Weekend Update via GQ
The weekend is your time to relax, but no one wants to look like a schlub. Trust us, you'll not only look better—you'll feel better in clothes that actually fit. Here, GQ takes seven real guys and helps them nail their off-duty look
Dress Your Age, Man!
Adam Weinblatt, 24
Workweek: Marketing consultant
Weekend Pastime: Watching the Baltimore Ravens
"I went out a little too hard last night, so i just threw on this hoodie."
1. Layers are crucial in the spring. But a baggy hoodie makes you look sophomoric (not to mention ten pounds heavier). Graduate to a close-fitting crewneck sweatshirt.
2. Cargo pants aren't just a punch line anymore; designers have modernized them with pared-down front pockets.
Sweatshirt, $30, by Lands' End Canvas. Shirt, $218, by Unis. Pants, $295, by Rag & Bone. Sneakers, $130, by New Balance for J.Crew. Sunglasses by Mosley Tribes. Watch by Bremont. Bag by A.P.C.
Inject a Shot of Color
Kadeem Johnson, 21
Workweek: Student
Weekend Pastimes: Photography, blogging
"I always wear neutrals. It never occurred to me I could pull off bright colors."
1. It doesn't get any cooler than a cardigan right now. Seriously—every store has them this spring. The look is disheveled, so don't fasten every button.
2. We're not saying you need to abandon denim. Just think beyond it. Our favorite alternative right now? Bold chinos that pop with color.
3. Boat shoes are back, but Kadeem lives in the city. This all-black pair is built for the street, not the dock.
Cardigan, $90, by Banana Republic. Shirt, $40, by Lands' End Canvas. Chinos, $50, by Dockers. Shoes, $230, by Quoddy. Belt by Lands' End. Watch by TAG Heuer.
Downsize Your Shirt
Marcelo Lima, 19
Workweek: Waiter
Weekend Pastimes: Dining out, dancing
"My friends tell me I dress like a dad."
1. Save your dress shirts for the workweek—they're cut too long to wear untucked. Instead, get shirts designed to be worn that way. They should hit just below your belt.
2. Don't always wear sneakers on the weekend. We all can and should dress sharper, on duty and off.
Shirt, $230, by Band of Outsiders. Pants, $195, by Vince. Loafers, $140, by Banana Republic. Watch by Calvin Klein Collection.
Learn How a Leather Jacket Should Fit
Evan Jacobucci, 24
Workweek: Landscaper
Weekend Pastime: More landscaping
"The only fitted thing I own is long underwear for working in the winter."
1. Evan thought his leather jacket fit snugly. He was wrong. Your leather jacket should fit like you race motorcycles: Any extra length or width is a drag.
2. See all that extra denim bunching at Evan's ankles (above)? Get rid of it! Whether you're wearing jeans, khakis, or cargos, the legs should be cut slim and straight, just touching your shoes.
3. Go all hi/lo and juxtapose the tie with sneaks.
Jacket, $750, and khakis, $165, by Armani Jeans. Shirt, $115, by Gant Rugger. Tie, $95, by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Sneakers, $42, by Vans. Watch by David Yurman.
Buy an Off-Duty Blazer
Dan Fettig, 23 Workweek: Barista Weekend Pastime: Running
"I went out and bought a pair of slim straight jeans after the shoot."
1. The weekend calls for a blazer different from the workweek's. This jacket is unlined and cotton, meaning it's laid-back—and so comfortable you could sleep in it.
2. Dan's chinos are big enough for a man fifty pounds heavier and five inches taller. He's in good shape, and these slim straight jeans prove it.
3. Most of your work clothes should stay home on the weekend. But dress shoes, like wingtips, are the exception.
Sports jacket, $425, by PureDKNY. Shirt, $230, by Band of Outsiders. Jeans, $178, by Citizens of Humanity. Shoes, $325, by Allen Edmonds. Belt by Ralph Lauren. Watch by Hamilton. Bag by American Apparel.
Abandon the Excess Bagginess
Fabiano Messias, 25
Workweek: Student
Weekend Pastimes: Working out, playing soccer
"I was worried these jeans would be uncomfortable, but they were pretty much perfect."
1. Here's our promise: Looking sharp as hell on Saturday and Sunday isn't going to cost you any comfort. In fact, it'll probably get you laid. You can still wear a T-shirt and jeans, but put some style into it. This tee fits Fabiano's body snugly rather than hanging off it.
2. It doesn't get any easier than this: Everyone has blue jeans, so wear white instead.
T-shirt, $30, by Levi's. Jeans, $168, by AG Adriano Goldschmied. Shoes, $475, by Ralph Lauren. Jacket, $80, by Topman. Watch by Tokyobay. Belt by Gucci. Necklace by Me&Ro. Soccer ball by Nike.
Spiff Up Your Slicker
Christian Fuller, 33
Workweek: Gallery manager
Weekend Pastimes: Playing music, making visual art
"I thought I needed lots of room to layer."
1. Your rain jacket need not fit like the ponchos they hand out at NFL games. You want enough room to allow for a couple of layers, nothing extra.
2. It's a go-to GQ style secret that never loses its edge: Wear a white or light-color shirt under a dark V-neck sweater. It's one surefire way to layer up.
3. The cool kids have been rolling up their cuffs and going sockless for several years now, so no need to fear looking too fashiony anymore. Give it a shot.
Windbreaker, $79, by Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger. Sweater, $145, by Fred Perry. Shirt, $195, by Thom Browne New York. Shoes, $250, by Quoddy. Watch by Burberry. Hair by Jordan.
