Dappered | Style Scenario: Mr. Rogers Halloween Costume

[Dappered | Style Scenario: Mr. Rogers Halloween Costume]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Style Scenario: Mr. Rogers Halloween Costume](#1) - [Steal Alert: Brooks Brothers: 45% off $300+ (plus shoes and accessories sale)](#2) - [Style Scenario: Dressing down a topcoat / wearing a topcoat casually](#3) - [In Review: The Banana Republic Arley Boot](#4) [Style Scenario: Mr. Rogers Halloween Costume](r/Dappered/~3/Bevrlq-H6bQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 20 Oct 2020 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. A well dressed man can make any number of Halloween costumes from items that are already in his wardrobe. This year? 2020? We could all use a little more good. So instead of [one more vapid axe murderer(?)](film)), let’s get kind. Because we need it. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” [Style Scenario 101920 M Rog Halloween] The Cardigan: [Goodfellow & Co. Men’s Jacquard Regular Fit Full-Zip Sweater – $39.99](. The focal point of the costume as Mister Rogers was well known for his cardigan sweaters. My exact Goodfellow & Co. sweater from Target is no longer available but this one will do. This one is a zip-up sweater like Mister Rogers usually wore, so it is actually more true to the character than mine. The Tie: [The Tie Bar Bar Stripes Classic Red Tie – $25](//www.thetiebar.com/product/14529). Red with blue and white diagonal stripes. A classic pattern. Hard to go wrong with that. And it’s absolutely something you could see Fred Rogers wearing. The Shirt: [Amazon Buttoned Down Tailored Fit Light Blue Dress Shirt – $30ish](. A light blue dress shirt is a wardrobe staple. Nice alternative to white. And while Mr. Rogers wore both, light blue is a little less stark, and a little more friendly. The Slacks: [Ted Baker Jefferson Flat Front Wool Dress Pants – $79.20]( ($198). And you bet Mr. Rogers woulda called them “slacks.” Another versatile wardrobe staple, here in a 100% wool fabric and light gray shade. Want something even cheaper? [Try these almost 50/50 poly-wool blend pants from the Nordstrom Men’s shop](. The Watch: [Bulova Gold Tone Classic – $220](. Also perfectly looks like something Mr. Rogers would wear. And if not? It looks like something Daniel Striped Tiger would wear! What a cat, D.S.T. A quiet, tame tiger…. and a tiger of class and style as well. [His watch happens to have an interesting backstory too](. The Belt: [Allen Edmonds Stitch Avenue in Coffee – $55]( ($69). Made in the USA, very much on sale, and a classic! The Shoes: [Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers – $99.99]( dwvar_430004_size=02195). Another key item in the costume, as Mister Rogers always changed into sneakers once he got home/at the beginning of the show. Leather sneakers have gained popularity in recent years so there are plenty of great options on the market. To complete the effect, have a pair of dress shoes with you as well, and periodically change into and out of the sneakers. The Trolley: [Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Deluxe Electronic Trolley – $9.99](. You’ll be a hit. Guaranteed. About the author: DeJuan is a husband, father of a 10-year old son and 3-year old daughter, and a chemical engineer. He enjoys watching sports, reading, playing and listening to music, and of course men’s style. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and works from home in inside sales for a chemical process equipment supplier. ff/Dappered?a=Bevrlq-H6bQ:NPtPwrXD3tA:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Bevrlq-H6bQ:NPtPwrXD3tA:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Bevrlq-H6bQ:NPtPwrXD3tA:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal Alert: Brooks Brothers: 45% off $300+ (plus shoes and accessories sale)](r/Dappered/~3/DQkXbr34Yw4/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Oct 2020 02:48 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Brooks Brothers: 44.75% off $300+ w/ BC1818](//www.brooksbrothers.com/) So this one is a bit complicated. Brooks Brothers is running a 35% off $300+ sale at present (as well as 25% off $200). The 15% off code BC1818 is still active. So at checkout, That drops, oh, let’s say [those Made in the UK (probably by Crockett & Jones) Goodyear Welted cap toes](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Peal-Co.