014: boy outfits #5

really good pants, quarter-zips + colour combos that make me happy

We’re back with a longgg overdue outfit roundup! Before we get started, I thought I’d use this as an opportunity to check in with you all (I won’t be offended if you skip right to the outfits below, as this is obviously the primary focus of today’s letter!)

Honestly, January was a bit of a write off for me in terms of work. The last quarter of 2025 was also an exhausting combination of highs and lows; this resulted in burnout and a feeling of numbness, which is slowly and surely starting to pass as we enter February. I won’t get too much into it in this newsletter, but grief really carried itself over into January for me, leading to an involuntary need to rest and focus only on the bare minimum for a good minute there. This process is one I’ve fortunately been unfamiliar with until now, but it has been undeniably strange and difficult to navigate none the less.

Based on conversations I’ve had within my circle, I think many of us are feeling depleted and uninspired this season. This is especially true in the midst of the treacherous Canadian winter we’re having. If this resonates for you, I’m sorry you’re experiencing this as well. Please be patient and forgiving with yourself, and I’m always here to chat xx

I’ve instead decided February is acting as my starting point this year :)

After many hours spent rewatching Scandal and catching up on this year’s Oscar nominations, I’m feeling a slight increase in motivation and the urge to be creative once again. YAY!! Wearing gym clothes and the same three outfits all month long didn’t leave me with much to share with you anyways. I’ve missed writing and being able to engage on here, so I’m quite excited to kick things off with this edition of “Boy Outfits”.

Let’s get into it!

Outfits:

1. I love a piece that is just interesting enough that it makes the outfit for you — my favourite category to invest in are those never fail staples that always elevate but never overpower. I found my brown twisted ribbed Jil Sander sweater on the sale rack a few seasons back, and it’s perfect to throw on and immediately feel chic when you’re having a “I have nothing to wear” kind of morning. If you’re looking for a brown chunky knit, I love this one from Banana Republic and it’s on sale. My work pants were made by my talented friend Armani, and they’re a prime example of having many special details while staying incredibly wearable.

   

2. I’m all about a layered collar! On their own my Levi’s plaid and rugby shirt are good… but together!!! I also loved how the stripes looked as an accent over my shoulders or around my waist, letting the plaid have it’s moment. I’m wearing the same Marni Museo Bag as before, unfortunately they don’t seem to carry it in size large anymore. Also wearing an old Stussy braided leather belt, but I’d go with this one by Maximum Henry. I forgot about these Warehouse & Co pants, from Lost & Found in Toronto, until my recent closet clean out, which I’m wearing with my old Weejuns.

   

3. Making the most of layering, but warmer days are on my mind. I was super excited to share my COS Cashmere Funnel Neck, but for good reason I guess it’s sold out. I had difficulty finding anything similar in stock but this one seems to the closest at a similar price, or this one by Theory also stuck out. My wrap coat is also a few seasons old from COS, but I own this similar Lemaire coat in brown and could not recommend it enough! I had my eye on the Taiga Takahashi silk stole since last winter, and caved earlier this season — it’s still available here in camel, and similar Salomons.

   

4. I’ve been on the hunt for my perfect pair of Engineered Levi’s for a few months, and unfortunately these which I ordered on Grailed are not them. Ideally, they’d fit at least a size or two larger, but I can get away with them low rise? On the plus side, this water resistant Boss x Beckham jacket has been serving me well, and it’s on sale. Paired with: Vibram Lemaire Slip-Ons (reminiscent of jazz shoes but I cannot actually wear these until Spring) and fingerless Margaret Howell gloves.

   

5. Three of my biggest fixations at the moment:

   1. This colour purple: Hudson Wilder Cap - just realized they’ve sold out of purple :(

   2. Quarter-zips + melange wool: Octobre Editions Quarter-Zip

   3. White pants: Still Kelly Cargos

6. I somehow didn’t own a nice black blazer until last fall, when I found a gabardine Jil Sander blazer on a hefty sale in my size, found similar here on The RealReal. I get tons of questions whenever I wear these Acne jeans from Harry Rosen which are also on sale. I like that the striped tee gives a casual feel to the blazer, mines vintage Armani, but these days I find Auralee makes some of the best.

   

7. Mostly just here to say I enjoyed this colour combo: mustard vintage tee, chocolate brown wool coat by Solid Homme (same colour, different style), forest green Uniqlo C windbreaker, Banana Republic Selvedge denim, two tone Keen Jasper sneakers.

   

8. My friend Georgia (who has an excellent Substack btw) called this my “preppy Prada look” in my Instagram comments. We’ve been seeing tons of pants tucked into socks on the runway, from Prada to Auralee. As you can see, I’ve been very into it! I’m wearing a blue melange cashmere by From Future and brown leather Prada sneakers.

   

9. I was on the hunt for a cool pant I can throw over top of my gym shorts or schlep through the streets this winter. I saw my friend Ravin wearing these a few weeks back, and happened to find them on sale here. Note: they cinch at the bottom which is a game changer in the snow, but can also of course be worn straight.

   

10. This striped scarf sat in my drawer for far too long. It’s the worst when a piece you assumed would be easy to wear ends up being quite the opposite. I forced myself to try and wear it the other day, and decided simple was best: vintage Levi’s, Vagabond boots, a cashmere beanie, navy wool jacket and an old Our Legacy cardigan.

    

It’s Saturday afternoon for me as I finish this up, so I’m off to get a coffee, take out my recycling and brainstorm for next week’s newsletter! Hope you enjoyed and have a lovely day wherever you are <3

x

Sam