This blog post is sponsored by Everlane, my favorite place for basics that aren’t so basic. All opinions and ideas are my own.
It’s been quite awhile since Mr. Seasons stopped by the blog in an official capacity, three and a half years to be exact. But something really good brought him out of retirement. If you have a husband, boyfriend, brother, father, or even just know a guy, this post is for you (and them).
Last week Everlane released their men’s Uniform collection. Twelve pieces that are tried and true and have been road-tested by the team before this release. They’re so confident in this collection that they have a 365-day guarantee to replace any item that doesn’t hold up through a year of wearing and washing. Mr. Seasons has been wearing Everlane just as long as I have (5+ years) and he has a lot of experience with items from the men’s shop, including many of the Uniform pieces.
For this blog post I invited him to try out a few new items and share his insights with us.
TODAY WE’LL BE COVERING:
1) The Performance Chino
2) The Performance Jean
3) The Bomber Jacket
4) The Japanese Oxford
5) Tread by Everlane Sneakers (separate from the Uniform collection, but still awesome!)
Before I get too carried away, I’m going to hand this post over to Mr Seasons.
Hey guys! Long-time reader (longest probably), first-time poster. Thanks for letting me share some thoughts on a new, unique offering of men’s style. First, as Andrea shared, I’m already a fan of Everlane. In fact, when we looked over the Uniform collection, it was interesting to see how many of the pieces were already in my lineup.
The concept of a uniform isn’t foreign to me. I think most of us have uniforms, but, broadly speaking, there are some who fall into wearing certain items because they’re comfortable and familiar, and a select few who really have an eye for style and are very intentional with their personal uniform (looking at you Macklemore and Jeff Goldblum). But, I think there’s a third, larger group — guys like me who can appreciate a look but struggle in creating it. That’s who this Everlane Uniform is perfectly suited for (dad pun intended). I love the pieces in the Uniform collection because they’re easy, versatile and transitional.
Okay, time for this Instagram husband to step out from behind the camera to share how I wear some of these pieces for work and play.
I work in the heart of Portland, where there are many well-dressed people. I’m constantly inspired to try new styles. For this first look, I wanted an outfit that I could wear for a busy day that might include a client meeting, and could easily transform for a happy hour date with Andrea. The “work” side of this uniform is crisp and sharp, and I could easily add a tie to take it up another notch.
With that in mind, I really love this look. The light colors help me hold on to the last days of summer while the bomber adds a needed layer of warmth for the cooler mornings and evenings as fall creeps in. I especially appreciate how Everlane cuts their items. It creates those clean lines that give this a polished look. Most importantly, these pieces are all incredibly comfortable.
Here’s a bit more on each core item.
The Japanese Oxford
If I had to pick one thing to recommend from the Uniform collection, it would be the Japanese Oxford. This shirt is a game-changer in my opinion. Sure, on the surface it’s just a button-up collared shirt, but I love this style so much I actually own it in five colors. It’s the perfect shirt for guys who don’t want a high-maintenance dress shirt. The fabric is thick, yet breathable and durable enough that I’ve overcome more coffee spills than I deserve. We don’t use the dry cleaners so knowing I can just chuck these in the wash, hang dry and lightly iron makes these irreplaceable. They are also cut at that perfect length that allows me to tuck them into chinos for a big meeting or cuff the sleeves and go untucked with jeans for a hazy IPA with the guys.
The Performance Chino
Over the summer I bought a pair of the shorts version of these and I was hooked. The fabric has the perfect amount of stretch, which helps them keep their shape and form, and makes them super comfy. These may be chinos, but it felt like I was cheating since they are so comfortable to wear at work. I picked the stone color because I wear a lot of denim and ochre and wanted to lighten my look up a bit. I think it’s easy to get in a rut of navy, black and traditional khaki for men’s business/casual pants. This color steps out of the norm, while still complementing and working with all my other pieces.
The chinos I’m wearing are the slims, but they also come in an athletic fit.
The Bomber Jacket
I am a huge fan of bomber jackets and this one is at the top of my rotation now. Portland is a great place for professionals because it leaves room for business style that’s not just suits and ties. I like to think if Don Draper were pitching digital ads in 2019, he’d rock a bomber at a meeting or two. This bomber is a nice transitional piece that adds an extra bit of warmth while also maintaining a smart, pulled-together look.
A bonus surprise for me was the magnetic buttons and the pockets. These may not seem like a big deal, but I find the little details make or break a jacket. There’s nothing more frustrating than stylish, yet non-functional zippers or snaps that require pliers to open and close. The magnetic buttons mean pockets that stay closed and are easy to access. I also discovered that the exterior pocket flaps can be placed outside or inside the pocket. The jacket came with them outside, which looked nice, but wasn’t user-friendly for me. Once I realized they can go inside the pockets, I switched them up and loved it.
If Andrea and I were to grab a date night after work, here’s how I would transition this outfit. I would swap the Oxford for a Pocket Tee, cuff my chinos and we’d be on our way.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
All the items featured here were gifted from Everlane except for the striped Oxford and the Veja shoes
ON KEVIN:
The Bomber Jacket (M)
Slim Fit Japanese Oxford (M)
Pocket Tee (M)
The Performance Chino (34×32)
V-10 Sneaker, Veja
ON ANDREA:
Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt (6)
Cheeky Bootcut Jean (28)
90’s Loafer (10.5)
ON THE WEEKEND
Alright, first off, this isn’t our house. We’re also not just weirdos sitting on someone’s porch. This beautiful 1906 porch is Andrea’s aunt and uncle’s home in Sellwood, which we totally fell in love with while briefly staying here and waiting to move into our family home. But, while we’re here, might as well enjoy the aesthetics of big porches and quiet nights.
