Top Off Your Outfits in the Best Way at Christopher James

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The next time you head out this fall, don’t think of your outer layer as an afterthought. 

You are the canvas and all of your layers of clothing, down to what you wear to keep yourself warm, each make up your finished fashion masterpiece. Everyone is truly an artist, so channel that creativity, visit the team at Christopher James and you’ll see what a few basic pieces you thought were utilitarian can do for your appearance. 

A top coat, which is simply a lightweight overcoat, is the coolest look around this fall. It’s a perfect transitional piece as the colder weather descends and Christopher James in Fort Wayne has the best selections. Solid-colored and patterned options from Bugatti, for example, are all the rage for a second year in a row, says Christopher James Associate Oleg: “Bold colors and or patterns allow for versatility as well as a new look to some of our favorite classics.” 

Stick with a timeless classic navy top coat if that’s more your style. Sure, top coats are historically worn over a full suit, but the selections we carry from Bugatti include one with laser cut edges and a zip-out vest lining that gives the coat a sporty flair while still holding its own with your suit. Pair it with jeans and a beer at your next tailgate outing and you’ll be a standout. 

Our coats are meant to complete your look, but are also made to keep you warm. Stop in and we’ll show you selections made with a neoprene-like outer layer made from wool or for a more luxurious feel, opt for a top coat crafted from a blend of lambswool and cashmere. Cashmere is not only warm, it’s breathable, too. You’ll be ready for wind, fall temperatures — and the fashion runway, my friend! 

As Oleg says, the top coat works for “a formal engagement or a night out.” See you at Christopher James soon as you consider (another? Your first?) top coat options. 

I Can’t Even: The Best Adulting Menswear Essentials from Christopher James — Part 2

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Depending on your job, the disheveled look can only carry you so far. A polished appearance complete with well-fitting clothing can do amazing things for one’s confidence. Read on for reliable and effective tips in Part 2 of Christopher James Adulting Menswear Essentials: 

In our last installment, we talked about suits, ties, dress shirts, the necessity of a belt and appropriate jeans. Next on the list are sweaters.

 

Sweaters. A lightweight sweater from Christopher James is a great transitional piece from season to season. You can wear a sweater from Peter Millar or Robert Graham with a button down shirt, with or without a tie, under a sport or suit jacket or with an open collared button down and coordinating solid T-shirt peeking out underneath. Throw on a sport coat and jeans and your not-too-casual-oh-this-old-thing look will yield many approving looks. 


Trousers. Jeans aside, another wardrobe essential is a neat pair of trousers, be they dress pants or casual chinos. Options from Samuelsohn or Bill’s Khakis are incredibly comfortable, versatile and lightweight. 

Shoes. Your feet will thank you a million times over for investing in a few pairs of high-quality shoes. Start with a pair of dress shoes and a pair that checks the casual box so that you have a few styles to rotate through. At Christopher James, we carry both looks from Trask and J&M 1900 and can offer suggestions for how to pull off completing your outfit in shoes that aren’t black. 

Underpants. Why are these in the list? Because we care. Taking care of yourself and maintaining a good grooming schedule also includes considering the first layer of clothing on your body. Throw out your torn and stretched underwear. You deserve the best! Who wants to wear a great outfit with overstretched underwear that bunches in all of the wrong places? Get some Saxx underwear.

Come and adult with us at Christopher James today!

 

I Can’t Even: The Best Adulting Menswear Essentials from Christopher James — Part 1

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At Christopher James in Fort Wayne, we recognize that the millennial generation values teamwork, the fulfillment of feeling like you belong to something larger than yourself and opportunities for learning and advancement. Adulting and playing the part involves dressing comfortably, confidently and appropriately. Make sure you have these essentials in your wardrobe on your road to success — and watch your investment dollars stretch in high-quality items: 

A well-fitting suit. A Canali, Hickey Freeman or Copply suit in a mid-weight fabric can take you from mild temperatures to the bitter cold with the help of a few layers. An off-the-rack sport coat is no substitute for a tailored suit that fits you perfectly in all the right places and looks like it was made for you. Talk to the team at Christopher James about the right fit and style for you. 

One of the best parts of investing in a suit is its versatility. Use the slacks with a dress shirt and sweater and skip the jacket. Or pair the jacket with more casual trousers, a button-down shirt and refined sneakers. 

Ties. The Christopher James team will help you pick out a tie or two from Robert Talbott to dress up your outfit or give you the courage to get a wild hair and step out with a bold pattern. A snazzy tie can add the perfect punch or give you the missing amount of polish your outfit needs. 

Dress shirts. Eton, Stenstrom’s or Emanuel Berg dress shirts are worth the investment. Let the staff at Christopher James share suggestions for matching dress shirts with ties. Consider purchasing a more subdued neutral solid-colored shirt and patterned one that will go with your suit. 

