What Worked (Deluxe Edition)

It's time, once again, for another edition of What Worked. It's been a while, so here's a primer: I see a great outfit when I'm out and about, usually in the Foggy Bottom area of DC, which is plagued by frat guys and lookalike college students. In that environment, a well-dressed gent is easy to spot. Even then, well-dressed isn't usually enough to catch my eye--at least not so much so that it merits a post. I'm looking for guys who do it right, and do something a bit original. And keep in mind, just because these outfits "worked," doesn't mean they will work on you. Know yourself and know your style. But never be afraid to experiment.

Today, we've got three guys who were nailing it, all three of whom happened to be African American.

I spotted the first in Dupont, where a dapper man is no rare sight. The guy was wearing raw (unwashed) denim on the bottom and a rolled-up white button-down (collar out) under a lavender argyle v-neck sweater on top. Shoes were Polo 'Giles' (cheap, and they come in dozens of colorways). He rounded it out with a pair of black shades and a black hat to match (flat brim, obviously).

Hat: 59Fifty White Sox from $27

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarer for $145
Sweater: Banana Republic for $80
Shirt: Banana Republic for $70
Jeans: A.P.C. for $165
Shoes: Polo Giles for $48

Number Two! Spotted at the GW Deli (G Street and 22nd, killer empanadas). An obvious college student, but one who obviously isn't afraid to strike out on his own when it comes to style. The best part of the getup was the green cords. He rocked a vintage Boys and Girls Club tee (substituted here with a Tootsie Pop shirt), tan shoes, and a braves hat.

Hat: 59Fifty from $28
Shirt: Tootsie Pop Tee for $26
Pants: Jeckerson for $139
Shoes: Sperry Top-Siders for $100

Vintage tees: I use them under other shirts most often, as a bottom layer. But they can be worn alone, obviously. Go to your local Goodwill or any other second-hand store for what will surely be an overwhelming selection. Goodwill is your best, cheapest bet. But it's also a bit seedier than other places. Check out TheThriftShopper.com, a database of thrift/vintage stores across the nation. Look to pay $5-$25, depending on where you go.
Keep your cords sharp: The narrower the wales (that's the bumpy part) the less formal the pants. Grab a pair with narrow wales that fits slim--not snug--like your jeans do (or should). Feel free to roll them a few times if the mood/weather calls for it.

Finally: A rugged look on a refined gent with an epic afro. I'm going to try to reconstruct this outfit entirely from J. Crew, just to see if I can. It's all in their vein, so it shouldn't be too hard. Rolled selvedge jeans, brown vest, rolled sleeves on a plaid button down, mocs, brown belt, black scarf. Here we go.

Scarf: Cashmere for $68
Vest: Harvest Herringbone for $125
Shirt: Secret Wash Chapman Tartan for $65
Belt: Roller-buckle for $40
Pants: Levi's 501 Frank for $158
Shoes: Quoddy Bluchers for $230

Did it. Every item from J. Crew. Granted the shirt was a little darker, but I'll take it.

Stay tuned for more of What Worked. As I see them, as I post them.