GQ Selects: September

Mougin & Piquard  x J.Crew Grande Seconde Watch

What’s so great about this Mougin & Piquard watch is that it perfectly toes the line between dressy and rugged, minimal and military. Those qualities make it a smart option for the fall season, as it holds it’s own when paired with a pinstripe suit, tweed sports coat, or even a chunky fisherman’s sweater. And at this price, the value for all that versatility can’t be beat.

Power moves at the office deserve an appropriately powerful suit and this season the one that’s going to get you noticed, and remembered, comes in a statement-making plaid. The exploded linear pattern on this Valentino makes a big impact while the medium gray body ensures the suit will work with a myriad of underpinnings, from stripes to solids and even other plaids.

Saint Laurent Studded Loafers

Hedi Slimane gives one of menswear’s classic footwear silhouettes some subtle rocker edge and the result couldn’t be more on point for Fall 2013. These loafers capture the teddy-boy vibe we saw on the runways but wouldn’t look out of place come casual Friday at the office. Wear them sockless until the leaves start to turn then try them with a melange camp sock for an unexpected twist or a crisp white pair to drive the teddy-boy look home.

Burberry London Duffle Coat

For a silhouette that’s been around as long as the duffle coat, introduced to the world during World War I, it’s remarkable that the outerwear style still feels just as fresh today. This one, from Burberry London, takes the iconic piece into trimmer territory thanks to a more tailored cut than the original turns the color up a notch from its traditional camel hue. The result is a coat that’s as timely as it is timeless this season.

Jean Shop Stitched Belt

Jean Shop’s belts rival their denim when it comes to quality, so when you invest in one you can rest assured it’s going to last for the long haul. The rich brown, hand-dyed hide brings a rugged edge to your best indigo denim and becomes a handsome tonal accent to your khaki-hued chinos and cords. This is a belt that’s going to be the workhorse in your arsenal of accessories.

Acne Max New Raw Jeans

Acne is a company built on great jeans and their Max New Raw fit proves why they’ve grown to be such a powerhouse in the denim field. The slim fit and straight leg means these are cut lean without venturing into skinny territory, so they look great sitting over any shoe, be it brogues or lug-soled boots. Meanwhile the clean indigo wash makes them appropriate with any outfit, in any setting, from a shirt and tie on casual office days to a t-shirt and hoodie for that early morning coffee run.

Michael Bastian Sweater

We’re never not impressed by Michael Bastian’s ability to put a new spin on the classics, and this hooded fisherman’s sweater proves why he’s so great at it. It captures the rugged spirit of the original but adds a detail, the hood in this case, that separates it from any other one you’re going to see this season. Layer it under a CPO-style jacket like we shot on Russell Wilson, or wear it alone over your favorite jeans; just know however you do you’re bound to get a bunch of compliments.


Cutler and Gross Optical Glasses

Cutler and Gross’ black acetate frames are a throwback style that’s a bit retro but hardly old-fashioned, aside from the hours of it takes to craft each pair by hand. Plus, the frame shape is friendly to every face thanks to the keyhole bridge cutout that sits just right on any nose. Want to look like the smartest guy in the room? Buy these glasses.


Saint Laurent Varsity Jacket

Every so often we’ll see a look walk down the runway that takes a garment we thought we’d seen every iteration of, in this case a varsity jacket, and makes it fresh again. That’s just what Hedi Slimane did with his wool version, trimmed in contrast white leather at the shoulders, by turning an iconic piece of sporty American outerwear into a luxe must-have. It’s a homerun when paired with a simple white t-shirt and slim black jeans like we shot on Alex Turner this month.




Lanvin and Valextra Card Holders

Here at GQ, we firmly believe that less is more when it comes to wallets. No guy should walk around with an overstuffed billfold jammed into his back pocket and that is why we’re fans of these sleek card holders that let you carry just the essentials and nothing more. Available from luxury houses like Lanvin and Valextra, the leather goods are available in an array bold colors and textures, which means not only will your back pocket be lighter once you switch to one, but those must-have credit cards and I.D. will be that much harder to misplace.


J.Crew Abingdon Waxed Holdall

For those last minute overnight trips as summer winds down, consider this J.Crew bag your best bet. The waxed canvas body is roomy enough to stow everything you’d need for a getaway and waterproof to keep it all dry inside. Leather handles and contrast canvas trim add support and structure while keeping the bag lightweight, so how heavy it is to haul around just depends on how much you want to pack.

Burberry Prorsum Heart Print Shirt

One of the many reasons we love Christopher Bailey at the helm of Burberry is that while the designer makes serious clothes, he is not afraid to inject some playfulness into his designs. A case in point is this dress shirt that’s cut as sharp as any to walk down a Prorsum runway, but comes in a clever, graphic heart print that turns the iconic symbol into a cool, downtown design for fall.

