artistique swagger: July 2012

GQ Editors' Picks

Blk Pine Workshop backpack

"The stark-white canvas body paired with clean leather trim takes the rustic backpack into minimalist territory—and I need it."—M.S.

Naked & Famous heightened blue jeans

"We wouldn't expect anything less than some non-basic blues from Naked & Famous's Brandon Svarc, and he delivers with this heightened blue pair that has all the hallmarks of a great pair of jeans (made in 12.5-ouce selvage denim) in a color that's been missing from my closet."—M.S.

Caputo & Co. 3-in-1 bracelet

"Alex Caputo combines smooth, colored leather with woven rope to give guys the look of a stacked wrist, but with a single wraparound piece."—M.S.

Billykirk bucket hat

"Billykirk might be known for their leather goods, but their first foray into hats knocks it out of the park with this bucket hat."—G.M.

Unlikely Brothers chambray/camo shirt

"Unlikely Brothers is a new shirt line that has great core basics, but is punched up by limited-run styles made from dead stock fabric. This vintage chambray camo print is just too cool."—G.M.

Ian Velardi double-breasted blazer

"A DB jacket as sharp-looking as its peak lapels. Velardi's signature take on classic Italian tailoring gets updated in a great army green cotton to keep you looking and feeling cool come next spring."—M.S.

Cuisse de Grenouille hoodie

"The perfect hoodie for those mild beach nights—super-soft slub cotton with leather accents to elevate it."—G.M.

Miansai hook keychain

"Miansai is taking their signature closure off of your wrist into your pocket, with this keychain that's as useful as it is unique."—M.S.

Simon Miller linen shirt

"I can't wait to wear this shirt come spring—it looks like denim, but is actually a warm weather-friendly linen."—G.M.

Read Wall parka

"Read Wall reworks a classic anorak silhouette into a full-zip jacket and gets it right, with this safety orange hooded number that's as stylish as it is effective against the elements."—M.S.

Poler backpack

"I'm obsessed with rucksacks, and I love Poler's, with its pop of cobalt blue."—G.M.

You Shoes Aztec print running sneakers

"Showing Stateside for the first time, these Italian-made sneakers are amazing. I love the Aztec print on a retro-style runner."—G.M.

Muttonhead x Topo Designs shorts

"Canadian brand Muttonhead has partnered with Topo Designs to create the perfect camp short—sleek, understated and modern."—G.M.

Diemme slip-on sneakers

"A lux upgrade on every guy's go-to slip-ons, rendered in soft suede and constructed in Italy like the finest dress shoes."—M.S.

Etiquette camp socks

"The mélange camp socks we love so much here at GQ made lighter-weight, with a wool and silk blend that'll keep ankles fresh in the wilderness of the city."—M.S.

Burkman Bros. stripe shirt

"A classic striped oxford gets the Burkman twist with a cool contrast stripe down the placket."—G.M.

Equipment striped cashmere sweater

"Equipment's relaunch brings us a great graphic-stripe sweater crafted out of some of the softest cashmere around. The slightly broken-in neck and slim fit makes this a worthy candidate to replace my beat-up henleys."—M.S.

Baldwin sweatpants

"Baldwin is expanding their line and kills it with these cashmere sweatpants - the definition of casual luxury."—G.M.

Hudson's Bay sweatshirt

"One of fall's biggest trends—blanket stripes -brought to you in classic sweatshirt form by the folks that put them on the map in the first place."—M.S.

Warriors of Radness swim trunks

"Warriors of Radness is a GQ favorite, and it's great to see them evolving. These board shorts are the perfect marriage of nautical and surf styles."—G.M.

Source: http://www.gq.com/style/

Matching shirts and ties has many potential pitfalls - which collar? which knot? - but none is as crucial as ensuring you've got the correct colour combination. Sometimes it's all about complementary colours, such as earthy browns and deep reds, otherwise it's about mastering contrast - pale pinks and dark blues, for example. One word of warning, though: never wear a matching shirt and tie, even if you're on The Apprentice.