BY JACOB LAWS

Photo Courtesy of AG.com

“Matchbox” Straight Leg jean by AG Jeans.

For a handful of fortunate guys, good genes have been bestowed upon them. And it’s always a shame when those guys don’t have sense in the style department that parallels “the goods.” Luckily, while unattainable genes can’t be as easily acquired, they can be had in the much more readily available-jeans. As they’ve moved up in the world, jeans have gotten a little more swagger among the style savvy man as “denim,”  not to mention becoming a staple in nearly every guy’s wardrobe. Even though this is the case there are still some who miss the mark in their denim. While there’s an endless selection of choices out there, here’s a list of 5 that are no brainers whether you wear jeans or denim.

1. Levi’s “Ruler Straight-Leg Jeans” at Nordstrom.com
2. Acne “Mic Brice” at Acne.com
3. 7 For All Mankind “Slimmy” at RevolveClothing.com
4. J Brand “Kane” at Barneys.com
5. AG Adriano Goldschmied “Matchbox Jeans” at AG.com

BY JACOB LAWS

Being someone who is rarely prone to envy, I found myself staring at a complete stranger today wondering something that isn’t a typical question that one often soul searches over, but nonetheless it was relevant in this circumstance. “Why aren’t I cool enough to rock ‘jorts,’ or in this case ‘man jorts’?” You know the ones, the perfectly worn-in pair of Levis Red Label that were haphazardly chopped off just above the knee but somehow work on a select group of people. These people are mainly of a certain set- a.k.a the hipster. One who pulls off the effortlessly and mistakenly thrown together, urban chic yet a little filthy aesthetic that I imagine in theory I could pull off but in reality would end up looking like a pretentious poser or a hillbilly. And as much as I’d like to throw caution to the wind and cut off a pair of J. Brands, I’ll leave that to the more authentic and credible urbanite who doesn’t look like he’s wearing a costume while he saunters down the street on South Grand.

JACOB LAWS

The shift from winter to spring in St. Louis tends to be less than predictable, making dressing appropriately for the forecast an interesting task. It seems to be the season when you can walk down the street and see one guy in a North Face parka (not recommended) and another wearing a T-shirt and shorts (definitely a fashion foul).

Remember: It’s still winter. Don’t be that guy who’s so eager that he couldn’t wait to break out his favorite summer look. At the same time, avoid looking like you’re at a ski resort. Instead, take advantage of the best season for layering.

When it’s too warm for a coat but not warm enough to go with short sleeves, achieve a smart and stylish look by investing in a transitional weather jacket—something simple and masculine like a cotton, single-breasted, mid-length, unlined trench coat in a neutral color (camel, navy, brown, or grey). You can wear it to work with slacks, a light weight knit V-neck, and a monochromatic oxford. Or for a more casual outing, pair it with a dark, straight-leg jean, cardigan, and crew-neck T-shirt or cotton henley.

A layered ensemble will carry you through the inconsistent pre-spring weather—until we can actually start shedding those layers.

JACOB LAWS

Even if you think of checks, plaid, or gingham as being the “it” prints of the moment, the truth is that they’ve always been a go-to for guys. Love it or leave it, plaids and checks are here to stay. With such an array of style classifications—indie, prep, backwoods lumberjack, exec—some form of plaid or check will always be in style. Like most trends, you’ll see versions of the classic sway from one end of the spectrum to another.

Not being a disciple to trends, I tend to think any of the above are fair game, given your own aesthetic. Don’t buy something just because you’re seeing it on everyone else, and be sure to accessorize to fit your style. Personally, I prefer to pair plaid shirts and a classic, slim jean with a bow tie or straight tie, depending on that day’s schedule. I also like the juxtaposition of plaids or checks with a coordinating, but not quite matching, color—say, a Kelly green and ivory check with a pair of slim, navy chinos. Purchasing plaids and checks is effortless because the stores are full of them at the moment; I’d recommend brands like Ben Sherman, J.Crew, Gucci, John Varvatos, N.S.F., or vintage.

Finally, remember to hang on to those checks and plaids: I promise you’ll find yourself wearing that same pattern 10 years from now with the same classic appeal as the season you bought it.

JACOB LAWS

Even if you haven’t considered updating your personal style as a new year’s resolution, I have irrefutable evidence that following any—or, hopefully, all—of these 10 tips will make you feel better. The result: an improved quality of life for you, and an improved aesthetic for our fair metropolis.

Take note, men.

1. Cheap shoes aren’t worth it. Spend your hard earned money on quality, classic footwear that will wear well and survive ill-fated trends. And throw away your chunky, black dress shoes. They’re hideous.

2. If your jeans don’t fit well, it doesn’t matter what brand they are. You wasted your money.

3. Invest in custom tailoring. It’s worth the extra dough to look like a million bucks.

4. Nobody wants to run their hands through hair that feels like broom bristles. A “trendy” style will date you and, believe me, you’ll regret it. A tousled, but well-groomed, style—or a shaved head, if you can pull it off—looks best. And remember: Only incredibly attractive men can get away with highlights.

5. Go sockless with your footwear when appropriate in the summer months. It suggests a casual, effortless sophistication. And, for God’s sake, no socks in the bedroom!

6. No graphic, embellished, studded or bejeweled T-shirts or jeans. You know you you are.

7. There’s nothing even remotely cool about Oakley sunglasses or any kind of sport shades. A classic aviator is chic, suits most face shapes, and won’t make you look like you’re partying on a pontoon at Lake of the Ozark’s Party Cove.

8. There’s nothing sexier than a well-tailored tux. There’s a reason that James Bond still looks good after all these years.

9. Consider a white pocket square when wearing a blazer. It’s a classic way to bring continuity to an ensemble.

10. Don’t replicate a style icon’s look from head to toe. It’s great to find inspiration in someone else’s personal style, but then make it your own. Oh, and don’t be a label whore head to toe either. It’s beneath you.