Image via Complex Original
Since his eponymous label 3.1 Phillip Lim launched in 2005, Phillip Lim has been one of menswear's, and on a greater scale, fashion's, most exciting designers. The recipient of the CFDA Emerging Talent Award in 2007, Lim has proven himself as a designer with a genuinely unique vision. We'll level with you though, we used to be so caught up in classic men's tailoring that it wasn't until recently that we were fully ready to appreciate his progressive, sometimes avant garde aesthetic. But now that we've given his work the time it deserves, we're fully on board with his forward thinking modern takes that always seem to possess a high-end and equally casual quality. While his namesake collection continues to push boundaries, his upcoming collection with Target (images above) is a reflection on the essentials of day-to-day life: T-shirts, sweatpants, cardigans and, sure, a motorcycle jacket for good measure. It's clear that in Lim's everyday life comfort is king, but we were also curious to know what other tips Lim had for remaining stylish as the summer unfortunately winds down.
PhillipLimSSTlead
whiteandnavy
On the perfect color palette...
Stock your closet with lots of white and navy – they're as versatile as black.
Piqué cotton T-shirts from Phillip Lim for Target
versatilebag
On travel accessories....
A simple, sleek travel bag is a must-have. The valise from my collection with Target is the perfect size for a weekend getaway and at only $59.99 you can’t go wrong.
jeansmen
On denim...
Splurge on a pair of jeans. Jeans are a closet staple and totally worth it, especially since they are something you wear almost every day.
suitphilliplim
On the ideal suit...
Whether you wear a suit for work every day, or only on special occasions, every man must have a suit that exudes sophistication. A timeless look doesn’t have to break the bank; tailoring and properly caring for your suit will carry you through many years. The navy suit I created for Target is only $69.99 for the blazer and $39.99 for the pants – you can’t beat a deal like that for a quality suit.
philliplimtrench
On upcoming fall outerwear...
A classic trench will never go out of style. A quality coat can keep you looking great, no matter what the weather may bring. The khaki trench from my Target collection is a classic style, lending itself to every occasion without breaking the bank. At just $79.99, this is a perfect example of how you don’t have to sacrifice quality for adorability.
fitiskey
On fit...
Fit is key. Most men tend to choose clothing that is too baggy but it is important to find pieces that fit your shape. Investing in a tailor is an investment worth making.
Shirt, Sweatpants and Sneakers from Phillip Lim for Target
buttonfrontshirt
On Shirting...
Every man should have a classic button-front shirt. The lightweight material and easy to roll-up sleeves make it perfect for a hot summer day, and can easily take you from the office to drinks without skipping a beat.
Shirt from Phillip Lim for Target
philliplimsunglasses
On accessories....
Don’t forget the details. Men tend to forget the importance of a carefully chosen timepiece, a sturdy umbrella and a perfect pair of sunglasses.
backpack
On everyday travels...
When in doubt, go with solids and the perfect day to day bag. I designed two backpacks for my collection with Target; one in black and one in a blue camo print. These bags can take you from sun up to sun down, whether it’s used as an everyday bag, a weekend travel bag, or to simply store your clothes in while at the gym.
tryingtoohard
On trying too hard...
Don’t look like you’re trying too hard. At the end of the day, style is the greatest form of self-expression, so you really have to consider what suits you best. I kept this in mind when designing my collection for Target, making sure there was something for everyone.
T-shirt, Cardigan, Sweatpants and Sneakers from Phillip Lim for Target
