If there’s one thing I’ve learned about style, it’s that looking put-together is all about the details. Well-maintained hair and skin? Non-negotiable. A fabulous cologne? Absolutely. (I personally alternate between Terre d’Hermès and Aventus by Creed.) But most importantly, well-tailored clothes make all the difference. Call me old-fashioned, but a great fit will take any outfit from ordinary to effortless sophistication. Whether I’m heading to a client meeting, grabbing a drink with a friend, or simply running to the corner store for a bag of chips—there’s always a way to look polished.
This isn’t about trends. It’s about building a wardrobe that works for you, and mixing the right elements together. My personal style blends classic preppy pieces with a relaxed, lived-in feel. It’s the foundation of Jonathon Hawes, and it’s how I get dressed every day.
Looking formal doesn’t mean looking stiff. The key to getting it right is effortless sophistication—never looking like you tried too hard.
- A well-tailored navy or charcoal suit should be a staple in every man’s wardrobe. If you can have it made-to-measure, even better.
- A crisp white shirt, always pressed—because wrinkles ruin even the best ensemble.
- A silk tie that feels just right—not too wide, not too slim.
- A classic trench coat or topcoat for those cooler months.
- Shoes? A sleek pair of Oxfords or Belgian loafers to finish the look.
For a more relaxed but still polished take on formal dressing, I’ll swap the suit trousers for a pair of dark Japanese denim, add a creamy cashmere sweater, and top it with a tweed blazer and a Barbour jacket. A nice pair of loafers or sneakers work here. Sunglasses? Always. One more spritz of cologne, and I’m good to go.
This is where my personal style truly shines—mixing preppy classics with a relaxed feel. The trick is balance: casual, but put-together.
- A rugby shirt with pressed chinos and a pair of Stubbs & Wootton slippers? Bingo.
- A chambray button-down, neutral chinos (khaki or navy), and a horsebit loafer for a sharp yet effortless look.
- A tweed blazer over a heavyweight sweater with jeans and sneakers—perfect for catching a game, especially with a ball cap thrown in for good measure.
- If I’m meeting someone, I always add a blazer. Sport coats aren’t just for the boardroom—they add polish to even the most casual ensemble.
I feel like a lot of men think blazers and sport coats are only for formal occasions, and I couldn’t disagree more. Why not throw a tweed jacket over a chunky knit sweater, jeans, and sneakers? It’s easy, comfortable, and makes you look like you know what you’re doing—even if you don’t.
When thrifting sport coats and blazers, fit is everything.
- Shoulders should align perfectly—this is the hardest part to tailor.
- Sleeves should hit right at the wrist (or just above for a hint of shirt cuff).
- The waist should contour slightly, not too boxy and not too tight.
You don’t need to break the bank to look like a movie star, but a good tailor is essential. Triet tends to stick to off-the-rack and thrifted pieces, and he always looks fantastic—because he makes sure they fit.
Dressing casually doesn’t mean looking sloppy. It’s all about relaxed refinement.
- Bermuda shorts with a rugby up top for a fresh, sporty take.
- A lightweight linen or cotton sweater with sneakers for easy weekend style.
- Seersucker pants with a white polo and Stubbs—a go-to for those warm afternoons.
One of my absolute favorite go-to looks is a Ralph Lauren-inspired mix of casual and tailored pieces:
- A pair of classic grey sweatpants (yes, sweatpants—trust me on this).
- A button-down dress shirt and tie, because contrast is everything.
- A denim jacket, buttoned just once for that perfect undone look.
- A cool pair of sneakers and a ball cap to round it all out.
It’s easy, comfortable, and looks incredibly cool without trying too hard. If you know, you know.
With summer around the corner, linen will be your best friend. It’s breathable, light, and has an effortless drape that screams sophistication.
A linen trouser, shirt, and jacket ensemble is unbeatable. Why not look like a movie star on the hottest day of the year?
Linen 101:
- It’s highly breathable and wicks away moisture, making it ideal for hot climates.
- It naturally regulates body temperature, keeping you cool even in extreme heat.
- Unlike cotton, it becomes softer over time, making it a wardrobe investment.
How to Maintain Linen:
- Always wash linen in cold water to prevent shrinking.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low to preserve its structure.
- When ironing, use a medium-hot iron with steam for the best finish. If you prefer a more relaxed look, embrace the wrinkles—they add character.
Linen isn’t just for vacation—it’s an everyday summer essential. Once you start wearing it, you’ll never go back.
Looking great isn’t just about clothes—it’s about confidence.
- Well-groomed hair and skin show that you care about the details.
- A signature cologne is a game-changer (trust me, you’ll feel like a million bucks).
- A great watch, sunglasses, and leather accessories elevate even the most casual outfits.
The bottom line? Dressing well is about intention. It’s not about following trends or breaking the bank—it’s about finding what works for you and wearing it with confidence.
So, throw on that blazer, spritz a little cologne, and step out the door looking and feeling like your best self. After all, isn’t that what true style is all about?
