I’m so excited to share that C Hall himself decided he’d like to start posting his “dad duds” on instagram more regularly and contributing to the blog here and there! C has great style and I love how he values feeling polished and pulled together, even with the new demands of fatherhood. I asked if he’d kick things off with his classic, must-have favorites. Let us know in the comments if this sort of guy-style post is something you’d like to see more of!

To say being married to Meg has had a major impact on how I dress, purchase clothing and build my wardrobe would be an understatement. Long gone are the days of rocking cargo sweatpants, buffalo wing-stained tees and oversized hoodies. As you may have seen in Meg’s “Building + Maintaining a Classical Minimal Wardrobe” post, it’s become a family focus of ours to invest in pieces that will last versus buying nonsensical “stuff” that ends up stuffed in the back of a spare bedroom dresser. Consuming less while building more is something we have established as our norm and really given quality versus quantity careful thought as we dive into our thirty-something’s.

As a new dad, it’s SUPER easy to throw on lounge wear after a long day of work, and I still do, but try to only use those sweats for pure comfort time aka sick days, post-shower bedtime, and lazy weekend mornings. Aside from that, I really try to live by the motto that if you “look good, you feel good, you play good.” Sounds corny right, but it’s so true. Staying in a routine has kept me sane as I navigate through my professional life and fatherhood, and the maintaining of a simple wardrobe has been the key to it all. Here are some of my recommended menswear classics that will hopefully become some of your favorites as well!

Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket: For my 30th birthday, Meg surprised me with a trip to LONDON and this classic Barbour jacket was a must add. I went a little differently in choosing navy versus the classic olive, but you really cannot go wrong with any of the colors offered. The jacket can be worn all year, and for colder months, you can always add zip-in liner. But my favorite aspect of this jacket are the huge pockets. Order a sized up from your normal size for best fit.

J Crew Field Mechanic Jacket : Similar look to the Barbour, but different use as it’s much lighter than most military jackets. I love the olive color as it coordinates well with everything. As you’ll see I’m a BIG pockets guy and this jacket has more than enough. I got this on sale last fall and have worn it constantly. Great with layering.

Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos : These pants are absolutely money. Literally and figuratively. On the pricier side for pants, but if you get a couple pairs that’s all you really need. The stretch component is great, especially a dad on the go who’s constantly bending over and picking up babies and every toy up from the ground. Best part about these pants are their variety. As you’ll see they have almost FORTY colors to choose from. I typically go with the slim fit and stick to classic colors close to navy, stone, khaki and grey.

J Crew 770 Jeans : The 484’s are a lot more tight in the thigh and hard to pull off therefore I lean 770. I find them to be a comfortable fit allowing a bit of room, while still giving it that narrowed leg look. Jeans are something I don’t mind spending a bit more on, as you really only need a pair or two. However, these are usually on sale so keep an eye out. Like the chinos, these jeans have stretch to them which has almost become a requirement for all pants and shorts for an active dude.

vineyard vines Fish Hook Belt: I’ve had this since Meg worked at Corporate over 4 years ago…still in perfect shape. One tip - do not wear while traveling! I’ve almost had this taken away twice by airport security! Order a size up for best fit.

LLBean Shawl Collar Fisherman’s Sweater Cardigan: This is cotton so it doesn’t get too hot and I wear it 3/4 seasons a year. Great quality and worth every penny.

Rhoback polos: Can’t say enough great things about this brand and the people who started it up just a few years ago. Our good friends at Rhoback have been crushing it in the men’s active wear department and their polo’s are the most comfortable piece of clothing you’ll see me write about. Great for golf and casual Fridays, but can also be dressed up for date night. (Meg edit: get 10% off wide code HALL10)

Cole Haan Tyler Chukka Boots: These chukkas are great for casual and dress attire. I can wear them with almost everything and feel so well made.

Stan Smith Adidas: I’ve had these shoes on and off since middle school believe it or not. Another comfortable, classic pair of sneakers that tends to be paired well with shorts in the summer, however I’ve been wearing these with jeans and chinos as well. Although you might think the Kelly Green accent colors don’t pair with the majority of outfits, surprisingly they do. Great for travel as once you tie them up, they pretty much slip on and off easily.

Classic LLBean Boots: I don’t think they make the buffalo leather version anymore (what I have) but the dark brown leather is pretty close. These boots have a reputation for a reason. Meg laughs that these are in style now because she was forced to wear them growing up but they’ve gotten popular again for a reason. I don’t have the insulated because I wear them in the fall as well, but I’d like to pick up a lined pair for snowblowing/shoveling season.

J Crew NIKE Killshots: I’m on my THIRD pair of Nike Killshots from JCrew. They’re usually very hard to find because they sell out FAST. Last time, I ended up buying two pairs at once that’s how much I swear by them. They’re durable and more of a spring/summer sneaker, but I wear them all year round through all types of weather. The design is subtle and what I love most about them is they don’t need to be brand new to look good. One of those shoes that get better with age and use! (also found on Amazon as well as this similar style)

Everlane tees: Everlane tees are the GOAT. Super light yet sturdy and never waffle around the neckline. Love the long and short sleeve options. Great for casual weekends and lounging about. Comfort to the max.

Polo Ralph Lauren Chambray Button-Down Shirt: This shirt is about as classic American prep as you can get. Super comfortable and the versatility doesn’t disappoint. I would size up as it tends to run a little small. I wear this all year round and it’s usually my #1 go-to.

That about rounds up my favorite classics. For warmer climates/vacation favorite, I also a good Ray-Ban aviator, these Persol sunglasses, and Vilebrequin Swim Trunks. Pricey, but now that I have two pairs I haven’t bought or worn any other trunks in a few years. I also picked up this striped shirt from LLBean this summer and it’s a new favorite - it’s a thick cotton pique and a nice combo of a tee and a polo.

I’m still on the hunt for the best buttons and will pull together something when I find a few really good ones.

Thanks for reading! - C