look 30: break em' off blue.

i’m so happy with the way that my suit game has been coming along over the past few months, and i owe a large portion of the styles that i have to express. this month marked the start of our 2019 partnership, and as soon as i saw this blue beauty on the site, i fell in love.

wearing: express men slim light blue cotton-blend stretch suit, asos sleeveless mesh
sweater vest, boohooman x quavo clear belt bag, nike react element 55s.

💎 “i call this color break-em-off blue.” 💎

at the start of the year, wearing more suits was a key style resolution for me, and i think i’ve been doing a solid job so far. of course, i have to do it my own way, so i kept things cool with a mesh sweater (gotta love that spring breeze) and some sneakers. and for a little touch of street edge, i threw on this clear belt bag from the boohoo x quavo collaboration earlier this year. i think i like how it came together.

breaking down the look.

by now, you guys know how important a strong color combination is to me, so for this outfit, i wanted to find the perfect hue to work with this fun pastel suit. i played around with a denim shirt and other shades of blue, but in the end, nothing worked better than this tan match-up. the lighter tones blend together nicely, and i think they’re so right for the season (those blue skies, ya know?). plus, i got to rock my new nike reacts—which is perfect, because i’m really trying to get back to my sportier roots.

brand spotlight: panorama festival with express men.

ah, festival season. that wonderful time of year when hands are in the air, the vibes are always right, and glitter, kimonos, & flower crowns + floral prints are the new black. 🤘

panorama fest went down this weekend in new york city, and i was so pumped to see janet jackson, sza and the rest of the line-up bring their a-game to the stage. naturally, i had no choice but to bring my a-game in the style department, and my buds over at express men made that (very) light work.

since summer is the season of denim, i came through — triple threat style — with a head-to-toe jean ensemble. i've always stood by the idea that a canadian tuxedo (translation: a denim jacket/shirt + jeans) is an easy style win, so i broke out this fresh combo from express's latest assortment, making sure to match the washes as best as i could. however, as much as i love a good outfit, it's still summer, so i kept the layers as light as possible, throwing on a relaxed tank top underneath.

for the sake of these pictures, i'm rocking chelsea boots down below—mainly because they're my shoe of choice for full-length jeans—but i switched to a pair of sneakers before hitting the muddy turf on randall's island. and up top, i broke out my usual dad cap in a nice denim finish for a boyish, more street-ready touch to offset the western-ish moment i was building from the neck down.

i really love this style equation because, with a few tweaks, you can dress it up as much or as little as you need for it to work from the fest grounds to the street. ex. replace the jeans with shorts for a solid picnic/bbq look, swap out the tank top with a graphic tee or sweatshirt for weekend-in-the-city vibes, etc.

put your own spin on it by checking out the new in section on express.com. and if you have other questions about how i put this look together, DM me on IG at @jovelroystan.

brand spotlight: v-day & chill with express.

in case you haven't noticed yet, love is in the air again. yep, that's right—valentine's day is just around the corner. for those of you who have already gotten your gift shopping out of the way and organized your date night plans, you get a gold star, but what about your look for the big day? due to my [very single] relationship status, i'll be keeping things super chill this year, but i still plan on pulling out a fresh 'fit for whatever i get into. scroll down to peep three cupid-approved v-day outfits i put together with express. -j

from desk to date

if you're heading straight to dinner or the bar from the office, don't fret. you can transition a stuffy corporate look into something a bit more casual with two easy switch-ups. first, ditch the dress shirt and tie for an easygoing hoodie—the express style i'm wearing here is super cozy inside FYI, which is definitely a win after a long day. next, leave the loafers under your desk and throw on some cool kicks to further dress down your suit. and if you feel something's still missing, finish things off with a fisherman's beanie or dad cap for extra off-the-clock vibes.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit and vintage fleece hoodie, nike air max sneakers, and fisherman beanie.

so festive

for some of us, valentine's day is a huge deal—which is totally cool. if you're one of those people looking to show off your v-day spirit, color is key. in my mind, romance and love come in two hues: pink and red. wearing them together can get a bit over the top, so pick one and blend it into an all-white foundation for a clean, statement-making ensemble that will totally hit the mark. here, i went the pink route, rocking a hella comfy hoodie from express with one of my season-favorite puffers, slim-fit jeans and some sneaks. the pop of color does all the hard work in a relatively easy-to-put-together outfit.

wearing: express garment dyed funnel neck hoodie, mennace puffer jacket, sixth june biker jeans, converse chuck taylor hi-top sneakers asos fisherman beanie.

