Get the look

If you happen to get stuck in the art of dressing look for inspiration in magazines. They're a great tool if you want something different and can't quite figure it out. Take an ad or photo when you go shopping. Ensembles in magazine's certainly aren't meant to be worn with only the accompanying pieces. Just because you like everything about the outfit, doesn't mean you wear only those items together every time. It's that shirt/tie/link/square in a box combo mentality.

That said, it's a great visual inspiration. Magazine's often tout the best quality items (which indeed are fine) but don't necessarily match every man's wardrobe. 

I'm a walking example of this today. I was ironing my shirt and realized I had put together something worn by Jason Stathum several months before. However, at a much lower price point. This is a two-fold message. Magazine looks can be had for less. It just takes some time and digging.

In the September 2008 issue of GQ Jason Stathum has on jacket ($2,650, part of a suit) and shirt($645) from Louis Vuitton; tie by Thomas Pink ($105); jeans by A.P.C. ($155); shoes by Brooks Brothers ($568); and tie bar from Thom Browne. This look was specifically for wearing jeans at the office; it's simple and clean. This look can go anywhere but, the proportions must be correct. Slim, not skinny, jacket, tie and jeans.

I did the same look for considerably less today. Jacket by H&M ($50); shirt by Missoni ($60 on clearance); tie by Polo Ralph Lauren (an astonishing $2 tucked away behind dozens of undesirable ties at TJ Maxx); jeans by A.P.C. and tie bar by Geoffrey Beene.