%C2%AE-Medallion-Captoes/MH00454,default,pd.html?dwvar_MH00454_Color=BRWN&contentpos=1&cgid=0522) shown at the top of the post… down to $289. From $698. Because, they’re already on sale. And it all stacks at checkout. [BB Steal Alert 101920] - [Made in the UK Peal & Co. Medallion Captoes – $289.23](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Peal-Co.%C2%AE-Medallion-Captoes/MH00454,default,pd.html?dwvar_MH00454_Color=BRWN&contentpos=1&cgid=0522) ($698) - [Football Leather Duffel – $289.23](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Football-Leather-Duffel/929F,default,pd.html) ($698) - [Football Leather Briefcase – $247.79](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Football-Leather-Briefcase/928F,default,pd.html) ($598) - [Regent Fit Herringbone Sport Coat – $275.14](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-Herringbone-Sport-Coat/MM00882,default,pd.html) ($498) - [Golden Fleece Merino Wool Trench Coat – $192.82](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Golden-Fleece%C2%AE-Merino-Wool-Trench-Coat/ML00676,default,pd.html?dwvar_ML00676_Color=GYLT&contentpos=158) ($698) - [Regent Fit BrooksCool Blazer – $275.14](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-BrooksCool%C2%AE-Blazer/MD00078,default,pd.html) ($498) More than a few other things worth a spy with this deal too. Big thanks to Aaron K. for the tip here, as well as our shoe expert Adam for confirming the steal-alert-worthiness of the dress shoes. That’s all. Carry on. ff/Dappered?a=DQkXbr34Yw4:fH0zX4LqDK0:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=DQkXbr34Yw4:fH0zX4LqDK0:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=DQkXbr34Yw4:fH0zX4LqDK0:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Dressing down a topcoat / wearing a topcoat casually](r/Dappered/~3/h0FjsLkGvn0/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Oct 2020 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Men’s style YouTube channels, blogs, etc. are a great source of style inspiration. Sometimes you’ll see a combination that you would never have thought to put together. A topcoat with a hoodie? Never crossed my mind to wear such a formal coat over a causal shirt until I saw several popular YouTubers pull it off. I had to give it a try. Plus, topcoats and other substantial outerwear can be big investments. So wear it with everything! [Style Scenario Fall Layers Dressing down a topcoat] The Topcoat: [Banana Republic Italian Melton Topcoat – $199]( ($398). Lovely camel color is a nice change of pace from the typical gray, black, or navy topcoats. A topcoat is usually worn over a suit, blazer, or sportcoat, but it can be worn so many other ways. This is not my exact coat (notice the different pockets), but it’s close. And BR always makes quality coats each year for fall and winter. Currently 50% off, no code needed, through 10/14. The Hoodie: [Goodthreads Men’s Pullover Fleece Hoodie – $30.00](. My hoodie is actually from/specific to my church, and thus, not available. This hoodie from Amazon will do just fine. Coral? Why not. You can also pick whichever color tickles your fancy. The Watch: [Hamilton Khaki Aviator Pilot Pioneer Chronograph – $531.25]( ($625). The accents on this watch are complimentary to the overcoat, plus the 70’s inspired retro looks are just beyond the norm, which can be a very good thing. Currently price matched at Nordstrom. Yes it’s quartz, but it’s a chrono. And getting a mechanical or automatic quartz for this price is pretty hard… [although there are exceptions](. UPDATE: Gosh dang it… price matching on the Hamilton has ended. D’oh. The Jeans: [Old Navy Slim Built-In Flex White Jeans for Men – $12.58]( ($49.99). Being a big rebel by wearing white jeans WELL after Labor Day. If you’re not feeling so rebellious, more conventional dark wash, inky-blue jeans will work more than fine. The Socks: [The Tie Bar Marled Brown Dress Socks – $8](//www.thetiebar.com/product/X624). Dressy coat, dressy-ish socks. These are a good weight for the in-between weather we’re heading into. The Belt: [Banana Republic Italian Leather Belt – $29.75]( ($59.59). I keep coming back to this belt ([as]( does [Jason](!) because it really is that versatile. A simple brown leather belt that goes with just about anything. I wear it several times a week. Almost always on sale at Banana Republic. The Boots: [Thursday Boot Company Diplomat – $199.00](. Mashing up white jeans with some fall appropriate moc toe boots. Chukkas would work as well, but these Thursdays are Goodyear welted, and should look and feel great for many years. The Sunglasses: [Ray-Ban Rb3025 Classic Pilot Sunglasses in Sand Transparent Brown/Green – $154](. Fall can bring a mix of clouds and sun, so it’s never a bad idea to have some sunglasses handy. Spendy, but they’re Ray Bans and they’ll serve you well for a very, very long time (assuming you don’t lose them). Hard to beat aviators since they’re so classic. About the author: DeJuan is a husband, father of a 10-year old son and 3-year old daughter, and a chemical engineer. He enjoys watching sports, reading, playing and listening to music, and of course men’s style. