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Deep Dive: The All-American Capsule Wardrobe

Deep Dive: The All-American Capsule Wardrobe

The All-American capsule is a combination of classic menswear garments that form the basis of the “American” style. It combines elements of timeless sportswear with the world-famous “Ivy” aesthetic.

This capsule includes 12 classic menswear garments that are designed to be mixed-and-matched (in any combination) to effortlessly create many different outfits.

Using only these 12 garments, you can create more than 20 different looks. There are outfits for the office, business meetings, conferences, client presentations, drinks with colleagues, date nights, brunch, special events, going out with the boys, visiting friends, chilling on the weekend, and just about any other occasion. 

Here's a full breakdown:

THE 12 ITEMS

1. The Park Avenue Coat

Navy hooded wool overcoat for men, ideal for fall and winter layering, from Articles of Style's menswear collection.

The Park Avenue Coat is a stylish everyday coat that can be dressed-up (over suits and jackets) or dressed-down (over casual wear). It's made from a heavy-duty pure wool fabric and designed to be your go-to coat for functional, everyday style.

2. The Rucker Jacket

Dark grey wool blazer for men by Articles of Style, perfect for versatile, stylish layering in professional and casual looks.

The Rucker jacket is a classic go-to jacket made from a 4-season worsted wool with stretch. It's comfortbale (lightweight, very easy to move around in) and super versatile - perfect for building a capsule wardrobe. Pair it with the matching pant and vest to have the option to wear it as a suit.

3. The Rucker Pant

Dark grey wool trousers for men by Articles of Style, featuring a classic fit and side adjusters for a tailored look

The Rucker pant is a classic go-to pant made from a 4-season worsted wool with stretch. These are comfortable (lightweight, very easy to move around in) and super versatile. Perfect for building a capsule wardrobe. Pair them with the matching jacket and vest to have the option to wear them as a suit.

4. The Kings Shacket in Navy

Black corduroy jacket for men by Articles of Style, featuring a classic button-down design with pockets for a versatile, stylish look

The Kings shacket is a casual, easy, everyday layering piece made from a rugged corduroy fabric (the "cloth of kings") that is world-famous for breaking-in beautifully over time. Pair it with the matching pant for a stylish and sartotial set.

5. The Kings Pant in Navy

Dark green men's trousers by Articles of Style in a flat lay presentation, showcasing minimalist and versatile style for classic men's fashion

The Kings pant is a casual, easy, everyday pant made from a rugged corduroy fabric (the "cloth of kings") that is world-famous for breaking-in beautifully over time. Pair it with the matching shacket for a stylish and sartotial set.

6. The Park Avenue Puffer

Black puffer vest by Articles of Style, ideal for layering in men's fashion with a versatile and stylish design

The Park Avenue puffer is our classic puffer vest made from a pure wool outerwear fabric that is soft, warm and built for versatility. Wear it as a light jacket, a layer to beef up your coat, or keep it in the office for that AC chill.

7. The Sarasota Jacket in Navy

Navy wool blazer by Articles of Style, a classic men's jacket perfect for versatile, stylish layering in menswear

The Sarosata jacket is an updated version of our famous "Silk Tweed Jacket"; a versatile sportcoat with all the texture and charm of tweed but lighweight and breathable enough for gentlemen in warm climates. It has an amazing texture and a subtle herringbone pattern that can be combined with virtually anything.

8. The Chico Pant in Khaki

Tan chino pants by Articles of Style, versatile men's trousers ideal for both casual and formal wear in modern menswear.

The Chico pant is a casual everyday pant made from a performance stretch fabric that is built for versatility, durability and everyday style.

9. The Griddy Shirt

Light blue dress shirt by Articles of Style, a classic men's wardrobe essential for professional and casual styling

The Griddy shirt is a super-versatile 4-season shirt made from a pure cotton fabric with a micro check (or "grid") pattern. The tight subtle pattern makes it very easy to combine this shirt with just about any other color, fabric or pattern.

10. The Johnny Polo

Cream knit polo sweater by Articles of Style, a versatile men's fashion staple for layering and classic style.

The Johnny is a timeless long-sleeve polo shirt updated with the perfect fit and made from a super-finItalian merino wool that is famous for its soft hand and supreme comfort.

11. The Rep Stripe Tie

Navy silk tie with white stripes by Articles of Style, a classic men’s accessory for formal and business attire

A classic silk tie in a retro rep stripe. Wear it with blues, greys, khakis and neutral earthtones.

12. The Cashmere Beanie

Olive green knit beanie for men by Articles of Style, a stylish accessory for cold weather fashion

A classy, luxurious beanie. Made from 100% Scottish cashmere. 3D knit in Brooklyn New York in one piece, with no seams. This Fall/Winter staple is stylish, comfortable and versatile. Consider this a necessity in your wardrobe when the temperature drops. Wear it with literally everything.


THE OUTFITS

Using only these 12 items, here are some of the outfits you can create...

Everything works together in any combination (you can't make any mistakes) and you can easily (and quickly) create outfits for just about any occasion.

This allows you to get the most out of each item and keep a cohesive, streamlined closet.

