He Spoke Style

04/09/2024

Comfortable resort chic for a dinner at On The Dune at .

02/09/2024

Do not adjust your sets, that is me wearing rubber Birkenstocks. The ideal way to dress down a monochromatic resort dinner look. 😎👍🏻👍🏻🍹

28/08/2024

Enjoying a beautiful sunset on the pier at .

27/08/2024

Some snaps from this past weekend’s Spritz and Salumi event at . Thanks so much for having me, !

26/08/2024

Yes, it’s Monday, but mentally I’m still at the pool.

01/08/2024

Having realized over the years that the majority of my work takes place at a desk, I’ve always been very thoughtful and intentional about that space. If I’m going to be spending so much time there, I’d better enjoy it, right?

Function and performance are important to me, for sure, but so is design. In other words, I don’t just want something practical, it’s got to match my style and my office’s style as well. The reason is that I’ve found that if I enjoy the space I’m working in — both functionally and aesthetically — I’m much more productive. So here’s a look at my desk setup.

Everything that makes my home office desk setup an enjoyable and productive place to work. I know that a lot of people complain about having to sit and work at a desk all day. I can understand that. I’m lucky, I suppose, because of the fact that I get to work in many different ways ...

24/07/2024

A royal blue suit is a classic suit for the modern man. And in today's post we’ll discuss the differences between a royal blue suit and a navy blue suit and talk about why you might choose a royal blue suit (I’ll share my story). I’ll also break down my styling in this post and we’ll take a closer look at the suit itself.

And why a royal blue suit is a great alternative to navy. Let’s be honest. When it comes to blue suits, there are a lot of choices. Navy blue. Cobalt blue. Air Force blue. Light blue. Want me to keep going? Even when you’re talking about a classic navy blue suit there are any number ...

24/07/2024

Today on the He Spoke Style website, I’m helping to answer the question of why one might choose a royal blue suit. Learn a little about my personal story — it was my first custom suit — below and click the link in bio for the full article.

It was at the very end of 2012 when I decided that I was finally going to make the commitment to dressing well and building a classic and versatile menswear wardrobe. I’d just finished reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs and became sort of fascinated with the idea of doing more with less in terms of clothing.

I didn’t necessarily want to do the uniform thing like Steve Jobs did so famously — though that did fuel one of the more interesting sartorial experiments I’ve ever undertaken — but I thought that by building a thoughtful and well-curated classic wardrobe, that I’d be able to get the most out of the money I planned to spend.

However, there was one issue I was wrestling with internally. I knew that I wanted to build a “classic” menswear wardrobe, but I didn’t want it to be “boring.” Not that there’s anything with “boring” style, as I’ve recently opined.

But this was a bit of a different era and I was just cutting my teeth on classic menswear. I wasn’t into Fashion but I wanted to be somewhat unique without falling into the trap that so many do when first starting out and making that most awful of men’s style mistakes. Well, I did end up doing a bit of that myself — nobody’s immune — but to borrow an extremely overused phrase during that era, I was basically looking to do something that was “classic with a twist.”

It’s easy to roll our collective eyes at that now but the spirit was that I wanted to dress in a classic way but put my own personal stamp on it. And by “personal stamp” I didn’t mean a contrasting color button hole, silly suit jacket lining, or “funky” socks.

No, it had to be much more subtle than that — a reflection of my personality and who I am authentically. I wanted a something that made just a bit of a bolder statement without going too far. I wanted something a little more modern than the traditional navy blue suit.

And I found what I was looking for in a royal blue suit.

18/07/2024

Let me lay the situation out for you was clearly as possible: It’s summer. You’re going to be traveling. You want to pack light. You want to stay cool. And you want to look your best. Who doesn’t want those things, right?

Well, that’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in and asserts its dominance. I’ve put together a 10-piece capsule wardrobe specifically designed for summer travel — 10 pieces and 19 different outfits.

A summer capsule wardrobe for men with style. Let me lay the situation out for you was clearly as possible: Who doesn’t want those things, right? Well, that’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in and asserts its dominance. I’ve put together a 10-piece capsule wardrobe specifically designed for su...

