Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Bjorn Nasett - Goodwill Fashion ExpertBe sure to read Bjorn's weekly column for great advice. If you have specific questions send him an email at askbjorn@goodwillsew.com.

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The Winter Man

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jan 28, 2015 3:47:00 PM
Andrew Buckler Andrew Buckler

Unlike women’s fashions, men’s attire has changed little from the time when pants were invented. Men and boys have been sporting some type of pants, shirts and jackets for centuries. Their clothes were based less on attractiveness and more on practicality. As time went on subtle variations of these basic pieces were introduced and adapted to fit the modern male. As I approach my 14th season at Fashion Week in New York City, I thought I’d share with you some of the menswear fashion photographs I’ve taken there. These images help illustrate my point of the more things change, the more they stay the same; especially in the realm of male style. These photos are from different years, but they all share the autumn/winter themes which are still relevant today!

Andrew Buckler, the designer of the Buckler brand for men, did a show on the streets of the village a couple of years ago on a blustery, but bright winter day (shown above). The models were strutting their stuff in totally wearable and luxurious menswear. For example, the great blazer worn over a zip-front funnel neck sweater in heather gray, which featured thumbholes on the sleeves designed to keep the hands warm. Another look went a little more edgy with another blazer, this time in black, worn with combat-style boots and detailed with distressed jeans.

Perry Ellis scarf Japanese scarf red scarf

We also see many variations on the classic winter-chill chaser - the scarf.  At a presentation of Japanese design we see an oversize knit scarf in a large scale, which brings to mind a recent picture I saw somewhere of Lenny Kravitz wearing what looked like a crocheted afghan on the streets of NYC! With the always classic and cool Perry Ellis, we see a traditional cable-knit/pattern combination in muted tones, and then we see a fashion show attendee wearing a bold-and-bright red paisley woven scarf with his ensemble. Hands down the easiest way to up your style is to add a cool scarf in an unusual knit, color, or pattern.

Nautica Nautica

When it comes to outerwear for men, no one does it like Nautica. This is a favored brand of men around the globe because of its enduring style and quality. Here we see a classic camel-colored wool toggle closure coat worn with a bright flannel shirt and blue knit cap. On another model, we see a leather jacket worn with a suit, as well as a dark knit cap. I like the idea of the leather jacket worn over a sport coat or suit!

Back at Perry Ellis, below we see four distinct looks for guys. First a leather coat done in a peacoat style worn with cable knit cap, then a classic shearling in a dove gray, a wool window-pane plaid topper with small detail at the cuffs, and lastly, a two-tone pieced blazer worn over a sweater. All these looks are fashionable yet accessible for any modern guy.

Perry Ellis Perry Ellis Perry Ellis Perry Ellis

Son Jung Wan

Mackage Mackage

With Son Jung Wan (shown left), we see a little more of an edgy look with a cashmere topcoat worn over shiny, and almost satin-looking pants. As you can see, monochromatic always works! From Mackage (at right) we have a wonderful light tan leather coat with a knit shawl collar and cuffs, and details like snaps on the front placket and contrast-edged slash pockets. On the second model we have a variation in luxury on the standard fur-lined parka, but this one can be worn separately as it zips apart!

Micah Cohen jacket from GoodwillOn a recent trip to the Goodwill in my neighborhood, I totally scored a coat for myself by designer Micah Cohen in a camel color cashmere-and-wool blend with detachable faux-fur collar. It features a hidden zipper and button front placket, and being that it’s a designer piece, I gladly paid $29.99 for it!  I compared the cost online to what some of Cohen’s items sell for and I paid about one-tenth of the original retail price! That’s why it’s always good to pay attention to designer names!

No matter what a man wears, there are simple rules that always work when it comes to the winter season. First, have a few options for outerwear to fit the activity that you’re doing. Second, go for quality over quantity - meaning good fabrics and sturdy details. Third, keep your mind open to bright and unique accessories like hats and scarves to make it all seem just a little more stylish! Now is the time to head to one of our stores and see what’s on the racks! When you dress up with items from Goodwill, you’re helping warm the hearts and lives of those who benefit from our mission to provide job training and employment to those who need it the most!

Topics: men's fashion, winter fashion for men, Bjorn Nasett, Fashion, bjorn