The idea of high-low in fashion and style is one that can be thought of in two ways. First, there’s the theory that certain items in your wardrobe are worth investing in, while others are best acquired at a bargain. In terms of expression, high-low is the seamless juxtaposition of those investment pieces with the budget or bargain items. Here’s a look that puts both of those meanings to work.
When you are considering adding something leather to your wardrobe—a jacket, shoes, bag, or wallet, for example—this is one area I truly believe that an investment is justified. Real and quality leather looks better, lasts longer, and its appearance and character only improves with age. I’ve had my leather messenger bag (see it styled here) for nearly 15 years and I have to say that as great as it looked just off the shelf, it definitely looks better today. Similarly, my oxblood biker jacket is destined to outshine and outlast my $30 thrift store score.
I am never opposed to pairing dress shoes and denim and I’ve been putting my Johnston & Murphy burgundy wingtips through their paces on that front. We all know the term, ‘dressing up denim,’ and this is one way to do it. I was also interested in how the shoes and jacket—seemingly from two different worlds—would play off each other.
This Look: Oxblood leather biker jacket by All Saints (similar here) – Striped button down shirt by J.Crew – Black denim jeans by Levi’s – Eyeglasses by Bellagio (similar here) – Burgundy leather belt c/o ASOS – Houndstooth patterned socks c/o ASOS – Burgundy wingtip dress shoes c/o Johnston & Murphy
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo.
Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Johnston & Murphy and Style Coalition. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Johnston & Murphy or Style Coalition.
