Mens Shopping Guide: Seven Stylish Pieces from the Sale Rack

December 24th, 2008

So, it’s official: we’re in a recession.  But the silver lining is that the poor economy is chasing out some of the best deals we’ve seen in years. Here’s seven pieces that will allow you to keep stylish and save money at the same time:

Flannel-lined chino
Flannel-lined chino | Was $85, select colors now $49.99 at J. Crew.

Every winter, J. Crew comes out with these flannel-lined chinos, allowing men to stay warm and stay stylish at the same time.  If you live somewhere cold, these are pretty much mandatory, whether or not they’re on sale.

Barbour Putney Jacket
Barbour Putney Jacket | Was $250, now $129 at Barneys.

Simple and understated, a Barbour jacket is a staple of the traditional man’s wardrobe.  Don’t miss the chance to get it at nearly half the price.

steven-alan-garment-dyed-seam-shirt_122408.jpg
Garment Dyed Reverse Seam | Was $178, now $148 at Steven Alan.

Steven Alan has quickly become my default for casual wear.  Their dress shirts are the only ones I’ve seen that look better wrinkled than ironed.  As a result, Steven Alan has that kind of “I don’t care, but I still look good” vibe to all their shirts—the epitome of American style.  Plus, they’re a cinch to pack: literally throw them in your suitcase and then pull them out, wrinkled and ready to wear.

Cotton Shirting Tie
Cotton Shirting Tie | Was $55, now $29 at Steven Alan.

Also from Steven Alan, this plaid tie is more fashionable than stylish.  But fear not, the plaid trend will last past this season.  At 2.5” wide, this plaid tie is fine for the office or a night out on the town.

Want more? Check out these ties (all were $62 each, now $39 apiece), also from Steven Alan.

Biker Jacket
Biker Jacket | Was $310, now $155 at Oak.

This biker jacket is from Oak, so it’s no surprise that it’s a bit edgier and more urban than most things in your closet.  Traditionally, biker jackets are in leather, but hey, we’re in a recession right now.  Also note the white leopard lining detail.  Eccentric lining is one of those things that drives true Sartorialists crazy; they love it when these kind of details are known only to the wearer.

A.P.C. Plaid Belt
Plaid Belt | Was $120, now $60 at A.P.C.

For the most part, plaid is best as a layering piece or a detail.  Either way, its best served in moderate doses.  This belt is great, but how long you’re willing to wear plaid when its no longer in style is up to you.

Double Layer Waffle Henley
Double Layer Waffle Henley | Was $49.50, now $19.95 at Martin + Osa.

If I had my way, henleys would replace t-shirts as the standard casual guy shirt.  That is, except for the simple white t-shirt.  Nothing beats a simple white T.

UPDATE (12/24):  Ok, now I know what you’re thinking: "148 down from 178 may be 17% off, but it’s still not that cheap."  You’ve got a point.  As Warren Buffet says, "it doesn’t matter if you’re 300 or 325 pounds; you’re still fat!" (it has something to do with investing, I swear).

Enter New York’s Housing Works Thift Shops, a chain of secondhand stores of which profits benefit people with HIV and AIDS. Steven Alan has donated more than 1,000 items from his line and his stock, which is discounted as much as 70%.  The items go on sale on December 27th at 11am, and you can be sure that the store will be packed with thrifty sartorialists, so get there early.

Housing Works, at 143 W. 17th St. New York, (212) 366-0820, housingworks.org.

Entry Filed under: Men,Shopping Guide

4 Comments

  • 1. Deka  |  December 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    jcrew has the best sales!

  • 2. Trisha  |  December 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    Totally. I shopped the J Crew final sale in-store yesterday and picked up armfuls of goodies!

  • 3. Tom  |  January 1st, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I really love Steven Alan shirts. I love how they fit, and it’s true what you wrote, that they look great wrinkled.

    The navy Garment Dyed Reverse Seam shirt that you picked, John… So happens I placed an order for it in mid December. I went to stevenalan.com and ordered it in medium. The order went through, so I guess the shirt was in stock at the time I placed the order. But they dropped the ball a little bit there at Steven Alan, they overlooked my order for about a week. I had to send an email and ask what’s up. They apologized, said it’s been a busy workshop this year and they somehow overlooked my order. And furthermore they didn’t have any more of the shirt left in stock in medium. But then they made up for the mistake… a really helpful associate there at Steven Alan found a great substitution for me, a different navy reverse seam shirt… not garment dyed, dark navy instead. She sent me a picture of the dark navy shirt, asked if I’d approve the substitution… offered to search for a different substitution for me if I wanted. She was really helpful. In the end, I can’t complain at all. And I do love the stuff Steven Alan makes.

  • 4. John  |  January 6th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Tom, I’m sorry for the trouble at SA! Whenever I’ve ordered, they’ve been good to me. I wish they would put more items online though; in the store (and even at other department stores like Barney’s) they have a lot more great stuff.

    The “slouchy” fit of the SA shirts are especially great for a summer casual look.

    To everyone: http://www.oaknyc.com is having a sale, almost all items between 40%-60% off.


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