the anti-valentine's day ensemble

not here for the hallmark holiday? not a problem, but that doesn't mean you can't still get up with the boo for a relaxed night in the city (or at the crib). keep things simple, like the evening, with black on black and make sure your pieces are comfy. here, an oversized express sweatshirt + slim-fit cotton pants made for a solid monochrome combo. next, i threw in a zip-neck sweater for a sporty feel and vans to add some extra chill to the equation. problem solved.

wearing: express supersoft vintage fleece crew neck sweatshirt and extra slim black cotton dress pants, diesel deisel dad cap, club room zip-neck sweater, vans authentic sneakers.

head over to the new arrivals section on express.com to peep more of the latest styles coming your way for spring. and if you're still on the hunt for the perfect valentine's day pieces, stop in the store to pick up something super smooth before the big day.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and photos are my own. -j

brand spotlight: party-ready with express.

between christmas and new year's eve, the last two weeks of the year are all about turning the festive vibes up to the max. and whether you're hitting the club, house-partying it up, or spending quality time with the fam, there's sort of like this unspoken need to look your best for every special moment on your calendar...

now, while that may make you a little nervous, there's no need to be. the key is versatility, and your go-to secret weapon? the slim-fit suit. this easy-to-rock life-saver comes through any time, any place—and with a little creativity, you can deconstruct the 'fit (wearing the pieces as separates vs. together) to give your closet some extra mileage throughout the months ahead. with that said, i teamed up with my buds at express to show you how to make party season style as easy as 1, 2, 3. -j

1. go head-to-toe.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit and merino wool blend thermal mockneck sweater, asos man stacked chelsea boots, and reclaimed vintage cap.

i did an interview last month where the host asked me and another blogger our thoughts on the future of suits, and i got super excited. i mean, i don't wear them every day, but i've never denied the magic that an amazing two-piece can do for any guy that throws one on. and the best part: they often require the least amount of effort. as you can see here, i put my personal spin on the look, ditching the shirt and tie and, instead, rocking this sharp style from express with a mock turtleneck and chelsea boots for a look that checks all boxes: clean by way of the suit, sporty vibes, courtesy of the mockneck and cap, and the perfect touch of fashion-forwardness from the stacked boots.

2. take it from the top.

wearing: express slim burgundy oxford suit jacket and merino wool blend crewneck sweater, weekday leather jeans, asos man stacked chelsea boots, and reclaimed vintage cap.

if you're not feeling a full suit, there's still plenty of value (and style points) in a good blazer. i went for a burgundy double-up here, pairing the suit jacket with a matching crew neck for a little monochrome color play, and swapped out the pants for these leather jeans (perfect for the winter weather). and when you throw on a few statement accessories, the laidback look gets a little bit more elevated—i went with leather chelsea boots and a statement ring belt. relaxed. cool. and most importantly, easy.

3. bottoms up.

wearing: express v-neck cricket sweater, merino wool blend thermal mockneck sweater and slim burgundy oxford suit pants, balenciaga speed trainers, reclaimed vintage cap.

for more casual occasions where a suit may be overdoing it, you can still add some class to your look with a stylish pair of suit trousers. i matched this slim fit pair with a comfy sweater combo for an outfit that's totally appropriate for the time of year. and, always one to venture into sporty territory, i added some street elements here with the sneakers and zip-up sweater, but you can make it a bit dressier by opting for a subtly printed button-down and brogues instead.

if you're still planning out your party season ensembles, be sure to hit the new arrivals section over on express.com to peep the latest suits and style staples to turn up in this month.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and photos are my own. -j

brand spotlight: keeping it cozy/casual/clean with express.

well, it’s official: fall is in full effect, and with it come the inevitable netflix-and-chill weekends at home and endless holiday parties. with that being said, i’ve been making a list of all the seasonal staples that are mandatory for surviving this special time of year, and at the top of my list lies the henley. extremely comfortable and surprisingly versatile, this go-to fall favorite will keep your style on point over the months ahead, and my buds at express and i will show you exactly how to make that happen. check it out. -j

cozy. 

whether it’s the cold temperatures or simply because it’s cuffing season, most of us will likely find ourselves stuck inside on the weekends way more than usual. now personally, i see nothing wrong with that, but, if you’re gonna spend your free time indoors, the least you could do is not let your style fall to the wayside. henleys are the ultimate lazy day staple to keep you looking (and feeling) good all day long, whether you rock it with your favorite jeans or a pair of sweats. here, i went for the latter, breaking out this comfy combo from express. *switches phone to dnd*

wearing: express cotton henley sweater and vintage fleece jogger pant, frames from coastal.com.

