The Choosy Beggar

For over 100 years, Barbour has been making waterproof gear for British royalty and citizens alike. More recently, its products have attracted the attention of a new generation — along with brands like J. Crew — thanks to a renewed interest in classic, quality menswear products. Its trademark waxed-cotton jackets — which well-healed gents will maintain for decades — are available in several styles from British Army commando coats to equestrian riding jackets, and typically run from $300-to-$400.

Come for the well-edited vintage finds; stay for the obscure labels. The brainchild of Greg Armas — of L.A.’s Scout fame – Assembly’s narrow space is typically dominated by West Coast and European labels like 0044, Raquel Allegra, and Risto Bimbiloski.

Founded in Belgium, Wisconsin in 1922, Allen Edmonds is (along with Alden) one the few shoe companies that still manufactures most of its products stateside. Also like Alden, Allen Edmonds has recently attracted the attention of a new generation of shoppers thanks to a renewed interest in classic Americana and quality menswear products. These shoes exude conservative, all-American style. Its slightly trendier models, meanwhile, are best left on display.

This New England-born institution makes the archetypal American dress shoe. Its cordovan-leather lace-ups — with varying degrees of brogueing — and tasseled calfskin loafers are built to last men through their long and prosperous professional careers. More recently, Alden has attracted the attention of a new generation — along with brands like J. Crew — thanks to a renewed interest in classic Americana and quality menswear products. As a result, it has become as common to see Alden’s worn with a pair of A.P.C. jeans as wool dress slacks.

Imagine suitable attire for an average office setting or conservative gallery opening in Paris. agnes b. is two-parts common sense, one-part understated elegance. Black and white reign supreme season after season, but don’t be surprised to find a bright paisley here or an orange striped print there. Along with crisp button-downs, basic tees, and slightly stylized cardigans, the label consistently carries reasonably-priced formal wear, too.