 

Leather belt. Keep your pants up. Need we say more? 

 

Jeans. Save the severely faded and torn jeans for the weekend. Jeans from 34 Heritage are classy and well-fitting enough to go with a sweater and button-down shirt or an untucked shirt from Peter Millar or Johnnie-O 

Stay tuned for part two of our adulting clothing essentials! In the meantime, see you at Christopher James.

 

Some Rules Are Meant to Be Broken

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Work place style has evolved, there’s no doubt about that. Whether you work at a law firm, in a doctor’s office, or are part of the financial or professional services industries or you’re a teacher, the guidelines for workplace dress are drastically different than they were 10 years ago. Business casual rules were shattered years ago and if you’re unsure what’s de rigeur at the moment, visit us at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne and we’ll help you out. 

 

What they wore then: A suit with shoulder pads big enough on which to land a plane, a solid-colored shirt and tie. 

What you wear now: Comfortable, form-fitting sport coat from Coppley over a casual button-down patterned shirt by Emanuel Berg with a pair of neat jeans by 34 Heritage. No holes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What they wore then: Short-sleeve shirts in the summer with a tie and dress slacks. Sorry to bring back terribly vivid memories. 

What you wear now: An untucked long-sleeve shirt from Peter Millar, a half-zip coordinating pullover and chinos by Bill’s Khakis. Skip the pocket protector. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What they wore then: A too-big V-neck sweater, tie and solid-colored button down shirt. Pleated khakis down below. 

What you wear now: Pants with pleats should find their way into your closet if you have larger legs or carry more weight around your midsection. Otherwise, pleats shouldn’t be having a moment in your wardrobe, gentlemen. Flat-front pants are flattering on slim men of all ages and are quite flattering. Paired with a cashmere sweater and vibrantly patterned shirt, you’ll be ready to take a seat at the conference room table in this getup. 

 

What they wore then: Lace-up dress shoes or stodgy and stiff leather loafers.

What you wear now: Refined sneakers from Trask or leather tennis shoes from On that will make you feel like you’re walking around the office on air.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The staff at Christopher James believes the laidback look is here to stay, at least for a while. Stop in at our store and we’ll help you put some casual clothing options to work for you. See you soon! 

Dress Up — and Comfortably — For Cocktails on the Deck

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August is the epitome of summer. It’s the high point of the season and staring at the month on the calendar makes you stop and think about how fast the warm months are flying by. Wind down next weekend with friends and drinks on the deck. Celebrate a great summer by making it a proper cocktail party and dress up! 

  

The full suit getup isn’t necessary, but do throw on a well-fitting Coppley, Hickey Freeman or Paul Betenly sport coat from Christopher James. The team at Christopher James will help you find the best sport coat for your frame in a flattering fit and style for a great price. Visit us to find a well-fitting blazer that can take you from a job interview, to the board room, to a cocktail party. 

We know a thing or two about style, but we also know our cocktails and cocktail parties. The management team here at Christopher James is particular to a reliably good Rum and Coke cocktail. Invite a few friends, buy a wedge of cheese and water crackers from the grocery, add bunches of grapes and some mixed nuts and you can call it a party. 

Cheers from Christopher James!  

 

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Find Your Best Airport Style at Christopher James

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Tis the season for vacation travel, relaxation and family time. Much the way you consider the contents of your vacation luggage, it’s worth taking the time to come up with a few comfortable and versatile options for you to wear during your plane trips to and from your destination. Here are some suggestions from the team at Christopher James before you squeeze in your last trip this summer:

Don’t underestimate the importance of high-quality underwear: You’re going to walk a lot, sit, bend down, stretch and maybe even run while en route to your vacation. Saxx underwear provides a good foundation for comfort and ease.

The reality of travel is that it can take long, involve a lot of walking and moving from cool airport lounges to boarding lines packed with a lot of body heat. A Peter Millar Performance Shirt is ideal for the golf course, but it works perfectly for travel days ahead. The moisture-wicking shirts will keep you cool while you’re walking from one end of the airport to the other. The softness and comfortable fit will make you say, “Flight delay? No sweat!”

Make sure you keep your feet comfortable, too, in a stylishly walkable pair of refined kicks from On. You’ll be ON and cushy while walking to your flight terminal in trendy On shoes.

Versatility: Emanuel Berg offers casual styles that can be left untucked and look great with soft 34 Heritage jeans. You’ll look great even after your delayed flight or waiting an extra hour for your luggage to arrive. You won’t be late for a quick nightcap in this outfit. Throw on a sport coat and call it a day.

Safe travels this summer season from Christopher James. See you soon.

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Have a Heart – Donate Blood at The Christopher James Blood Drive!

