Chances are, you recognize the extraordinarily good-natured Jason DeRusha from his gig at WCCO-TV: roving “Good Question” reporter and anchor who is arguably the most plugged-in social-media media guy in Minnesota. Between news appearances, food blogging and column writing (for this very magazine), and being a husband and dad to two boys, Jason’s got very little downtime.
“Being on television, there is always a self-inflicted pressure to look good,” he says. “People e-mail me all the time about how my hair looks (thinning!), how my clothes look (I love that tie! I hate that tie!), and even about my weight. That stuff doesn’t bother me. I know that television is a visual gig, and how I look is part of the deal.” But since his main focus is choosing clothing for TV (contrary to popular thought, on-air personalities do not get personal stylists), he has trouble finding casual clothing.
Jason has also undergone a body makeover over the past few years, dropping more than 50 pounds seven years ago (and another 15 this year!) and getting a hair transplant, the results of which were just beginning to show at the time of the shoot.
Because of this, Faith and Christina sought to help Jason with both the function of fashion—fit, layering techniques—as well as the fashion of fashion: finding quality goods that express his charming, outgoing personality.
FROM THE EXPERTS
The Challenge: Finding trendy updates to Jason’s suit-and-tie work wardrobe, plus the perfect fit and expression for clothes that can take him from dates out with his fashion-forward wife to playing with his two young sons.
Faith’s Take: “Jason’s baggy jeans and oversized shirts were making him look older than he is—he was struggling with fit. I wanted to help him find confidence in relaxed pieces that still had elements of style. I loved that he was excited to try everything on and get outside his comfort zone. I love when clients leave feeling like the best version of themselves.”
Style Quotient: “There is a lot more styling needed in men’s fashion than people think,” Faith says. “Finding a great tailor to make a suit fit you correctly is key—otherwise you look like you borrowed it. There are so many patterns and fabrics that can be mixed together to make a look your own.”
Jason’s Take: “It’s fun to care about fashion and style. From your shoes to your hat, we’re all trying to tell our own story—what kind of person we are. Fashion and style can help you tell that story.” So what’s his new storyline? “Faith encouraged me to mix up textures and to layer. I’m excited to try out vests and different weights of fabric.”
WHERE TO GET IT
Outfit, main image: Woolrich sweater, $295 @ Askov Finlayson, 200 N. First St., Mpls., 612-206-3925, askovfinlayson.com. Button-up shirt, $125 @ Askov Finlayson. Adriano Goldschmied denim, $185; belt, $130; both @ J. Hilburn, jhilburn.com. Heimie’s Made bag (background), $285 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery, 400 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-2354, heimies.com. Outfit, right: S. Cohen suit, $595 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery. Seaward and Stearn pocket square, $55 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery. Dion tie, $96 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery. Shirt, $109 @ J. Hilburn. Outfit, below: Woolrich blazer, $450 @ Askov Finlayson. Enro shirt, $95 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery. Levi’s pants, $195 @ Askov Finlayson. Allen Edmonds shoes, $195 @ Heimie’s Haberdashery.
Dapper Dress Code
Put a little polish on casual
1. Weekend wear can still involve coats and ties. This wool blazer will last forever.
2. A crisp pair of colored denim is a great alternative to traditional “slacks.”
3. Layers add polish and interest to any look.
4. Invest in quality, not quantity, when it comes to footwear.