Saint Laurent Chain-Embellished Bracelet

When it comes to men’s jewelry, one piece can make a big statement and with that in mind, we’re big fans of Hedi Slimane’s sterling silver bracelet for Saint Laurent. A single strand of chain is given a new spin thanks to Silmane’s built-in structure below, so an accessory that would commonly hang holds strong instead. It’s a clever detail and one that’s sure to make any wrist standout in a crowd.

GQ Selects: May 2013

! We don't sell these things 
Comme de Garçons Zip Wallet
$95

If all men's wallets were on a Venn diagram, this one by Commes des Garcons would fall right in the middle. It's slim, but easily handles all the cash and cards guys usually stuff into a bulky billfold, and the added zipper ensures everything inside stays put. Plus, the bold hue ensures you'll never misplace your wallet again.

Gucci Distressed Leather Biker Jacket
$4,550

As we look ahead to fall, the biker jacket is definitely having a moment. What's so sharp about Gucci's take on the rebel-style classic is that it has all the luxury details you'd expect from the famed Italian house, with a totally unique spin. The distressed cool gray/blue body is sure to set any guy apart from the pack, on or off a bike.

GQ Selects: December

The North Face Denali Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
There's no reason performance outerwear can't also look great. The fire engine red shell gives this North Face jacket eye-catching style, especially when paired with the graphic black chest and elbow patches—the sleekness of a sports car, with the toughness of a Mack truck.

A.P.C. New Cure Straight-Leg Jeans
This is the slimmest jean in Jean Touitou's arsenal of prime raw-denim cuts. The New Cure tapers closely from the knee to the ankle, resulting in a silhouette that works as well with a casual Friday sports jacket as it does a in your weekend wardrobe. And these will mold to the wearer over time, making each pair truly unique.

Gant Rugger Tartan Plaid Blazer
As Frank Ocean proves in our December issue, a sport coat is essential to every guy's wardrobe, young or old. This one from Gant Rugger reimagines the stodgy tartan plaid with a tailored blazer that looks stellar over a hoodie (as shown on Ocean), or just about any combo in your closet that isn't a shirt and tie.

Band of Outsiders Classic Chinos
Scott Sternberg's genius is to take familiar items of American sportswear and reissue them fresh ways. These chinos are a nod to the garment's military and prep ancestry, while offering a distinctly modern cut.

Ray-Ban Pilot Icon Folding Aviator Sunglasses
Ray-Ban has put a new spin on their iconic aviator, thanks to hinges that allow the shades to fold up into the size of a single lens. However, this pair still holds true to the hallmarks of the classic we love, like brown gradient lenses and leather accents on the brow and temple. It's a reinvented classic that continues to conjure up images of McQueen and Newman in their heydays.

AG Jeans Matchbox Slim Straight Leg Jeans
Every man should own a pair of black jeans. They're an indispensible addition to a guy's closet, dressier than basic blue. These AGs are the perfect cut for such a pair, skimming the leg for a look that's equal parts rock 'n' roll and refined.

Fred Perry Track Jacket
We love the spirit of the retro running gear that has inspired designers like Prada and Bottega Veneta for spring 2013, and for guys like Steve Prefontaine, a track jacket was elementary to that look. We shot this classic one from Fred Perry on Adam Driver for our December issue: The fit and the sporty red color make it a standout, even if the only running you do is errands.

Levi's 511 Skinny Jeans
We've been advocating white jeans in winter for some time now, and one of our favorites are these from Levi's. Cut in their slim 511 silhouette, the crisp colorless denim adds some lift to darker winter standbys like a navy peacoat or tweed sport jacket, and looks great when stacked over a pair of broken-in desert boots.

PUMA Bayndyt Sneaker
This sneaker takes its design cues from a '70s running shoe, but is thoroughly modern, thanks to the tonal fabrication combining matte nylon and suede. We suggest going sockless when wearing these runners, allowing the contours of its slick silhouette to stand out.

Dolce & Gabbana Suit
To put it simply, Dolce & Gabbana has mastered the modern black suit. From the duo's focus on a body-hugging fit with shorter jacket and trim pant legs, to the perfect lapel width to pair with a skinny tie, this is a two-piece any man can feel confident investing in.

John Varvatos Extra-Trim Striped Shirt
Any guy looking to add some pattern into his weekday wardrobe in a conservative office should reach for a striped dress shirt. The vertical lines add subtle visual interest to any outfit, while the semi-spread collar works for every occasion, be it with a tie to close a big deal, or going open-collar to grab a celebratory drink afterwards.

Salvatore Ferragamo Faraone Cap-Toe Oxford
When you buy a pair of Ferragamo shoes, you're not only getting the finest Italian craftsmanship that will last a lifetime, but also getting great design. In the brand's deft hands, a standard cap-aatoe silhouette has its vamp elongated and toe tapered ever so slightly, slight tweaks that create a more elegant option for the office or a night out.