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There is a blood shortage and we need to help.  An American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on site outside our store and taking blood donations. I give blood every 8 weeks and it is a simple process that usually takes 30 – 45 minutes from sit down to completion. Before the Red Cross can commit their time and resources we need to gauge the participation level. We do not have an exact date planned but most likely it will be in August and held on a weekday. I know that you cannot 100% commit without all the specifics but can you get back to me letting me know if you think you may be able to donate? Once I hear back from enough people I can set the time and date and send out a more detailed request.

I have been fortunate to meet a recipient of a donation and he and the Red Cross were VERY appreciative. To show my appreciation anyone who stops in to make a donation will receive a pair of the best men’s socks in the market from our friend Edward Armah along with a certificate to purchase any one in stock regular priced item at 20% off.

I look forward to hearing from you.  Use the form below if you are interested.

YOU’VE Got the Look, With Help from Christopher James

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Style and Service in Mens Fashion

Circa 1987 from the Prince album Sign ‘O’ Times, the song “You Got the Look” can be the theme for your relationship with Christopher James. The dedicated and hard-working staff at Christopher James will help you get the look you’re looking for to fill out your summer business wardrobe.

A motto we stand by is that Christopher James in Fort Wayne is a place where “style and service are always in fashion.” Don’t take our word for it! Test the waters for yourself today by dropping in to check out our latest line of suits and sport coats from brands like Coppley, Byron or Maurizio Baldassari.

It’s always the right time to feel good about how you look. The right fit, style and length of a sport coat or suit can do wonders for your appearance. There are several guidelines to keep in mind that the staff at Christopher James can walk you through. If you generally veer toward a more conservative look, put yourself in the expert hands of the Christopher James associates and they’ll help you summon the courage to try something edgier. Don’t limit yourself to muted tones and solid colors. We can show you how to pair patterned sport coats with the right dress shirt from Robert Talbott or Peter Millar that’s right for your personality and work setting.

Men’s clothing with personal accesorries isolated on white background (with clipping path)

 

See you soon this summer at Christopher James!

 

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Tee Off in Style with Christopher James!

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Fort Wayne’s Mens Apparel HQ for Fashionable Golf Clothes

The links are ready and your golf clubs are waiting! Stop in at Christopher James in Fort Wayne today to check out the latest golf wear you need to score your next Double Eagle.

It’s a no-brainer that a pair of shorts GFORE calls “Killer Ts” will be your lucky charm the next time you’re out on the course. Pair them with a soft, solid or subtly striped polo and you’ll feel like a stylish pro golfer in no time. The shorts come in bright blue or you can opt for a less jaunty look by choosing a beige plaid.

The GFORE team prides itself on conducting practical and realistic quality assurance testing by spending hours testing prototypes on the golf range. The shorts are comfortable enough to move through your swings and walks.

If you your golf outfits are covered, consider a new pair of golf shoes. It’s important to replace your shoes every three to five years, the experts say. Entrust your feet in the waterproof leather that will help you maintain your stability and comfort. Aside from shoes, take a look at our GFORE caps! Keep the sun out of your eyes and your eyes on the game with the help of a snazzy new GFORE cap.  

Stop in at Christopher James soon!

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Graduation Gift Shopping for HIM in Fort Wayne Indiana

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The Best Gifts for Your Favorite Grad  

 

Winter is finally(!) over and the end of the school year has arrived. It’s an exciting time for grads, so help them celebrate with a stylish gift or two from Fort Wayne’s Christopher James. Here are some of the hot items on our list:

Refined shirts: Reality is setting in and with a job in corporate America (or a non-profit or academic) around the corner, your favorite grad needs to look the part. A new Emanuel Berg shirt will quickly become a favorite in your grad’s spring wardrobe. The fine Italian fabrics and perfect fit makes the product well worth it. If your gift recipient is headed to a more relaxed work environment, opt for a shirt from Emanuel Berg that can be worn untucked. Not just any shirt can be worn this way. We can show your grad how to do it.

Dress socks: We’re not talking about six-packs of socks you can buy in varying patterns. Instead, think of the most luxuriously soft and high quality socks that will wrap your graduate’s feet in comfort all day while at the office. Esquire Magazine hasn’t declared VKNagrani socks the “best dress socks in the world” for no reason. Pay us a visit at Christopher James and we’ll show you why your grad deserves a pair or two.

Half-zip sweaters: A half-zip sweater from Peter Millar is an incredibly versatile wardrobe staple that your grad can wear to the office over a dress shirt or out with shorts or a pair of chinos on a cool day. Layer one under a sport coat until Mother Nature figures out exactly what season we’re in. We have many colors to choose from to pair with a mix of patterned shirts.

A Christopher James gift card: Congratulate your gift recipient with a Christopher James gift card! They’ll be in great hands with our expert staff should they need any advice on suiting, accessories or fashionable matches. See you soon!

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