Style and Smarts
There's a lot of buzz about wearable tech out there. We cut through the clutter and look at how to do hi-tech AND high style.
Using Color in Your Accessories
Spring is in full swing. And unless your home address contains the word “Winterfell”, this should be your cue from Madre Naturaleza for some full-on color-play. Last week, we showed you how to raise your pattern and color game in the context of shirts and ties. This week, we’ll show you how you can introduce...
How to Fold a Pocket Square – The Square Fold
It’s completely unnecessary, yet absolutely essential. Unlike its utilitarian ancestor, the handkerchief, the modern pocket square is purely form over function. Straightforward, trim, and low-maintenance, a square fold pocket square is always an appropriate accent to a well-dressed man’s ensemble. There was a time when the square fold was the only fold for most...
How To Tie A Bow Tie In Seconds
Learning how to tie a bow tie is not rocket science, it just takes a few tries to master. We’ll show you how.
5 Essentials of the Accidental Minimalist
Check out our foolproof guide to dressing up (even if you rarely get dressed up).
Tie Width – How Slim or Wide Should You Go?
Skinny tie vs regular tie? Don't worry, we're here to explain the rule of thumb for pairing skinny tie widths with a slim fit suit.
Try This Bow Tie Style Hack
Have you ever wished one of your favorite ties was a bow tie? Or maybe you just got a last minute invite to a black tie event…TONIGHT and (oh crap!) you don’t have a bow tie. What do you do? Do what any good style hacker would do and improvise. With a little know-how you...
How to Find Quality Accessories
It's not that you NEED to wear these items, but you really ought to rock them if you want to be considered stylish. Call them unneccesary. Call them the non-essential essentials. Whatever you call them, call on them when you want to step up your style.
Learn How to Tie a Trinity Knot
Q: “I absolutely loved your Eldredge knot post! I’ve been looking for more unique knots like it ever since and came across something called the “Trinity Knot” which also looks really cool. Can you please have an “Ask a Black Lapel Stylist” post teaching us how to tie this one?” – Eric K. A: We’re...
When Art and Menswear Collide
Get the skinny on how Black Lapel teamed up with artist, Sam Shuter, and accessories brand, Everett Clothing, to create a one-of-a-kind addition to any art (or tie) collection.
Going Sockless – 6 Ways to Avoid the Stink
We’ve already introduced some classic sockless pairings in a Pinterest board as a way of staying cool while looking effortlessly stylish. Now we’ll teach you how to execute these looks while avoiding all the common downsides of going sockless including sweaty feet, odor and ruined shoes. Unless you’re one of the genetically chosen ones who...
Matching Your Shirt and Tie – 3 Easy Combinations
See photo examples of common shirt and tie combinations that work, plus rules matching all your shirts and ties.
Adding Color to a Wintry Mix
In the dead of winter you may reach for your dark gray suits, but you don't have to leave the bold colors in the closet. We'll show you how to liven up your look with three of the sharpest colors of the season.
How to Rock a Budget Watch With Your Custom Suit
“A timepiece is the final say to any man’s outfit.” Timeless Role as a Statement Piece These days, the functional value of a wristwatch is waning with the ubiquitous use of cell phones for time-keeping. However, the aesthetic value of a watch can’t quite be replicated (yet) by an iPhone no matter how well designed. A...
Tie Bars
Q: “I recently added tie bars to my sparse collection of accessories in an effort to add some flair to my looks, but I’m not really sure how to wear them. Is there a rule for where on the tie you should wear a tie bar?” – Jim K. A: When it comes to accessorizing...
Bringing the XY Back to Suspenders
After seeing your story on suspenders I went looking for some and I noticed that some suspenders make an X shape in the back, not the Y shape I was expecting. What’s the dif? – Alan B. There is one major difference between Y-back (above center) and X-back (above left) suspenders, Alan. Y-back are more...
A Guide to Wearing Cufflinks That Fit Your Style
Finding cufflinks can be tricky, but even if you couldn't tell a French cuff from a French maid we're sure you'll find your style in these.
Learn How to Match Socks
Q: “When suiting up, should I match the color of my socks to my suit pants or shoes?” – Ken J. A: As you can see from the picture above, we’re not all too serious about matching your socks to either your pants or your shoes. If we really had to choose, we’d say match...
A Guide to Bracelets for Men
Yes, men can wear bracelets too. Check out our guide on different types of bracelets for men.
How Do You Tie an Eldredge Knot?
Q: “I stumbled upon this image recently of a tie knot that completely blew my mind. What is this majestic thing and how do I go about tying it?” – Alex J. A: This mindblowing work of tie artistry is called the “Eldredge knot”. Its origins are uncertain (more on this later), but we do...
Belt Alternatives: Side Tabs & Suspender Buttons
Q: “Ever since discovering custom tailored suits, I’ve warmed up to the idea of forgoing the belt. Still, I feel a little awkward wearing suit pants with empty belt loops just hanging there. What are your thoughts on not wearing a belt on suit pants with belt loops?” – George M. A: As Glenn O’Brien once...
A Guide to Stepping Up Your Sock Game
Matching Your Dress Socks Is Easier Than You Think The Dress Sock Game Let’s get something straight right off the bat: it’s sock season. In the summertime we show more ankle than an Amish stripper (without stinking up our shoes, we might add) but when the leaves start to fall and the temperatures do too,...
Stand Out With Your Hands Out
You’re suited up and about to step out in a jacket/hat/scarf combo that don’t mess around (like one of these). It’s blisteringly cold but you don’t want to screw up your look with a thick pair of mittens that could pass for Mom’s old potholders. How can you avoid frostbite while staying style savvy? Here...
How to Choose the Right Belt for Your Suit
If perfection is in the details, the belt you wear with your suit is as integral to your overall look as the pattern of your suit fabric or the shoes you choose. Still, belts are often diminished to that strap of leather meant to hold up your pants. In this short primer, we’ll explore the...
Fall’s Favorite Ties
Put on a tie made with a textured fabric, like wool or corduroy, and you’ll immediately wonder why you didn’t think of doing it sooner. We’ll excuse you if you have been locked in the smooth cell of silk tie jail for years. Most men have. We go to the store, or our favorite online...
Hacks-essorize: How to Repurpose Men’s Accessories
The rules governing men’s clothing accessories are not that complicated. Clip this here, slip this through this hole, for a touch of sprezzatura, leave this nonchalantly unbuttoned, etc. For years we’ve dutifully followed the rules and they’ve worked for us. But our styles are our own and in this world of “personal brands” isn’t it time...
Triple Crown Style
Even if you've never watched a horse race, let the spirit of the Triple Crown (starting with the most famous race of them all, the Kentucky Derby) inspire you to raise your weekend style this spring.
Black Lapel Brings You A Free Month of FreshNeck
Do you need to add to your tie collection? If you order a suit from Black Lapel this November your collection can instantly get bigger…A LOT BIGGER! We’re talking thousands. Don’t worry, you won’t have to add a new wing to your studio apartment to stock all your new stuff. We’ll include a one-month gift subscription...
The Best Travel Bags For Men
Constantly on the go? Don't let your bag bog your style down. We've gathered the most stylish travel bags for men to take on weekend getaways.