16/07/2024

For me, a cream linen suit represents the epitome of summer elegance. It effortlessly combines style and sophistication with a light and breathable fabric, making it an ideal choice for any summer event where looking refined is a must.

Is a cream linen suit the key to summer elegance? Summer has never been my favorite season for classic men’s style. As someone who loves wearing suits, sport coats, and trousers, the nature of the season itself is kind of antithetical to that style of dress. Heat and humidity mix with tailoring ab...

16/07/2024

Summer has never been my favorite season for classic men’s style. As someone who loves wearing suits, sport coats, and trousers, the nature of the season itself is kind of antithetical to that style of dress. Heat and humidity mix with tailoring about as well as oil does with water.

Sure, we can extoll the virtues of fabrics like cotton and linen, open weaves like hopsack and fresco, unlined jackets, and even legendary claims of SPF-like qualities of a certain fabric, but when push comes to shove, in certain sizzling summer situations I do find myself siding with some of my commenters who routinely complain whenever I post a tailored look during these months — “yeah, but, I guess it’s not as hot where you live as it is in [insert southern state here].”

I hear you. And for the record, if it’s like 100-degrees out, you’re most likely to find me in shorts and a t-shirt and not a suit. I know, clutch your pearls, people.

But there are certainly times when you really do need to wear a suit or sport coat and trousers during the summer, so when those occasions roll around, that’s when you want to reach for your cottons and linens and hopsacks and frescos.

And while tailoring and summer heat don’t necessarily go hand in hand, I’d also make the case that it’s very hard to dress elegantly in the summer as well. Hard, but not impossible.

In today’s post on the He Spoke Style website, I’ll share the story of this look, talk a bit about elegance, in general, and tell you why I think a cream linen suit is the easiest way to pull off that elusive summer elegance. Click the link in bio for the full story and to shop the look.

08/07/2024

There’s whisky and then there’s *whisky*. The good stuff. The refined stuff. The unique stuff. The really special stuff. King Alexander III from Principle Collection is all of those things and more. It’s an award-winning, one-of-a-kind, single malt with a rich and complex character, created to celebrate one of the most towering figures in Scottish history. Click the link in bio for the full review and read on for just a taste...

Before getting into my personal tasting notes, let’s take a quick look at the notes provided by The Dalmore on their website:

- Aroma: Red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit
- Palate: Citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel, and crushed almonds
- Finish: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger

Just a note on notes in general. I’m always open to suggestions and guidance because no matter how “refined” my palate — or nose, in the case of fragrance — becomes I still quite often find it difficult to place what I am tasting or smelling. It’s pretty much the same issue I have with foreign languages. For example, I studied Spanish for five years but I’m much better at reading it and understanding what people are saying than I am at forming actual sentences myself.

I also often find notes to be a bit esoteric and/or over the top. Like, what normal person knows what labdanum smells like? And what the hell does a slightly moist river rock in autumn taste like?

I wanted to provide that slight bit of exposition — and suspicion — to set up the fact that 1) I appreciate how simple and understandable The Dalmore’s King Alexander III tasting notes are and 2) that they pretty much capture my personal experience tasting the whisky.

In terms of aroma, I don’t necessarily get red berry fruits and a hint of passion fruit. Not that that’s not present, but my overall impression when nosing this whisky is of depth and sweetness. Personally, get whiffs of sherry and port. This makes total sense when you consider the fact that King Alexander III is the result of six different cask finishes, including small batch Bourbon casks, 30 Year Old Sherry cases, Madeira and Marsala casks, Port pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

More on HSS...

08/07/2024

There’s whisky and then there’s whisky. The good stuff. The refined stuff. The unique stuff. The really special stuff. King Alexander III from The Dalmore’s Principle Collection is all of those things and more. It’s an award-winning, one-of-a-kind, single malt with a rich and complex character, created to celebrate one of the most towering figures in Scottish history. Read our in-depth review.

