mens blog – Witt & Style

Old Kid on the Block

August 1, 2019by TW BakerLeave a Comment

It’s August 1st, as in… summer is already two months in, how did that happen? It’s probably been the fastest summer yet, and my attempts at consistently sharing posts just that a dream unfulfilled at this rate. But no need to dwell, I’m here now and really loving today’s old school look.

It’s been a fairly mild summer here in Chicago, which means I’ve still been able to wear long sleeves and jeans throughout the season. On a cool summer day, this TopMan (Rest in Peace) shirt felt like a must-have. This sweater-esque look has a built in collar and color blocked stripes in the perfect shades for summer.

When I put this with a simple and classic wash pair of Levi’s, I felt equal parts touristy dad at Disney and Armie Hammer in Call Me by Your Name, a winning combo, right? There’s a 80’s vibe to this look that I can’t help but love.

Sometimes the best looks are the easiest ones. I think we all know that a white t-shirt and jeans can be just as attractive and stylish as a bomber or printed shirt.

It’s not always about reinventing the wheel in your closet and finding the newest piece, it can be about bringing an old look back.

Hoping to bring back more old looks, and mindsets here, and soon!

Stay tuned,

Fashion

Striped for Summer

June 25, 2019June 25, 2019by TW Baker1 Comment

Can we even classify this season as Summer when it’s barely cracked 75 degrees? Probably not, but in a city like Chicago, you’re gonna have to fake it till you make it.

I’m not going to let a dreary summer sky dampen my seasonal wardrobe. I was inspired by June being Pride Month when putting together this look. The look is built around this striped top from Bonobos that I love for summer! In different shades of sherbet, this rainbow print reminds me of a fashionable Pride flag. Seersucker is one of my favorite materials for summer because it’s lightweight and breathable.

This shirt could really work with anything, white jeans, dark denim or khakis. I thought instead to try a more neutral green to let the shirt pop more. These chinos from Banana Republic Factory are my favorite fitting casual pant. They give a lot of shape and don’t have to be tailored, AMEN!

On top, a year round must-have, is this Levi Denim jacket. I recently purchased this one because the wash is the most neutral and my other denim jacket is too oversized for summer, where let’s face it, fit is crucial. A rope belt and grey loafers are easy accessories to make a little more casual yet cool.

It’s been a while since I’ve put up an outfit post partly due to scheduling and finding motivation, so if you’re reading, thanks for sticking with me 🙂

More summer looks to come, stay tuned!

Fashion

Polar Express

December 7, 2018December 7, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

It’s been quite a fast and excited holiday season so far! I’ve barely had a chance to catch up after an amazing and much needed respite in the tropics and heading right back into work full steam ahead before Christmas. Coming back from a island vacation means fasting the harsh reality that freezing temperatures are here and here to stay. The only thing that’s a positive is that that means layers and more looks.

I got a chance to work with both Express and Banana Republic to come up with a winter look that works perfectly as a transition to these colder days ahead. I’ve been loving these dark floral patterned prints as a way to nod to fall but in a color palette more appropriate for winter. They’re great for layered with dark tees as well! This shirt pairs perfectly with these black fitted black chinos from Banana Republic Factory.

I cannot stress how great these pants fit! Slim but not too slim, and give a lot of shape through the hips and back! I think it’s easy to go for jeans when it gets colder, but a great fitting pant should be the next best option sitting in your closet.

An easy bomber, this one is TopMan, in a charcoaled navy color, makes for an easy throw on peace to make this outfit more nighttime friendly. I’m looking forward to digging into my closet for more winter looks with plenty of layers and patterns coming soon.

Happy Friday,

Thoughts

Out & About

October 11, 2018December 21, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

2018 is proving to be quite overwhelming, wouldn’t you say? It’s been a pretty heavy year full of social and political issues rising to the surface on what seems like a daily basis, I mean, we’re living in a time where Colton is the next Bachelor!

Jokes aside, in times like this, its sometimes nice to have reflection on something positive. Just a few years ago, I wasn’t even aware that today is National Coming Out Day, set aside to celebrate the process of coming out in the LGBT community and at a time like this, I figured it’s nice to take a day from all the negativity we’re seeing and appreciate that I’m fortunate enough to be out and have so many great friends and a loving family that support me no matter what.

Coming out is a very personal experience, and no two stories are the same, but they are all equally important! For some people it’s painless, others, traumatizing, but each is just as brave as the next and deserves to celebrate that part of their journey of identity and self acceptance.

