have the details of, a pair of dress pants. But they’re made with a textured twill fabric, which visibly reduces their formality. Worn in a dark gray, these pants can be paired with a t-shirt and sneakers or dress shoes and blazer. That level of ambiguity is perfect for nailing the modern casual office.
For many guys, the thought of wearing a blazer or sportcoat to work is but a sartorial dream since their office is so casual it could cause them to be out of place. “Good luck at your interview,” my boss used to joke when I overdressed to my creative office job. But that doesn’t mean making use of a light layer in lieu of a blazer is out of the question.
Here, we sub the sportcoat for a corduroy chore coat, which provides wonderful fall texture as well as a bit of hierarchy to the top of the outfit. It’s an option that works much like a denim jacket in other outfits: It can be worn as a coat and removed, or it can be worn as a layer and be kept on.
The Dan Henry 1972 Maverick Chronograph captures the spirit of the ’70s – a period when speed boundaries were pushed. Encased in a 41mm stainless steel shell, the watch’s aesthetics pay homage to the Concorde generation, when tools for measuring speed and elegance were intertwined.
Founded in 2016, Dan Henry Watches is known for its affordable, vintage-inspired timepieces, influenced by its founder’s extensive collection. Typically priced between $200 and $300, the watches are limited edition, made with quality materials and Japanese movements.
The white t-shirt from Huckberry’s house brand, Forty Five, serves as an anchor in this Getup, subtly toning down the overall formality by peaking out of the top of the sweater. Made in the US from premium Supima cotton, it not only introduces a touch of relaxed casualness but also acts as a comfortable layer beneath the sweater.
The merino wool blend socks from Banana Republic bring both functionality and a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. With a composition of 47% wool, their muted gray hue acts as a harmonious bridge between the chukka boots and trousers, grounding the outfit with a balanced blend of style and utility.
Do you like this outfit? Chat with me in the comments!
