3 Friends, 3 Styles
s/o Tom Ellington, Trevor Houghton, & Sterling Douglas
📝 Editor’s Note | Rob Belk
I am constantly looking for data and feedback to improve the newsletter. Clothing recommendations, in particular men’s clothing, have outsized engagement.
Will I catch some heat for focusing an entire Rambull edition on men’s fashion? Of course. But I have retail merchandising in my blood. I also spent a summer selling ladies shoes at the mall. I still feel sorry for those women who came to me for advice about shoes to go with the dress they just bought…
While I may not personally be the best person to dish on men’s style, I’m lucky to have three close friends that are qualified. I asked each for a favorite shirt, pant or short, accessory, and, most importantly, their wife’s favorite piece of their style.
I should caveat that I’m highlighting friends who have aspirational style, to me (American, 35, pretty lame) and obviously won’t be the right fit for everyone. However, don’t worry, next week it is back to your regularly scheduled profiles with Trent Mankelow, an entrepreneur from New Zealand.
Without further ado…
Tom Ellington: always the first to discover a cool new shoe or lifestyle brand. Tom was raised in Charleston and has spent most of his adult life in Virginia; however, he avoids the Southern preppy stereotype. Tom runs Cirrus Vodka in Richmond, VA and described his style as, “comfortable, form-fitting options, trying to blend modern trends and vintage charm / retro cool….casual, stylish without being flashy, and polished and comfortable without leaning into athleisure.” [Tom’s Instagram]
Legend Sweater Shirt ($178)
I love Faherty's retro flannels, Henleys, polos, or tees
Lennox Slim Fit ($209)
These dark jeans are extremely comfortable, versatile and last years. I feel like the Page brand is a great example of buying quality over quantity.
Reelwind or Medalist Style Low tops ($220)
While I do have a pair of On's and love them, it's fun sometimes to rock something that not every guy wears - these have the feel of being a cool European brand, even though it's a US company.
Pacific Palisades ($35)
I am not a big accessory guy, but I love a cool, cheap pair of sunglasses.
Wife’s Favorite — Linen Shirt ($70)
I try to keep 2-3 linen shirts in the rotation, especially for spring/summer and Jane likes my Zara linens.
Sterling Douglas: don’t let the fact that he lives in Oklahoma City fool you. This guy still looks like he belongs in Brooklyn. He recently moved to Oklahoma to take a role with the world’s most popular app, “YouVersion”. He always seems to be wearing subtle yet interesting brands, and was early to evangelising and to wearing Aimé Leon Dore… [Sterling’s Instagram]
Performance Raglan Quarter Zip ($148)
Lightweight, stylish, and breathable; perfect for all things Dad, Husband, & Golf.
New Balance 550 ($140)
Stylish, retro vibes, versatile; golf, meeting, to life ready.
Merino Wool Socks ($20)
Just trust me, temperature-regulating, ultra-comfy, great fit.
Olio Frames ($95)
Simple, timeless, durable not Meta-Raybans
Wife’s Favorite — Driver Shoe ($275)
Burnt out on dressing up after starting my career as a commodities trader in ’08—tailor shirts, chinos, and loafers still trigger recession flashbacks. As a founder & product lead, I adopted the Brooklyn-meets-Silicon Valley uniform: tee (sometimes Aime), jeans, and sneakers. Now, I only dress up for bi-weekly date nights with my wife. These driver shoes are my cheat code—feel like fun, not like work.
Trevor Houghton: someone you can tell has lived long portions of his life in both NYC and Los Angeles. Makes being a dad of 4 look effortless and cool. I credit Trevor for getting me excited about going down the entrepreneurship through acquisition path. [Trevor’s Instagram]
Season of Change by Mary Ball ($168)
They make the most unique and thoughtful shirts out there but especially because my wife Meg’s former roommate was their featured artist this year.
Saturday Stretch Pant ($128)
This is for the guys who are still having trouble transitioning away from the Taylor look of the last 10 years.
Fort Worth Brown ($210)
These are a no-brainer all summer. One pair for the beach and another pair for dressy summer dinners.
Versa Hat ($58)
This is the most innovative take on an everyday hat I have come across.
Wife’s Favorite — Over Shirt ($248)
Meg’s favorite is a Todd Snyder overshirt. It was from the winter collection, so not still around but they have a great selection for summer. Super high-quality apparel that will last a long time.
P.S. from Rambull — Since I’m here, I might as well share something. I’ll go the route of what my wife does not like…
Tech pants and non-iron shirts (much to my dismay, I’m a comfort and function over style guy). RIP Lulu ABCs….
I did tell her she had to pick something, and she went with my Karhu shoes ($150)
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I second the Paige jeans rec!!! They feel great on day one.
Quality over quantity for sure, but also… they’re almost always online at Nordstrom Rack for $89 once you know your size. Game changer.