Let’s face it, coming out isn’t a one time gig, it happens many times, over many years. Even in 2018, given everything we hear and see on the news, it’s not exactly a welcoming environment to come out. There is a still a lot of ignorance out there, and I’ve always admired my peers who handle it with grace. I’m glad we have days like to day to celebrate such a big personal milestone for LGBT people. So thank you to all of those who support their friends and remember that you play an important role in the process. Here’s to appreciating everyone celebrating having come out, or those finding courage to come out in the future.

More posts to come soon, thanks for reading!

Fashion

Suiting Up

May 23, 2018November 16, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

Mayday, mayday! Truly it’s a crisis that all May long I’ve been so swamped and haven’t had anytime to post. I figured it’s better late than never and I finally have the time (and looks) to share some spring style!

In my line of work, wearing a suit everyday has never been and probably never will be a part of my requirements. With that said, I always envied my dad for having the chance to wear a suit and tie each day. There’s something about a suit that says “I run sh*t” and it’s an attitude I’ve started to adopt with more work confidence.

Since taking on more responsibility, I figured a spring suit would be the perfect blend of business and casual. With a spring-summer suit, choosing khaki was a no brainer. Khaki suits work for this time of year because they can go with anything.

Need it for a wedding? Check. Need to use the blazer as a sport coat? Check. Need to have a pair of khakis on hand? Check. Although you can use these pieces separately for so many events, my goal is to try to wear it as a set the most. In this look, I’ve given it a springtime twist with a floral print from Zara. By choosing white sneakers and holding off on a tie, it feels more laid back.

The most important tip of all though has to be fit. Having a suit custom built just for you is definitely more of a splurge. This piece is from Banana Republic Factory and was 40% off, a deal I couldn’t refuse. (Pieces here and here, and discount is even better now) Upon trying it on in store, I knew the blazer worked, but the pants needed some help. Investing in having the pants tailored was a must.

Suiting up requires you to invest in something that’s going to be used over and over again, that can be mixed and matched with a lot of your existing pieces and to wear with the best accessory of all, confidence!

-TW

Fashion

Garden Guy

April 13, 2018June 4, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

Remember when I said I’d be manifesting spring through my wardrobe…. well it’s not working. (case in point, it snowed on Monday :/) Although it might not be as warm as I’d like, I’m still feeling inspired by florals with another look, similar to the one from last week.

Shooting these pictures at Garflield Park Conservatory, with hundreds of botanical elements surrounding me, was a fun and new take on camouflage for me. To me it speaks to a larger concept when it comes to my fashion choices, wanting to blend in while simultaneously standing out.

The lesson here is to work on finding a personal style that feels uniquely you, while also following more conventional style rules. (if you so choose) I always have to keep in mind that fashion is only fun if I allow it to be. With such a “loud” print comes a lot of responsibility, mostly in the form of confidence. It’s the best accessory you can possibly wear with any outfit. My advice is to take a risk and be bold, especially as we (try) to transition from the winter blues and into spring hues.

Keep the base of your outfit, in my case jeans and brown leather boots, simple, so the print is the focus. Florals have really been inspiring me lately, but so have other colors. I’m excited to share more spring looks as it slowly warms up.

Happy Friday,

Fashion

Flower Child

April 8, 2018November 16, 2018by TW Baker2 Comments

I know what you’re thinking… flowers for spring… groundbreaking. All joking aside, flowers do feel pretty groundbreaking, especially when it’s still snowing here in April. Again, I’ve got to manifest spring in my wardrobe in order to get in the spirit.

This shot was actually taken at Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory because it’s one of the only places in full of florals right now. Usually I’m wearing florals that are more Hawaiian inspired or pastel in nature. This past winter, I started investing in what I considered “winter florals”. That basically means the base of each print is darker, like black, navy or even this evergreen.

I’ve found this approach to be a good one. I snagged three floral print tops from Zara over the holidays, on sale no less, that I’ve been able to hold onto all season long. I’m loving this new take on florals because it feels a bit more modern. Each print (you’ll see the others here soon) goes with everything from dark jeans to cords, and of course your summer shorts! I’ve found some great options here, here and here.

In city like Chicago, I’m made it my mission to make even the most trendy of prints or styles work for as long as possible, even florals. Think about longevity, the material, and how many pairings you can make with a floral print top. Hoping this style gets your spring wardrobe to blossom!