Gentleman’s Essential #9: The Utility Players

In Major League Baseball, what do Cesar Tovar, Cookie Rojas, Bert Campaneris, Shane Halter, and Jose Oquendo have in common?  They have all played every position in baseball in their careers.  Pretty amazing!  These athletes completely embody the moniker “utility player.”  As guys, we generally like our lives simple and our clothing options should only stay true to that mission.  Most of us have a few pairs of shoes, a small assortment of shirts, a couple of belts – black and brown.  The essential elements.  Do we really need a walk-in closet packed to capacity with a myriad of coats and shirts for every conceivable event? 

In this vein, we will take a look at three “utility players” that every guy should have at their disposal.  First up is the black pea coat.  The pea coat was designed originally for sailors as early as the 1720s and the name originates from the Dutch word “pijjekker” which refers to a kind of heavy cloth.  In the centuries since its introduction, the style has changed very little.  The great thing about a pea coat, is it’s the type of jacket you can throw on over a t-shirt and jeans as you head out into the cold, or you can feel comfortable putting it on over dress clothes.  It fits any environment. 

Today’s look is trending to slimmer fits and mixing dress shirts with jeans.  Anything that lets us wear jeans more can’t be all bad.  Wearing a dress shirt with jeans is cool, but if you were to put on a regular-width tie it would throw off the look.  Currently thinner ties are back in style and this option is a great way to look good whether you pair it with a suit or your shirt and jeans.  It really works with either option.  When picking a skinny tie, it’s best to opt for a black one first as it’s the most versatile. 

The final essential out of our utility players is the lightweight, V-neck sweater.  The reason this falls into the “utility” group is because, like the others, it fits well as a something you’d wear with nicer clothes, or feel free to push up the sleeves and pair it with your favorite jeans.  A casual look that’s in style right now is to wear a button up shirt underneath and roll up the sleeves.  (see picture below) It’s a great way to create a layered look.

It’s good to find your own unique look that you can feel comfortable in, but any guy will agree that you really need those simple, go-to items like a coat, a tie, and a sweater.  Keep these within reach and you’ll be good for a job interview or heading out with a group of buddies.