casual. 

now, i’ll admit that the temperatures dropped fast and furiously here in nyc, but if you’re still enjoying normal fall weather, a flannel-henley pairing is a tried-and-true style flex that’ll always leave you winning. go for an easy pair of jeans or slim-fit trousers—like this pair from express—throw on your favorite pair of sneakers, and hit the streets. oh, and be warned: there’s something about those fresh lumberjack vibes that’ll make you look like the bait, so don’t be scared if you receive a number of flirty advances throughout the day. 😏

wearing: express plaid flannel shirt, cotton henley sweater, and extra slim black cotton dress pants, reebok classic club c 85 sneakers.

clean. 

alright, the sun has set, you have a holiday party to be at in one hour, and you’ve yet to put together a solid look that’s sure to impress... 😰 don’t fret—this bad boy will come to the rescue once again. dig through your closet for a turtleneck (my recommendation: go for a mockneck). from there, layer up in this order: the sweater (underneath it all), your henley, a badass bomber (on top, obviously). for your bottom half, stick with your go-to pair of trousers and a fresh pair of chelsea boots. voila (feel free to give a toast, since all eyes will be on you anyways).

wearing: express black shoulder seam bomber jacket , cotton henley sweater, and extra slim black cotton dress pants, asos man chelsea boots.

if these three examples haven’t made you a believer yet, DM me on IG and I can break down any further doubts personally. otherwise, head over to express now to shop all their latest styles. but don’t stop there... the new arrivals section is full of other fall essentials to keep you looking your best throughout the chilly months ahead.

yes, this post is sponsored by express, but as always, all opinions, tips, and imagery are mine. -j

brand spotlight: getting back into fall with express.

for as long as i can remember, fall has always been my favorite time of year. the grey skies, the way the world just seems a bit more relaxed and comfortable, and, of course, the style switch-up. the mock turtleneck will forever be one of my favorite wardrobe staples—it's super versatile, comes in a number of variations, and looks damn good on pretty much everyone. i recently linked up with my buds over at express to put together three easy ways to rock one this season. check it out. -j

the 1-2 win.

i love a piece that makes my life easier—case in point: the mockneck's ability to look awesome under almost any outerwear hanging in your closet. cardigans, denim jackets, trench coats, puffers—trust me, it's like the ultimate cheat code for a style win this season. here, i hit the streets of soho to prove my point with this boss bomber from express. always one to keep things a little casual, i finished the look with my favorite pair of trackpants and my speed trainers for a sporty feel.

wearing: express black shoulder seam bomber jacket and mockneck embroidered lion sweater, forever21 track pants, balenciaga speed trainers.

keep it clean.

there's a lot of power in simplicity. for those days when the chill isn't too overwhelming, i'd recommend keeping things minimal—i.e. leaving the outerwear at home—and letting the sweater do the talking. pairing it with a clean pair of side-stripe trousers is enough to score you some serious style points. and if you're really worried about the temperature, don't sweat: just slip on a long-sleeved tee underneath and get your day underway, whether you're heading to the office (like me, here) or hanging out in the city.

wearing: express mockneck embroidered lion sweater, asos trousers with side stripe, converse chuck taylor hi-top all-stars.

layer player.

fall is all about layering, and the turtleneck is my secret weapon when it comes to turning my seasonal looks up a notch.  like the outerwear trick above, it's really as simple as A-B (no C required): i slipped one of my favorite pieces of knitwear over the sweater for a look that's cozy and, thanks to the zipper on the collar, a little sporty too. the rest of your look can be kept as simple as you like. i went for a subtly stylish pair of slim-fit dress pants from express and dressed things down with these new vans i've been obsessed with lately. this simple concept is perfect for any casual evening plans on your calendar that still require a bit of effort in the wardrobe department.

wearing: express mockneck embroidered lion sweater and extra slim black cotton dress pants, asos striped sweater, vans authentic sneakers.

if you're still working on your fall wardrobe, head over to express.com now and check out the latest drops—especially if you've got a gig in corporate america. trust me, i've been there, so i know how blah the dress code can be, but you can use the tips above, along with some of their other style staples, to add a little bit of cool to your business casual mix this season.

yes, this post was #sponsored by express, but as always, all tips, opinions, and photos are mine.