GQ Selects: November

We pick. You shop. Editor selections from our November issue available through our online retailer, Nordstrom

Scott Sternberg has really created the ideal button-down for modern guys. It's a classic style, but he's played with the proportions, shrinking them to hug the body, and shortening the length so it looks good untucked.  This neutral brown-and-gray plaid is the perfect starter shirt for that guy who wants to get some pattern into his closet, but is apprehensive about jumping into the deep end.

Timex Easy Reader Leather Strap Watch

Gray is the watch color of the season, and what's great about the trend is that you can get one at any price, like this Timex. A rugged suede strap balances out the minimalist details, like the pared-down gunmetal-plated case and the tonal face, while the sleek profile gives it a contemporary look that's wearable seven days a week.

Gant Rugger Knit Cap

This knit hat from Gant Rugger takes inspiration from the watch caps worn by fisherman and dockworkers and renders it in the meanest color of the season: mustard. For guys who are wary of the bold hue, it's best to start with a single piece like this.

GQ Selects: December

We pick. You shop. Editor selections from our December issue available through our online retailer, Nordstrom

The North Face Denali Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
There's no reason performance outerwear can't also look great. The fire engine red shell gives this North Face jacket eye-catching style, especially when paired with the graphic black chest and elbow patches—the sleekness of a sports car, with the toughness of a Mack truck.

A.P.C. New Cure Straight-Leg Jeans
This is the slimmest jean in Jean Touitou's arsenal of prime raw-denim cuts. The New Cure tapers closely from the knee to the ankle, resulting in a silhouette that works as well with a casual Friday sports jacket as it does a in your weekend wardrobe. And these will mold to the wearer over time, making each pair truly unique.

Gant Rugger Tartan Plaid Blazer
As Frank Ocean proves in our December issue, a sport coat is essential to every guy's wardrobe, young or old. This one from Gant Rugger reimagines the stodgy tartan plaid with a tailored blazer that looks stellar over a hoodie (as shown on Ocean), or just about any combo in your closet that isn't a shirt and tie.

August 2012

Jack Spade Bonded Raincoat
For us, this is the gold standard when it comes to buying that raincoat that you're going to wear over a business suit, on the weekends, on every trip imaginable. The color is perfect because it references a traditional tan raincoat, but the people at Jack Spade have warmed up the hue to make it more skin-tone friendly. It's cut trim and a bit shorter than normal, which gives it a more contemporary edge, and the orange interior ensures you're not wearing your dad's old vintage raincoat. Form follows function in the details, like a fly-front closure and bonded seams that keep out the water and gussets under the armholes that help the rubberized cotton breathe. There's no lining, so it's easy to throw on over your heaviest flannel wool suit, or fisherman sweater, or even a hoodie. This is a raincoat fit for running errands or a meeting with the CEO.

Polo Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Sweater
When I think of Fair Isle sweaters I think of Polo by Ralph Lauren, because Ralph is the master of taking something that is so traditional and making it contemporary and cool for the modern guy. Not only is this sweater cut a little bit slimmer, but the pattern has been recolored slightly from the super-fusty, folkloric versions. It looks great with a shirt and tie; just remember to keep your underpinnings clean. We paired it with a pink shirt in the magazine for a preppy look, but it also can look incredibly modern when paired with gray flannel pants, a white oxford shirt, and a pair of black loafers. I think we're at a time in fashion where pieces that are a little bit geezer look great again. So while this obviously pays homage to a classic Scottish Fair Isle, it still feels new.

Polo Ralph Lauren Country Corduroy Pants  
Another one of the things Ralph Lauren does so well is to keep some of the old-world trappings of a garment, but still make it wearable. These corduroy pants have a utilitarian workwear look to them, but the fabric is extremely soft and the garment washing has faded them into a beautiful blue color. Corduroy is a heavier fabric, so you should always go for a slimmer cut, like these, to avoid adding extra pounds to your physique. It's a great weekend pant for those autumn days when the mercury starts to dip a little low.

Burberry Prorsum Horizontal Stripe Knit Silk Tie
The most traditional knit ties are made of silk, followed by wool and then cotton, and what makes this Burberry one incredibly modern, but just as sophisticated, is the fact that it's slimmer and has this wonderful stripe pattern. Because the colors in it are muted it doesn't come across as being too preppy or too nautical. It really marries beautifully with a pinstripe suit or a fall tweed sports jacket. Put it with a chambray shirt, put it with a white oxford, put it with anything.

David Hart Diagonal Check Tie
David Hart kills it this fall by taking classic menswear patterns, in this case a houndstooth and a windowpane, and putting them together in one tie. It pairs well with tweeds, a khaki dress shirt, even just a work shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Pattern mixing with an accessory like this can be tricky, so opt for solid colors that let the bold tie stand out.

