Good news, guys: Menswear is experiencing something of a renaissance in Washington right now. Between all the awesome new places to shop, homegrown shirt and tie labels, and dapper Washingtonians rocking bold looks in our What I Wear to Work column, there’s never been a better time to amp up your style game. The latest evolution of the scene? A super-cool “style speakeasy” happening Thursday, April 26. Masterminded by Elise Peterson of It’s Vintage Darling, bow-tie maker Eliot Payne of Accoutre, and favorite Shop Around photog Kate Warren, the first WW Club (it stands for Whiskey and Women) event will feature a selection of menswear from Jack Spade, Federal, It’s Vintage Darling, Dr. K’s Vintage, Ginger Root, Alton Lane, and The Good Kin. There will also be a burlesque performance, a whiskey tasting, and a stocked bar. General admission is $10, and $25 gets you advance access at 6:30, a half-hour open bar, and a private burlesque performance. Tickets are available here.
Afraid to show up without already looking the part? No worries–Peterson and Payne styled a killer lookbook for the event (you can click through some choice shots in the slideshow above) and offered up eight simple guidelines for giving your closet a much-needed kick in the, well, pants. Happy clothes hunting!
From Elise:
1) If you wore it in high school, it should not still have a place in your closet. Seriously. Graphic T-shirts, cargo shorts, white sunglasses (the bane of my existence)–get rid of ’em! These items are women repellers.
2) The only time running shoes should be worn is while running. In fact, workout gear is made for working out–period.
3) The beauty of menswear is that it’s very detail-oriented. No matter how casual the ensemble, don’t be afraid to accessorize. Adding a watch, ring, leather bracelet, or pocket square, or even layering with a vest or blazer, shows you put thought into what you wore.
4) Invest in great-quality classic pieces. Even if you are not the swankiest man, a crisp white shirt, dark denim, and a classic shoe, be it a Clark or a Chuck Taylor, will never go out of style.
From Eliot:
1) Grab your favorite pair of pants, slacks, or chinos. Just one pair. Take them to a tailor (click here for a list of Washingtonian‘s favorites) , not your dry cleaner’s alterationist. Have him or her make sure those pants fit impeccably. Maybe taper the leg a bit. Once you see the results, you’ll go back.
2) Toss out your square-toed shoes. Do not donate them. THROW THEM AWAY. Get them out of the system! Go buy a pair of quality shoes and take care of them–maybe a wingtip that can work for the office or go a bit more casual with nice jeans.
3) Every time you leave the house, try to make a point of wearing at least one great accessory (a watch, a pocket square, a tie bar, a bag, whatever). It doesn’t have to be expensive.
4) Step outside your comfort zone, whatever that means to you.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