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and works from home in inside sales for a chemical process equipment supplier. ff/Dappered?a=h0FjsLkGvn0:3L5FLQTWXTg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=h0FjsLkGvn0:3L5FLQTWXTg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=h0FjsLkGvn0:3L5FLQTWXTg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: The Banana Republic Arley Boot](r/Dappered/~3/Z86gShxZ84E/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Oct 2020 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Banana Republic Arley Boot – $89]( ($178) NOTE: BR (and Gap, and Old Navy) is running a 50% off sale right now. There are some exclusions, but these are very much up for the half off. Sorta surprised at that. Anyway, deal runs through the end of the day today, 10/19. Usually they go for around $110. About the Author: Adam Terry is a thirtysomething salesman in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, raw denim, and working on on his dad bod father figure. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. What is a pirate’s favorite work boot? The Banana Republic ARRRLEY of course! The last time I reviewed (a version of) this boot [was almost two years ago](, back before my wife and I had our wonderful kid and before this global pandemic turned the world into a sh!tshow… but I digress. This time we’re back for round two with a new pair of Arleys in a smooth dark brown leather. First impressions? Pretty good! Read on to see how these differ and (might) be even better now! The Adam Review Scale of Excellence (A.R.S.E.) - 5 – Excellent! No issues and highly recommended. - 4 – Good. Above average, but not perfect. - 3 – Average. Minor issues, might be good at the right price. - 2 – Fair. Below average due to defects, flaws, or imperfections. - 1 – Poor. Significant issues, not worth purchasing at any price. BR’s Flagship, Basic Boot. Details - Brand: Banana Republic - Style: Plain toe “workwear inspired” boot - Size: 10 US (43 EU) - Last: n/a - Construction: Glued (Bonwelted/cemented) - Upper: “Genuine Leather” - Sole: Mini lug rubber sole - Details: Tonal metal eyelets, flat waxed laces, and - Extras: Spare laces - Country of Origin: China - Price: $178 USD, but usually around $110 with the standard 40% off BR discount (Jolly) Rodger Dodger. They’re boots allright! Ordering/Delivery/Returns My leather Arley boots were ordered way back in early September, but a small backorder saw them get delivered just a few days ago in early October. Normally I’d be pretty upset with a month-long wait for a pair of boots, but this being 2020 and us being in a global pandemic, I’ll chalk it up to international shipping delays. Plus, it’s not like I really *needed* another pair of brown boots anyways. FYI: Banana Republic is offering free shipping and a 45-day return policy on all items, with returns and exchanges being free when you use their prepaid return label or return the items to a store near you. Score: 4/5 Stars – Easy ordering, small backorder delay, but great return policy. Nice looking (faux) stitched welt Packaging/Unboxing My 2020 Arleys arrived in the standard black Banana Republic boot box stuffed with a load of tissue paper. This helped them arrive scratch and scuff free. There was also a pair of extra flat waxed cotton laces inside the box, to my total surprise. Maybe they read my last review? Hah! Score: 4/5 – Box is fine and the spare laces were a nice touch. More comfort than a bowl of chicken soup. Adam’s Shoe Box Shot[™] First Impressions When you close your eyes and imagine a “brown boot”, you’re probably thinking about the Banana Republic Arley. I think Gap’s design team really nailed it on this boot design. It’s simple and stylish without being plain. The dark brown leather is smooth with a hint of depth and color