An in-depth review of The Dalmore King Alexander III whisky. There’s whisky and then there’s whisky. The good stuff. The refined stuff. The unique stuff. The really special stuff. King Alexander III from The Dalmore’s Principle Collection is all of those things and more. It’s an award-winnin...

01/07/2024

I think it’s important to pamper yourself a little bit each day. Call it whatever you want — self-care, me time — it’s a small thing that can set the tone and change your outlook on the day. And one of the places I like to do just that is during my morning shower. How do I treat myself during my cold morning shower? Well, with a very nice luxury body wash.

Now, I fully understand that this may seem a bit indulgent and possibly obnoxious, but you know what? You pick your “thing” and this is (one of) mine. Currently, I am fancying Acqua di Parma’s classic Colonia body wash but inclusive of that, here are six luxury body washes I’ve personally tried, tested, and love.

Our 6 picks for the best luxury body wash for men. I’m team cold shower. That’s right. You heard me correctly. And just let me say that although I have never been someone who’s been particularly susceptible trendy health things — I’m looking at you, CrossFit, though I do employ some of you...

26/06/2024

When I started venturing into classic menswear, I was more often dressed up because, honestly, it felt a lot easier. To put it simply, I just had to worry about the color, fabric, and patterns, which already requires some thought but when you’re talking about a formula, it definitely helps to simplify things.

Now, if you take away the framework of having trousers, a shirt, a tie, and a jacket and open up the playing field for basically wearing anything . . . that’s when I felt utterly lost.

On the other hand, dressing down allows you to become more creative and experimental. You should look at it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. To help you get started, we’ve put together five tips to help you look stylish even when wearing more casual clothes.

In today’s world, dressing casually is more common than dressing up. Many workplaces and restaurants no longer require you to dress up, and occasions when you need to wear a tie are quite rare. Due to the trend of more casual clothing for men becoming more normalized, the ability to dress down wit...

24/06/2024

There’s no better time than the summertime to sit back and relax with a good book. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or just hanging out in the backyard, it’s great to just let your mind get lost in something that’s fun and enjoyable. Here are seven books that our editors are reading this summer.

Our editors share their best summer reads. There’s no better time than the summertime to sit back and relax with a good book. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or just hanging out in the backyard, it’s great to just let your mind get lost in something that’s fun and enjoyable. Here a...

21/06/2024

Last Monday, kissed by the famous waning Tuscan summer sunlight on the eve of Pitti Uomo 106, we hosted an intimate and elegant creative black tie aperitivo in partnership with our friends from The Dalmore and Four Seasons Florence.

Kicking off the 106th edition of Pitti Uomo in style. Last Monday, kissed by the famous waning Tuscan summer sunlight on the eve of Pitti Uomo 106, we hosted an intimate and elegant creative black tie aperitivo in partnership with our friends from The Dalmore and Four Seasons Florence. As veteran at...

20/06/2024

Mike and I trying to decide who should wear the hat. Swipe for the outcome!

19/06/2024

Time to fill up the beach bag! Summer brings holidays, pool days, and yard work which means it’s time to start thinking about the grooming products that you’ll need to keep on hand so that your skin, hair, and eyes stay in great shape. Here are the 10 best products you can find to make sure you have some stylish (and safe) fun in the sun this year.

What to stock up on for your summer grooming kit. Time to fill up the beach bag! Summer brings holidays, pool days, and yard work which means it’s time to start thinking about the grooming products that you’ll need to keep on hand so that your skin, hair, and eyes stay in great shape. Here ...

17/06/2024

The last day of Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear trade show in Florence, Italy, is typically a bit sleepier than the rest. After a week of walking the floor, eating a bit more pasta or Florentine steak than you planned on, drinking more than your quota of Negronis, and socialization overload, many weary fair-goers are eager to clock out and head home (or on to Milan). Yet despite the thinner crowds, you can always count on more than your fair share of inspiring outfits and style. And our man Rikesh Chauhan, stuck it out to the bitter end to capture all the best looks. Enjoy.

Our favorite fits from the final day at this summer’s edition of Pitti Uomo. The last day of Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear trade show in Florence, Italy, is typically a bit sleepier than the rest. After a week of walking the floor, eating a bit more pasta or Florentine steak than you planned o...

