Adam Lennartson, 28, is busy. Father of two boys under two. Science and physical-education teacher at Southwest Christian High School in Chaska. Avid outdoorsman. The last thing on his mind is fashion. “My style is definitely casual,” he says. “Give me jeans and a T-shirt for most any occasion, and I’m good.” But his wife was ready for him to leave his college duds behind, and he agreed: “I want a better sense of what pieces work together. But I also need to be comfortable.” We had answers.
FROM THE EXPERTS
The Challenge: “As a teacher and father of two boys under the age of two, Adam needed to find things that were easy to mix and match and put together quickly,” Faith says. “I wanted him to feel comfortable, plus find clothes that would transition from the classroom to home.”
Putting It Together: “Men tend to buy things that don’t fit correctly,” says Faith. “As long as the pants stay up with a belt, it’s considered a good fit.” Instead of buying something off the rack, Faith recommends trying things on and getting a second opinion. Also: “Look for colors that work with your coloring”—the blue shirt makes Adam’s blue eyes pop, for instance. “And don’t try to change everything at once. Little steps make it seem less daunting.”
Adam’s Takeaway: “I’m usually a jeans-and-T-shirt guy, but everything Faith chose was definitely in the style I would wear. I probably wouldn’t have picked out some of the colors she did, but I liked them. Moving forward, I’ll be more aware of what pieces I put together and add a little color.”
DRESS SUCCESS
1. Unexpected color combinations dress up outfits with little effort.
2. A relaxed cardigan ties things together and is “classroom casual.”
3. Chino pants are a good alternative to jeans: they’re comfortable while still professional.
4. Don’t cheap out on shoes: a great pair can tie together an outfit better than almost any other accessory.
WHERE TO GET IT
Outfit, main image: Racing stripe shirt, $98.50 @ Hammer-made, 3380 Galleria, Edina, 952-681-2534, hammermade.com. Rag & Bones jeans, $175; H by Hudson McGeachy shoes, $315; both @ Martin Patrick 3, 212 Third Ave. N., Ste. 106, Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com. Parke and Ronen sweater, $275 @ Martin Patrick 3. Outfit, above right: Here’s The Deal shirt, $98.50; tie, $75; watch, $95; all @ Hammer-Made. 484 Slim Pant, $108 @ J. Crew, jcrew.com. H by Hudson shoes, $310; Christopher Fischer Horatio cardigan, $260; both @ Martin Patrick 3. Items, right: Eye Bob glasses, $75; Acme pen, $73; Bosca wallet, $60; all @ Martin Patrick 3. Outfit, below: Creep slim-fit pants, $156; Cause and Effect belt, $130; Rag & Bone Rowan boot, $370; all @ Martin Patrick 3. Flannel shirt, $69.50 @ J. Crew. Cardigan, $120 @ Banana Republic, bananarepublic.com.
Daily Design
Dressing up everyday basics.
1. A great flannel is a staple. Wear it alone or dress it up with a cardigan.
2. Never underestimate the power of a sharp-looking belt.
3. Colored pants add interest to everyday outfits.
4. These boots are both modern and comfortable, the best of both worlds.