variation. The upper is stitched together cleanly without any noticeable issues. The flat waxed laces running through the antiqued copper eyelets are surprisingly nice, too, as these are what you’d typically find on more expensive boots. A faux leather welt with contrasting off-white stitching runs along the upper and blends in nicely with the brown rubber midsole. The pull tabs around back are reinforced with fabric so that Cinderella Man doesn’t rip through the thin leather tab when he’s putting on his slippers. Surprisingly nice details, like the antiqued copper eyelets and flat waxed laces. On the inside you’ll find a thin layer of pigskin lining stretching from the heel cup forward to about mid-foot. The toe box is lined in some kind of felt or fabric. This is one of the few areas that looks and feels cheap. Fabric linings like to trap moisture and that typically turns into stinky shoe funk with time. I’d *highly* suggest you use a pair of shoe trees or stuff the boots with newspaper after each wear and give them ample time to air out between wears if possible. Also, merino wool socks can help with this, too! Ortholite insoles. Wish they woulda lined the whole thing in pigskin, but, ah well. The mini lug sole and heel topper are essentially budget versions of the infamous Vibram 430 kit that’s used on much more expensive boots. This is a good thing! They offer plenty of grip in most conditions but also won’t look out of place if you’re pushing these into more “business” leaning “business casual” outfits. No one should be wearing chunky hiking boots to the office with your dress shirt and slacks. Interestingly, the black front outsole and the brown midsole are one single piece of rubber. Gap has accurately (and exceptionally) produced this to look like they are two separate pieces in two different colors, but it’s one single piece. The downside of this means that should you wear through the sole, you’re replacing both the outsole AND the midsole AND heel block. Perks of the lower cost of the boots. Score: 4/5 Stars – Surprisingly nice for a simple/basic pair of boots. Comfort, Fit, and Sizing Comfort is always subjective, but I feel like the non-removable Ortholite insoles and thin leather lining are adequately comfortable. They’re not going to blow your hair back or anything, but they’re soft and the whole package is comfortable enough fresh out of the box to wear them to work on Day 1. Speaking of the insoles, the open-cell foam insole material should breathe pretty well, too. I do have some doubts about their long-term durability, but you’re also not spending Red Wing or Allen Edmonds money here. Mini lug sole and heel topper. Grip without being visually overbearing. Banana Republic doesn’t disclose what last/form that these boots are crafted around, but they run slightly narrow and have a rounded toe and tapered heel. They fit very similarly to my Clark’s Originals Desert Boots, which isn’t a bad thing. One minor complaint – these wear like a work boot/chukka boot hybrid. They’re a hair too short (and too thin) to have any real ankle support. The opening also tends to bow outwards when walking, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Odds are you won’t be doing any heavy manual labor in these anyways. Size wise, I recommend taking a half-size smaller than your normal Brannock shoe size. Sizing down to a 10 US gave me the best fit out of the box without any noticeable heel slip or hot spots. For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. Score: 4/5 Stars – Comfortable. Normal fit/sizing. Pretty, pretty good for $90 – $110 depending on sales. Final Thoughts I think Banana Republic has a good thing going with these Arley boots. Personally, I think the dark brown leather version is the pair to get – it’s simple, elegant, versatile, and should be durable enough for a few seasons. If you’re in the market for something like that and you like how these look, I highly recommend them over something from other fast fashion brands or something chunkier like Timberlands. Plus, Gap Inc. runs regular sales that can drop the price to under $100! Avg. Score: 4/5 Stars – Perfectly average. Nothing wrong with a simple pair of brown leather boots. ff/Dappered?a=Z86gShxZ84E:GjwgpkuVY-o:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Z86gShxZ84E:GjwgpkuVY-o:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Z86gShxZ84E:GjwgpkuVY-o:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States