17/06/2024

Reprising my role as guest saxophonist with the party jazz orchestra last week at the in Florence. We were honored to co-host this edition of the bash along with our partners , .ny and . Will have a full roundup at the end of the week on the He Spoke Style website.

15/06/2024

Sometimes you just click with people. That was immediately the case with Damien and I when we met in person just last January. Honored to have him among our guests at our Pitti kickoff event in collaboration with and . We’ve got a video recap and full blog post coming next week. Stay tuned!

14/06/2024

As we stepped out the door in the morning and looked up to the sky, we couldn't help but wonder, was it going to rain? And then, when we felt a few sprinkles on our way over to the Fortezza da Basso for the third day of Pitti Uomo, menswear's most important and influential trade show, there was just a brief moment of panic. Thankfully, that feeling passed rather quickly as the rain ceased and the clouds rolled away, setting the stage for another beautiful day in Florence full of great style and inspiration. Once again, Rikesh Chauhan was there to capture all the best looks.

Our favorite looks from Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy. As we stepped out the door in the morning and looked up to the sky, we couldn’t help but wonder, was it going to rain? And then, when we felt a few sprinkles on our way over to the Fortezza da Basso for the third day ...

14/06/2024

Catching up with the .mogg crew on Day 2 at the Fortezza. Thanks for the lovely 📸 🙏🏻🙏🏻

13/06/2024

Perfect pairings. Click the link in bio to get the full look.

13/06/2024

The sun and style were out in full force once again at the Fortezza da Basso and environs for the second full day of Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear trade show, in Florence. The inspiration was plentiful and thankfully, our man Rikesh Chauhan, was on the ground to document all the best looks. Check 'em out.

Our favorite looks from the second day of Pitti Uomo 106 in Florence. The sun and style were out in full force once again at the Fortezza da Basso and environs for the second full day of Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear trade show, in Florence. The inspiration was plentiful and thankfully, our man....

13/06/2024

The sun and style were out in full force once again at the Fortezza da Basso and environs for the second full day of Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear trade show, in Florence. The inspiration was plentiful and thankfully, our man , was on the ground to document all the best looks. Click the link in bio to see the full story.

12/06/2024

Welcome to the 106th edition of Pitti Uomo, the famous (or infamous, depending on who you talk to) biannual menswear trade show in Florence, Italy. We're here taking in the sights, soaking in the sun, eating amazing food, drinking more than a few Negronis, and checking out all of the amazing style on display. Once again, we've got our man on the ground, Rikesh Chauhan, capturing all the best street style looks. Please enjoy our favorites from day one of the fair.

All the best looks from the first day of the Florence menswear fair. Welcome to the 106th edition of Pitti Uomo, the famous (or infamous, depending on who you talk to) biannual menswear trade show in Florence, Italy. We’re here taking in the sights, soaking in the sun, eating amazing food, drinkin...

12/06/2024

Welcome to the 106th edition of Pitti Uomo, the famous (or infamous, depending on who you talk to) biannual menswear trade show in Florence, Italy. We’re here taking in the sights, soaking in the sun, eating amazing food, drinking more than a few Negronis, and checking out all of the amazing style on display. Once again, we’ve got our man on the ground, Rikesh Chauhan, capturing all the best street style looks. Swipe for a preview and click the link in bio to see all of our favorites.

10/06/2024

Although trends are not something I spend much time paying attention to — I prefer my style to be classic with a modern sensibility — the terracotta suit as a wedding suit trend is one that I can easily get behind 100-percent.

A wedding is a celebration. It’s a unique celebration for two special people. It should be fun. It should be memorable. It should stand the test of time. That’s also how I view wedding attire and why I think a terracotta suit is such a great option.

Whether for grooms or groomsmen, a terracotta suit is a bold and unique choice for modern wedding attire. Although trends are not something I spend much time paying attention to — I prefer my style to be classic with a modern sensibility — the terracotta suit as a wedding suit trend is one that ...