The Cool-as-Hell Corduroy Blazer That Won't Make You Look Like a Classics Professor
SHOP $165, alexmill.com
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I spend a lot of time thinking about light outerwear. Too much time. Honestly, an unhealthy amount of time. In my perfect world, every day begins with a quick glance at the weather—oh, 63 degrees and sunny, you say?—followed by a long, protracted look through a collection of jackets designed to keep you warm, but not too warm. I pick one, I stroll into the brisk morning, and everything is as it should be. Beautiful.
This scenario is, oftentimes, far removed from reality (thanks, climate change). But it's light jacket season! On some days (the not-hot ones) for the foreseeable future (before the wold ices over), I can live my dream! And part of my dream now includes a blazer-adjacent sack jacket from Alex Mill that hits the sweet spot between dressed-up and taking it easy. Are dreams...real now? Let's explore.
It's Not a Huge Investment
Some people might look at this jacket and think, "Hey, that's pretty cool, but I'm not prepared to bet the proverbial farm on a wide-wale corduroy jacket that's similar to, but not quite the same as, other pieces in my current wardrobe." To them, I say, "Worry not! You don't have to bet the farm, because this jacket is $165, which isn't a giant investment. Also: What a remarkably specific concern!" But, seriously: $165, for something like this, is a real deal. So, if you're now starting to think about how you'd wear it, well...
It's Remarkably Versatile
Alex Mill took the DNA from a few things and mashed it all up in this jacket. There's the blazer, which doesn't need explaining, since you can see the influence with your own eyes. Then (if you ask me) there's the chore jacket, which offers the utilitarian vibe you get from the patch pockets and single-button cuffs. And then, of course, there's the sack jacket. It's a uniquely American take on the blazer, cut with more room and a lot less regard for general fussiness. Put 'em all together and you've got a not-quite-dressy, not-quite-casual jacket that works in almost every scenario precisely because it doesn't fall on either side of the fence.
SHOP $165, alexmill.com
It's a Statement-Making Jacket for Subtle Dressers
So, about that corduroy. You might think it's a lot. I mean, it is a lot, just in terms of general heft and visual impact. But this isn't a "statement-making" jacket in the same way a color-blocked, logo-covered designer piece is. Instead, it's a statement-making jacket for guys who prefer to play their cards closer to the vest. It's bold, but only a bit. It's different, but no so different you don't recognize it. And, well, it's just plain cool—like the weather when you wear it. If only light jacket season could last forever.
SHOP $165, alexmill.com
Prop styling by Miako Katoh
Photography by Allie Holloway
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