1. Simple business casual

Man wearing a light blue dress shirt and gray trousers in a business casual style by Articles of Style, with brown loafers and a sophisticated look

Sometimes all you need is a great shirt and trouser. Consider this an easy "base" - that you can layer-up with the jacket, coat, shacket, etc.

2. Business

Man wearing a tailored gray suit with a navy striped tie and black dress shoes, showcasing a formal business attire look by Articles of Style

A classic grey suit is a must-have in the wardrobe and this one can be worn in any season and with just about any shirt and tie combination. 

3. Add the Coat

Man in a gray suit layered with a navy overcoat, featuring a striped tie and black dress boots, representing a refined business attire by Articles of Style

What I love most about the Park Avenue coat is that it works just as well over a suit and tie as it does over a sweater and jeans. 

4. Sportcoat Split-Up

Man wearing a navy blazer, gray trousers, and striped tie in a classic business style, highlighting a sophisticated look by Articles of Style

To go from "business" to "business casual" simply swap the suit jacket for the Sarasota sportcoat.

Close-up of a navy herringbone blazer with a striped tie and white pocket square, showcasing classic menswear details by Articles of Style

5. Layer It Up

Man wearing a navy vest and herringbone blazer paired with a striped tie and gray trousers, showcasing versatile men’s fashion with a modern twist, by Articles of Style.

Pro layering move: the puffer over the sportcoat.

6. Ease Up

Man wearing a navy corduroy jacket with a light blue shirt and gray trousers, showcasing a sophisticated casual menswear look by Articles of Style.

To make it more casual and leisurely, swap the sportcoat for the corduroy shacket. 

7. Casual Tailoring

Man wearing a navy corduroy suit with a light blue shirt and brown loafers, styled by Articles of Style for a classic, relaxed menswear look.

The corduroy "shacket set" is like a super casual, super stylish suit that you can wear anywhere.

Man wearing a navy corduroy jacket and light blue shirt in a side profile, styled by Articles of Style for a sophisticated casual look.

8. Perfect Pairings

Man wearing a navy wool blazer with a light blue shirt and brown loafers, demonstrating a classic menswear look.

The smooth silk texture of the Sarasota jacket is a perfect pairing for the heavier, more rugged corduroy trouser.

9. Wool, Silk, Cotton

Man wearing a navy overcoat layered over a blazer and dress shirt, styled with brown loafers for a classic men's winter fashion look.

Naturally you can throw the Park Avenue coat over any of these looks.

10. The Sport of Business

Man in a navy puffer vest layered over a white dress shirt, paired with black corduroy pants and brown loafers for a casual men’s fashion look.

The iconic "finance bro" pairing - done with style and class by elevating the fabrics and fit.

11. Easy, Anywhere

Man wearing an ivory knit polo shirt paired with navy corduroy pants and brown loafers, showcasing a refined casual men’s fashion style.

Name one place you can't wear a fine merino polo and a corduroy trouser... Two timeless classics.

12. Add the Shacket

Man wearing a navy corduroy suit with an ivory knit shirt and brown loafers, presenting a stylish casual men’s outfit for fall fashion.

The shacket-set with the merino polo is a combo you can wear just about anywhere -  dates, restaurants, meetings, bars, games, etc

13. All Navy

Man wearing a navy corduroy suit layered with an overcoat, showcasing a refined fall menswear look with an ivory knit shirt and brown loafers.

Adding the coat brings it to another level.

14. The Most Unstructured Sportcoat

Man wearing a navy corduroy jacket with beige chinos and a white polo, showcasing a casual fall menswear look with brown loafers.

Think of the shacket as the most casual - and unstructured - version of a sportcoat. And wear it that way.

15. Classic w/ a Twist

Man wearing a navy blazer with beige chinos and a white polo shirt, styled with sunglasses and brown loafers for a sophisticated men's casual look.

There's nothing more classic than a blue blazer, white shirt and khakis. This is just a cooler, more relaxed and more comfortbale version.

16. Smart Weekend

Man wearing a navy vest over a white polo shirt with beige chinos and brown loafers, creating a stylish casual men's outfit.

Casual doesn't have to be sweatpants or gym attire.

17. Outdoors

Man wearing a dark padded coat, beanie, and beige pants in a casual winter look from Articles of Style

Pop the puffer under the coat to beef it up - great if you're spending longer periods of time out in the cold. 

18. Smart Separates

Man in a navy blazer, striped tie, and beige pants for a classic men’s fashion look from Articles of Style

A timeless American look.

19. Build from here

Man wearing a navy coat layered over a blazer with a striped tie and beige pants, showcasing a sophisticated men’s fashion look from Articles of Style

The best part is - these pieces are perfect for laying the "foundation" of your long-term wardrobe. It will be easy to add new pieces and build from here. 


SHOP THE CAPSULE

All-American Capsule Wardrobe Collection featuring a range of menswear essentials including outerwear, sweaters, shirts, pants, and accessories for versatile styling.

There are even more outfits you could create with just these 12 pieces, but I think you get the idea.

For more information, including pricing and sizing options, click here:

The All-American Capsule


The Custom Capsule Experience

Want to edit this capsule or make your own?

Book the custom capsule experience with me.

I look forward to working with you!

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier


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