👖 denim drip & a field guide to friendship
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Hey Reader, “Don’t postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson.”
–Alan Cohen There's something wonderfully paradoxical about a well-worn denim jacket or the perfect pair of dark wash jeans. They're simultaneously a symbol of rugged individualism and an Americana style staple. In a world of fleeting trends and fast fashion, these are the pieces that tell our stories, that become more uniquely ours with every wear. Perhaps that's why denim has always felt like a trusty best friend. It's confident without being loud, distinctive without demanding attention. Like a supportive companion, it gives us the quiet assurance to navigate social spaces on our own terms, whether we're meeting old friends for coffee or making new connections at an event. This week, we're diving deep into these enduring classics – a complete guide to dark wash denim and the art of wearing a denim jacket. Plus, I'm sharing a field guide on building meaningful friendships as an introvert, along with my style deals of the week. Because the right piece of clothing isn't just about looking good – but feeling good too. Let's dive in. In today's Style Dispatch:
STYLE ESSENTIALS 👖 Dark Wash Denim (A Men's Style Essential)Why is dark wash denim considered a men’s style essential? Mainly because of its versatility, durability and timelessness. It serves as the anchor for a myriad of outfit combinations. Unlike the light wash variety, you can dress dark wash jeans down with a t-shirt or dress it up with a blazer. It’s also appropriate for more casual workplaces and after work happy hours. Maybe date night is coming up? Dark wash jeans is always a smart choice. Not to be mistaken for dark rinse denim, which is typically darker, almost appearing black. The “rinse” and “wash” refer specifically to the way the jeans are treated during the production process.
LIFE 🫂 A Field Guide to Making Friends as an IntrovertMaria Popova of the irreverent Marginalian wrote: "Friendship is the sunshine of life — the quiet radiance that makes our lives not only livable but worth living. (This is why we must use the utmost care in how we wield the word friend.)
In my own life, friendship has been the lifeline for my darkest hours of despair, the magnifying lens for my brightest joys, the quiet pulse-beat beneath the daily task of living.
You can glean a great deal about a person from the constellation of friends around the gravitational pull of their personhood.
'Whatever our degree of friends may be, we come more under their influence than we are aware,' the trailblazing astronomer Maria Mitchell observed as she contemplated how we co-create each other and recreate ourselves in friendship.'"
As an introvert especially, it's important to find friends who's values align with yours, who can improve your life, the same way you make their world a brighter place. But how do you find these friends as an introvert? How introverts make friends sometimes may look a little different than the way extroverts do but with an honest discussion about how to socialize as an introvert or with one, creating a solid friendship or friend group is possible for almost everyone. Now let's get into what is an introvert exactly and ways to make friends, regardless of your current place in life.
SHOP 👔 Style Deals of The WeekTo no one's surprise, Black Friday deals are extra early this year. Here are a handful worth checking out! 1. J.Crew - 1999 MacAlister Boots in Suede 2. Bonobos - Desk to Dinner Shirt 3. Huckberry - Wills Stretch Wool Blazer 4. Express - Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater 5. Banana Republic - Luxury-Touch Resort Shirt STYLE SPOTLIGHT This week I'm highlighting another menswear piece steeped in Americana: The Harrington Jacket. IN REVIEW 👟 The Everlane Court Sneaker (Hands-On Review)The Everlane Court Sneaker has quickly become a fan favorite since its release. This in-depth, long-term review takes a closer look at the Court and how it’s held up over the past 4+ years. In this review, I quickly touch on the Everlane brand—cover the Court sneaker’s style & design, quality & craftsmanship, comfort & durability, shoe sizing, how to clean it, pros & cons—and wrap up with whether or not it’s worth it. If you're in the market for a pair of white trainers, Everlane's Court Sneaker is worth a look.
HOW-TO GUIDE How to Wear a Denim Jacket with StyleIf you want to learn a few tricks of the trade on what to wear with a denim jacket, then this one's for you. Rocking the denim jacket with a tie? Yes! If you pair a darker wash denim jacket like this one from Levi's, it becomes effortless. Just like my stance on jeans, if I were to recommend one ‘jean’ jacket, it would be dark wash of course. I love the denim jacket as a layering piece, too. It can be worn over top of a clean oxford cloth button down and a textured tie. With this get-up, you see that the pants are light, while the jacket is dark. In menswear, contrast is a good thing. The dotted socks add a fun statement to an otherwise very simple outfit. Finish off the look with a pair of navy, suede wingtips and a customized leather belt and you’re ready to jet set. ✈
📖 In Case You Missed It• Fall Style Essentials Worthy of a Spot in Your Wardrobe • Is She Flirting With You? (Here are all the signs) • T-Shirt Fit Guide (The keys to a proper fit) • Best Clothing Color Combinations (a stylist's guide) • Jacket Styles to Keep You Looking Fresh • How to Wear a Short Sleeve Button Down
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