Perfect casual clothes for hanging out in the neighborhood? Shetland sweaters with oxford-cloth button-downs, corduroys, and suede shoes. Heavy Tweed Jacket shows how to do it right, and here’s where you can turn for the same look on almost any budget.
- Shetland Sweaters: My favorite source for Shetlands is O’Connell’s, an old, family-owned shop that specializes in traditional American clothing. Their Shetlands fit trim and are designed with saddle shoulders, which I think looks better for this style than set-in sleeves. For something a little more affordable, turn to Jamison’s or Harleys. An endorsement from Heavy Tweed Jacket on the latter doesn’t get any better.
- Oxford-Cloth Button-Down Shirt: Brooks Brothers is a good go-to if you value provenance (they invented the style, after all). These days, however, Michael Spencer has kind of out-Brooks-Brothers’d Brooks Brothers, as they offer made-in-USA OCBDS with unlined collars (an old, traditional detail Brooks phased out a long time ago). Also good is Kamakura, especially if you want something between the slim and extra-slim fits at Brooks Brothers and Michael Spencer (they use the same cuts). For a thrifty alternative, try Lands’ End and Uniqlo. I give the edge there to Lands’ End, as they use nicer fabrics.
- Corduroys: Howard Yount and Epaulet are good sources for modern cuts, while Cordings will give you something more traditional (read: a slim-ish leg, but with a high rise). You can also try Lands’ End and J. Crew. Just make sure you use coupon codes on the second, as they’re always holding sales (literally).
- Outerwear: We have a full Barbour guide here. I’m personally a fan of the Bedale and Beaufort, although a quilted Liddesdale would look just as good with the above ensemble. For a little less money, check out Hoggs of Fife.
- Suede Shoes: The loafers above are probably Crockett & Jones’ Harvards or Bostons. At a similar price point, you can also go with these partially-lined suede loafers from Alden. They have a similarly rounded toe, but come unstructured around the vamp, which makes them feel a bit more like slippers. Some less spendy options: Meermin’s suede tassel loafers and these Ralph Lauren pennies, which are on sale (take an extra 15% off with the checkout code RLGIVE15). Also worth a look are Loake’s suede Kempton and Pimlico chukkas, which you can wear into the winter months.
- Ribbon Belt: Simple enough. Go to O’Connell’s or search eBay (they’re everywhere). For a quieter option, just use a regular dress belt.
- Socks: Personally, I like marled designs, although Fair Isle patterns will look jauntier. You can get them from Chup, Anonymous ism, or Merz b. Schwanen if you want to splurge. For something less expensive, check J. Crew Factory.
(photo via Heavy Tweed Jacket)
