Off the Cuff

It’s snuggle time. And what goes great with a couch and a loved one? A list of binge-watch worthy holiday classics. I humbly submit the Thomas Dean team’s all-time faves, Volume 2. Check back later for more picks. THE FILM: Elf THE ERA: Early 2000s THE CLOTHES: Peter Dinklage in contrasting collar & cuffs plus shawl-lapel vest, Will Ferrell slaying a pair of curly-toed slip-ons. WHY IT’S GREAT: It’s a good-natured family flick that’s charming, funny and features Zooey Deschanel & Will Ferrell totally nailing “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” THE FILM: Four Christmases THE ERA: Whatever we’re calling the last...

And what goes great with a couch and a loved one? A list of binge-watch worthy holiday classics. I humbly submit the Thomas Dean team’s all-time faves, Volume 1. Check back after the 15th for more picks.   THE FILM: Eight Crazy Nights THE ERA: Early 2000s THE CLOTHES: Referee’s uniforms, winter coats, judge’s robe. WHY IT’S GREAT: It is the rare holiday musical whose lyrics include, “ass” and “porta-potty.” THE FILM: A Christmas Carol THE ERA: The 19th century filmed in the 1950s THE CLOTHES: Top hats, overcoats, and very serious nightclothes. WHY IT’S GREAT: Tiny Tim’s big line:...

The best style tip I ever read was this: On a day when you're feeling a little taller, standing a little straighter, and you’ve got an unexplained bounce in your step, look at what you’re wearing. And buy more of it. I’ll even add to that: When someone says, “You look like you’ve lost a few pounds,” and you know you haven’t, the same advice applies. Enter the TDX Super Flex “trouser fit” chinos and 5-pocket jean by Thomas Dean. See those two tips above? Check and check. It might interest you to know that engineers have sweated every detail...

The Cape in Autumn: sand dunes, oyster shacks, a cigar stroll amid the wildflowers. There is a very definite style to the architecture here, but even more so to the clothing. Whether you’re checking out the cranberry festival or relaxing on the ferry back from Provincetown, you’ll notice that the natives have an effortless style that seems perfectly appropriate for clambakes and concerts alike. Sure, the pant legs might be rolled up for a sunset walk on the beach, or clipped to keep your bike chain from catching, but the polos, long-sleeved cotton shirts and the sockless loafers are smart,...

Depending on where you live and the time of day, late summer can present you with sartorial challenges. Blistering sun? Cool evening breeze? Light drizzle? How do you prepare for each? Then throw in how we live. In the same day, we might work, walk a dozen blocks, ride a subway, dine alfresco, go to an open-air concert, a ballgame or a bonfire. The key that turns all the tumblers? The Chambray blazer. It’s your passport to all of these lands. Throw it over your shoulder on the train. Button it up when you’re rocking a dress shirt for that...