As I mentioned, I love how easily Everlane’s Uniform pieces transition from workwear to everyday wear. As a family of five, our nights and weekends are often jam-packed with soccer practices and games, piano lessons, church gatherings, trips to the Oregon Zoo or OMSI, or the occasional movie or dinner out. I like having clothing choices, but I love having choices I know will work together and can be thrown on in a pinch. I get enough decision paralysis choosing a movie on Netflix, I don’t need my closet to have the same effect.
Here’s a peek at my dream Saturday. (Heads up – my dreams always involve coffee and a pastry.)
This outfit is how you’ll find me most days. Sneakers, jeans, and an easy shirt + jacket if the weather deems it necessary. I am also a late adopter of styles. Cuffed pants and no-show socks were a bridge too far for me at one point. And now, I’m all in on the no-shows and cuff my jeans. Go figure.
What I love about this look is how easy it is to throw on and head out for the day. It looks good but doesn’t beg for attention. Looking through the Uniform collection, I know that one of my French Terry Crew sweatshirts (I have it in navy and heather grey) could easily be added on a cooler day.
The Performance Jeans
These jeans are definitely what I was looking for. I actually own the slim jeans from Everlane’s first run of denim and they are okay but nothing compared to this Performance style. While the older ones stretched out a bit and feel baggy, the Performance Jeans have the kind of stretch that allows them to be comfortable AND retain their fit and shape for long-term wear. I’ve owned a lot of jeans, ranging from cheaper Gap jeans to when I briefly dabbled in designer jeans. These jeans are cut and fit like nicer denim, and have the right thickness to survive the daily wear and tear of life (which can include wrestling with my five-year-old).
Tread Trainer by Everlane
This is a bonus item both in how I got it and now having the chance to review it. On my big birthday, Andrea took me to LA to explore the city and connect with some amazing people. Coincidentally, on our last day there Everlane was launching their Tread pop-up, and I got the chance to pick up a pair of these in person.
This blush pair has all the perks of bright white sneakers but the pink hue makes them fun and unexpected. I’ve been wearing them since April and really love their chunky look. They’re also really comfortable. I’ve actually been eyeing their new colors and, if I were to get another pair, I’d probably get them in Raven. Tread isn’t part of the core Uniform collection, but they make a great accessory. I mean, those clothes aren’t going to walk themselves!
One last thing, beyond the fact that I like the Tread line, I’m super jealous of the shoe options Everlane has for women and hope they’ll start rolling out other styles for men too. poke, nudge, wink…
OUTFIT DETAILS:
All the items featured here were gifted from Everlane except for Andrea’s Veja shoes.
ON KEVIN:
The Bomber Jacket (M)
Cotton Crew Tee in Washed Sky Blue (M)
The Performance Jean (33×32)
Tread Trainer in Blush
ON ANDREA:
Soft Cotton Crew (M)
Corduroy Straight Leg Crop (6)
Esplar Sneaker, Veja
Overall, I think Everlane has struck something really smart with the Uniform. They’ve made buiding a personal style approachable, affordable and easy. You can dive in for a full closet makeover, or tiptoe your way in one piece at a time.
Also, we’ve become savvy online shoppers but it can still be daunting for some guys to buy clothes without trying them on first. My best tips are these. Always read up on the sizing and reach out with further questions to their team at fit@everlane.com. Second, the return process is really easy if you need to swap out. And third, I’ve learned that sizing and fit can change based on wash or color. For denim, know that the same size in different washes will likely fit differently. Don’t get frustrated, just change it up until you find what works for you.
Okay, this editor/IG husband is stepping back out of the limelight but I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. For more of my Everlane pick’s you can check out Andrea’s collection’s page over on their site.
This post is sponsored by Everlane. They are a company I love and believe in, and I’m thrilled to partner with them. As always, all thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you see something you like and make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no extra charge to you. All photography is by your’s truly.
Gosh, this was so sweet, simple and fun to read!
I forwarded this post to my husband as well. The bomber jacket is my fav piece, and I love that it doesn’t look too dressy.
…but can we take a moment to discuss your gorgeous golden brown pants ? :D
Haha! Love it Pav. Yes! These are the beautiful golden brown cords which are very soft!! I took them in my usual size.
Great post! This is very helpful. One question: how tall are you? My husband would love that bomber jacket, but it’s hard to know where it would sit on his 6’6″ frame.
Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth, great question! He is 6’3. I hope that helps!
Thank you! It does :)
I ordered the performance chinos for my husband and they just arrived!! I wasn’t sure between the slim fit and the athletic fit so I ordered both. Can’t wait for a try on sesh with my guy tonight. The bomber jacket looks great!! I’ll have to consider that as it starts to get cooler. (Hasn’t happened yet in KY.) My husband just started a new job after working from home for 10+ years and the timing of this new uniform line couldn’t be more perfect.
What a great post! I have to show it to Paul, MAYBE he will try a new jacket or something?? Fingers crossed. Well done to both of you #powercouple