By: Ashlea Spears
Photos by: Matt Johnson
Hello loves! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. I really hope you took a leap of faith in some new styling ways as well. Doubled down on sequins, added a leather piece as a classic staple, added a color pop more often, added in more jewelry, played around with print mixing — did you? I sure would love to hear about the risks you took. Let me know at @inthestyleloup on Instagram, or email me your style adventures or questions at inthestyleloup@gmail.com.
As we head into this new year, let’s turn our focus on the essentials in our closets. Those that exist and those that need to be added. Let’s focus on the quality, the mainstays, the timeless. That’s what this month is all about: Timeless style; and that will always include, and dare I say, begin with menswear. As we take this year to look back over the years of VOICE-TRIBUNE, there is one thing that has held true, and that is menswear and suiting. Over the years there may be slight changes to the length and the silhouette, but the pieces never change. If those pieces are quality and made well to fit, they will last forever.
What I mean by staple pieces are the following, and things I’m quite certain exist in just about every closet, men’s and women’s. A blazer, a white dress shirt, a nice belt, trousers, a leather shoe — and in this scenario, I’m going to go with a pair of loafers. The few items I’d like to add are a leather bag, a pair of well-fitting denim, and an accessory. Men, it’s cufflinks and a tie clip for you. Ladies, in your case — a pair of silver or gold earrings. For the next additions, keep up with me over on @inthestyleloup. I still have lots to share.
When I think of menswear, my mind immediately goes to Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and even Chanel. I am a woman after all — and she and Elsa Schiaparelli really pushed the limits for women in suiting. I absolutely cannot leave out Yves Saint Laurent. So for instant inspiration, I encourage you to learn more about their history, and of course a simple image search to start.
I’ll dive more into that in future articles and on social media.
This month, I’d love to shine a light on a friend of mine, and a face I’m sure a lot of you know ( especially our male readers), and that is Chris Burns from Rodes. We had the best time catching up about this topic and styling some great looks you’ll see on the following pages. All looks are shoppable at Rodes. All Chris’s looks are chosen and styled by him, and the lovely Vanessa was styled by me. We hope you enjoy the ensembles!
So without further ado, let’s get to know my friend and guest stylist this month, Chris Burns. I hope our interview inspires you on your journey as we begin this new year and make those choices for quality and timeless wardrobe additions.
Ashlea: What are five things in your closet you couldn’t live without?
Chris: Navy suit, white/blue dress shirt, dark blue jeans, brown loafers, and a nice brown belt.
Ashlea: What is something you’ve always wanted? Do you have it? If not, why?
Chris: A velvet dinner jacket to wear for black tie and semi-formal occasions. I will eventually design one via ‘made-to-measure’, but just haven’t had the right occasion to wear it yet!
Ashlea: For someone starting to really build up a wardrobe, what do you invest in first?
Chris: A dark suit (navy or charcoal preferably), solid dress shirts (white or light blue), a high quality pair of brown dress shoes, a brown belt to match, and a good pair of dark denim.
Ashlea: Reverse last question: you have a great wardrobe, but you’re ready to downsize. What item do you part with first?
Chris: Ties. As much as I love neckwear, the tie is becoming less important by the day as we transition to a more casual wardrobe. After that, get rid of anything that doesn’t fit correctly. Fit is king!
Ashlea: What are you excited for in Men's Fashion in 2024?
Chris: The proliferation of unique layering pieces such as lightweight jackets, safari coats, and shirt jackets (aka “shackets”), the increasing emphasis on double-breasted suits, sport coats, and blazers, and finally the continued rise of luxury sneakers as a menswear mainstay.
Ashlea: What do you miss in menswear that may not be a priority, or forgotten, that you wish would trend again?
Chris: Suits and ties. As sportswear grows in importance, the classic suit and tie has become less essential to a gentleman’s wardrobe. Personally, I love the look and message of a nice suit and tie, and think that it deserves its time to shine, particularly for a special occasions such as a wedding or an interview.
Ashlea: What are your three favorite brands?
Chris: Isaia, Canali, and Zegna. They are our three most important brands at Rodes, and each exudes a particular aspect of Italian menswear that initially drew me into the menswear business.
Ashlea: What gets you most excited about style?
Chris: Trying new things and allowing style to be an expression of creativity! You can express so much with your sense of style without even saying a single word.
Ashlea: Timeless style to you means______________.
Chris: Investing in core pieces that will last a lifetime, no matter the occasion! At Rodes we preach wardrobe flexibility and sustainability, and the garments we carry are meant to last as long as the gentleman needs it, from the fabrics themselves, to the styling and applicability to real-life uses.