 Gitman Polka-Dot Tie
It's the season of the polka-dot die, and this Gitman one is exciting because it's made of wool and the dots are embroidered, not printed. Polka-dot ties are usually silk, so when crafted in this soft wool, the tie becomes a unique piece that stands out from the pack. It comes in this beautiful pale blue, almost chambray, which gives a little dash of color to your fall wardrobe.

Salvatore Ferragamo Double Monkstrap Shoe
Ferragamo is really a footwear dynasty, and incredibly masterful when it comes to building a shoe. I always tell people to spend a little more than you would normally want to on a pair of shoes, because it will be worth it in the long run. The last is built to last a lifetime on these double monks, as long as you take care of them, and the rubber sole helps to keep the them light and comfortable from the get-go. Wear these with jeans, or a suit and unbuckle the top for a little extra savoir faire. This is the quintessential monkstrap in a rich brown that goes with everything—especially those heavyweight fabrics you're going to be wearing for fall.

Cole Haan Air Madison Slip-On
This is a great example of a well-crafted shoe for a good value, and while it's a personal preference, some guys may want their first monk to be a single monk. This Cole Haan pair is a caramel brown, which tends to be a bit more European-looking, that plays beautifully off gray flannel trousers or even white jeans. It's very liberating for guys to feel like they can buy a pair of monkstraps and not just save them for special occasions. Break them out of the box and wear them all the time, from work to weekend.

Hook + ALBERT Contrast Trim Socks
For the guy who wants a little bit of action on his ankle but isn't into wild colors or stripes. What I love about the orange toe and the top is that it's a way to wear color but keep it hidden and keep your inner peacock alive. The polka dot or pin dot is big in ties but it looks just as good as a pattern below a pant hem. This is one of those socks you can wear with a pair of white sneakers, a suede desert boot, or a monkstrap shoe. It's a dressy sock but adds lots of sophistication to more casual looks.

Pantherella Cashmere Blend Socks
In so far as we love really bright colored socks for summer, for fall we're loving the pale sock in a gray or tan or this incredible baby blue. It's just one of those colors that is so attractive with any combination. You put it with gray trousers, you put it with black shoes, corduroy, anything—it's a great neutral for fall. This pair by Pantherella is cashmere and while guys don't think they want to spend money on cashmere socks, the truth is they'll last a long time if they're cared for, and keep you warm.

Penfield Jacket
I like what Penfield has done with this field jacket because it's not too heavy, and it's not belted, but it still has an authentic look to it. The silhouette is a little bit shorter and the styling is a little bit younger and cooler. It's waxed cotton canvas, which will not only make it rainproof and windproof, but also thorn-proof, which makes it great for riding a motorcycle or walking down the street in the inclement elements. The snap buttons are burnished a bit so they aren't too bright and it's got that nice standup collar. The jacket has some real masculine styling to it, both as a weekend staple and as a sport coat replacement, with a shirt and tie under it. And the price is right.

Thom Browne Plaid Oxford Shirt
At this point it's no secret that GQ loves Thom Browne shirts, especially this fall's exploded plaid pattern ones that we've shown in every color. This white version, for example, makes a quieter statement because of it's neutral, tonal color combination but the rounded collar still gives it plenty of personality. We love that Thom takes the woodsy, casual heritage of a plaid shirt but does it as a dress shirt in his famous oxford cloth. It's a little heavier and so it marries up well with all those heavyweight fabrics for fall.

A.P.C. New Standard Jeans
We're going on a decade or more now with our love affair of A.P.C., since founder Jean Touitou introduced the New Standard jean. It's the jean you buy and make your own. They are stiff as cardboard at first, but after a couple of wears, they break in like a great pair of shoes. The fit is perfect in that the waist sits on your hips but isn't too low-rise and the slim, straight leg isn't too skinny or too wide. We recommend holding off on washing them as long as possible to keep the dark raw denim intact, and when you finally do, to wash them inside-out in the bathtub with some cold water and Woolite Dark, letting them drip-dry. It's the perfect jean if you're going to pair with dressier items like a suit jacket and a pair of brogues—these are jeans that will elevate your look. They're crisp and stiff and simple in the best way possible.

Michael Bastian Three-Button Jacket
Michael Bastian keeps surprising us with these pieces that have an old-man cool element to them. The windowpane is one of those patterns we thought was dead forever, and then Michael brings it back and recolors it in this rust and olive, out of a scratchy wool. It works as a piece of outerwear in the early fall, and then when it's freezing outside you can pair with a shirt and tie and wear it in the office or a turtleneck and jeans on the weekend—it's incredibly versatile. Because of the way Michael has cut it and fashioned it, it's something incredibly non-traditional, but still has that traditional appeal.