What brands are good for a “casual Euro art gallery / cocktail bar / brunch at a nicer place” look? /u/santamaps /r/malefashionadvice

I’ve been striving to dress better, but it’s very hard to find clothing that I like. Background: I’m a fortysomething dude (but, you know, I’m one of the cool ones). I have a beer gut (but I’m working on that). I usually wear jeans and plain T-shirts.

I’m not trying to make a big flashy statement – I’m a pretty sober and reserved person – but I find men’s fashion in the US to be incredibly bland and boring. (The brands that are often recommended – Uniqlo, Barbour, Flint and Tinder, etc. – do nothing for me. I don’t mind minimalism, but it’s all completely lacking in personality.)

I just want to look a bit more dapper and put-together for casual occasions such as going to a cocktail bar, art gallery, nice brunch, etc. I suspect that I’ll need to order from Europe.

For example, I really love this Religion coat. It’s simple, but not bland – the asymmetric front provides exactly the right amount of spice for me. Pair that with a soft woolen scarf, a cozy sweater, a nice five-pocket pant (not denim), a watch, and a nice pair of chukkas (all in earth tones), and you’re getting close to what I want. (I realize that this coat probably wouldn’t look great on me, at least until I’ve lost more weight.)

I do want: quality material and construction (not necessarily the finest that money can buy – just nice stuff); sort of an arty / Euro / urbanite-creative slant (if that makes sense); solid colors (or, at most, very subdued patterns – I especially dislike geometric patterns, such as stripes and plaid); pieces whose interest comes from the texture, color, and cut of the material.

I don’t want: anything with a visible brand name; streetwear; trends or luxury brands or “couture”; anything that says “I am a rugged manly man” (trucker coats, workwear); or “menswear” (suits, ties, pointy leather shoes, preppie, anything involving a tailor).

Just nice basics which aren’t so, y’know, basic.

So: what brands do you recommend checking out? (They would ideally ship to the US, but I’m not opposed to using a reshipping service, or whatever they’re called.)

Thanks!

I’ve been striving to dress better, but it’s very hard to find clothing that I like. Background: I’m a fortysomething dude (but, you know, I’m one of the cool ones). I have a beer gut (but I’m working on that). I usually wear jeans and plain T-shirts.

I’m not trying to make a big flashy statement – I’m a pretty sober and reserved person – but I find men’s fashion in the US to be incredibly bland and boring. (The brands that are often recommended – Uniqlo, Barbour, Flint and Tinder, etc. – do nothing for me. I don’t mind minimalism, but it’s all completely lacking in personality.)

I just want to look a bit more dapper and put-together for casual occasions such as going to a cocktail bar, art gallery, nice brunch, etc. I suspect that I’ll need to order from Europe.

For example, I really love this Religion coat. It’s simple, but not bland – the asymmetric front provides exactly the right amount of spice for me. Pair that with a soft woolen scarf, a cozy sweater, a nice five-pocket pant (not denim), a watch, and a nice pair of chukkas (all in earth tones), and you’re getting close to what I want. (I realize that this coat probably wouldn’t look great on me, at least until I’ve lost more weight.)

I do want: quality material and construction (not necessarily the finest that money can buy – just nice stuff); sort of an arty / Euro / urbanite-creative slant (if that makes sense); solid colors (or, at most, very subdued patterns – I especially dislike geometric patterns, such as stripes and plaid); pieces whose interest comes from the texture, color, and cut of the material.

I don’t want: anything with a visible brand name; streetwear; trends or luxury brands or “couture”; anything that says “I am a rugged manly man” (trucker coats, workwear); or “menswear” (suits, ties, pointy leather shoes, preppie, anything involving a tailor).

Just nice basics which aren’t so, y’know, basic.

So: what brands do you recommend checking out? (They would ideally ship to the US, but I’m not opposed to using a reshipping service, or whatever they’re called.)

Thanks!