Ask Chris Black

ask chris black Yesterday at 3:00 p.m.

Ask Chris Black: ‘I’m Tired of Boat Shoes. How Should I Upgrade?’Plus, a summer take on the Ivy Sport look and high-end gift ideas for the creative couple with no registry.

By Chris Black

ask chris black Apr. 27, 2023

Ask Chris: Advice for Ditching the Tech-Bro Backpack?Plus brands cheaper than Loro Piana and the best items for transitioning a teen to college life.

By Chris Black

ask chris black Mar. 28, 2023

Ask Chris Black: Adidas Sambas Are Played Out. Any Alternatives?Also, spring jackets that aren’t chore coats and non-corny birthday-gift ideas for a 30-year-old.

By Chris Black

ask chris black Feb. 23, 2023

Ask Chris Black: ‘I Want to Get Into Blazers. How Do I Keep It Casual?’Plus affordable speakers, running belts, and styling tips for tall guys.

By Chris Black

ask chris black Jan. 26, 2023

Ask Chris Black: What’s an Airport Fit That’s Not Too Schleppy?Also, Chris’s favorite books from 2022 and some advice on birthday gifts (for yourself).

By Chris Black

please advise July 14, 2022

Ask Chris Black: I’m Attending a ‘Resort Casual’ Wedding. Any Men’s Style Recs?Four breezy suit options, Chris’s scalp routine, and a gift that’ll get you invited back to the beach house next year.

By Chris Black

please advise July 1, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Can You Recommend Some Next-Level Hiking Gear?A full kit for the style-minded summer hiker, from the clothes (including underwear) to the water bottle to the sunscreen.

By Chris Black

please advise June 24, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your Summer Basics (From Shirts to Shorts to Shoes)?Performance shorts, preppy shirts, dependable shoes, and sun-shielding hats (plus some sunglasses for good measure).

By Chris Black

please advise June 17, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Can You Find Some Briefcases for a Soon-to-Be Public Defender?Three practical, simple (but still stylish) briefcases to keep files in order, plus a selection of design-y table lamps for brightening a workspace.

By Chris Black

please advise May 27, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Thoughts on Stylish Windbreakers That Won’t Overheat a Runner?Jackets “to keep you dry but not suffocated,” summer house shoes (that aren’t Birkenstocks), and the audiobooks on Chris’s to-listen list.

By Chris Black

please advise May 20, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Now That We All Wear Them, What Reusable Masks Do You Like?Chris weighs in on “the new flex” that is face masks, special gifts for a 25th birthday, and expert-approved cameras for hobbyist photographers.

By Chris Black

please advise May 12, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Products Are You Using to Care for Your Newly Buzzed Head?The oils, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers Chris uses to protect his buzzed dome, plus barefoot running shoes that don’t “look disgusting.”

By Chris Black

please advise May 6, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Vases Will Make Fresh Flowers Look Even Prettier?Design-y vases that’ll give cut stems a happy home, plus Chris’s guide to styling men’s overalls, and stylist-approved women’s lightweight sweaters.

By Chris Black

please advise Apr. 29, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Gift Ideas for Moms Who Do It All, But ‘Want Nothing’?Five Chris-approved Mother’s Day gifts, plus what to wear to look like Michael Jordan while working out, and good over-ear headphones for under $100.

By Chris Black

please advise Apr. 22, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Ideas for Elevated ‘Push Presents’ to Give My Expecting Wife?Tasteful gifts to commemorate a momentous birth, plus not-cheesy Hawaiian shirts, and Chris’s favorite design-y incense burners at a range of prices.

By Chris Black

please advise Apr. 15, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Are You Snacking On in Quarantine?Six snacks to indulge in right now, plus gift baskets from NYC eateries you can ship far and wide, and men’s chinos that can be dressed up or down.

By Chris Black

please advise Apr. 8, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Are You Streaming to Pass the Time These Days?Five “nostalgic” shows to binge-watch now, plus functional windbreakers that feel ever so Kinfolk, and gift ideas for strange times.

By Chris Black

please advise Mar. 31, 2020

Ask Chris Black: I’m Stocking Up on Shorts. What Pairs Do You Like?Five pairs of shorts to wear inside and out, plus accessories for upping the production value of your video calls, and lightweight jackets for men.

By Chris Black

please advise Mar. 25, 2020

Ask Chris Black: I Live Alone — What Can Make My Home Cozier While in Isolation?Seven under-$100 things Chris suggests to cozy up a solitary space, plus gear to replicate Barry’s Bootcamp — and your local coffee shop — at home.

By Chris Black

please advise Mar. 18, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Can You Recommend Some WFH Fits?Clothes that Chris (and the folks behind Instagram’s @WFHFits) recommend for working from home, plus stuff to pass the time while social distancing.

By Chris Black

please advise Mar. 10, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Should I Buy to Accessorize My New Car?Stylish and useful stuff to zhuzh up your ride, plus “art-student cool” black pants, and clothes to wear if your workout is all about gainz.

By Chris Black

please advise Mar. 3, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Can You Help Me Find Trail-to-City Hiking Shoes?Shoes to take you from the Alps to Tompkins Square Park, plus the new spring clothes on Chris’s to-buy list, and six things he won’t travel without.

By Chris Black

please advise Feb. 25, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your Tried-and-True Drugstore Buys?The things Chris prefers to buy at a drugstore, plus reusable bags to use once the city bans plastic, and what NYC merch to pack should you ever move.

By Chris Black

please advise Feb. 18, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What (Not Too Warm) Hats Should I Wear As I Grow My Hair Out?Worthy baseball and bucket hats “for this difficult time,” plus Chris’s favorite cold-weather running gear and wardrobe basics for under $100.

By Chris Black

please advise Feb. 12, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Can I Get to Make Working From Home More Fun?Things to make those days alone more enjoyable, plus our columnist’s favorite solid-colored zip-up hoodies and luggage tags.

By Chris Black

please advise Feb. 4, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Office Supplies Will Impress People at My New Big-Boy Job?Tasteful (and functional) things for your desk, plus technical backpacks that double as work bags and the stuff Chris uses when traveling with suits.

By Chris Black

please advise Jan. 28, 2020

Ask Chris Black: Thoughts on Tasteful (Not Too Expensive) Valentine’s Day Gifts?Plus several denim shirt options for an aspiring “Parisian Cowboy,” and leather, chunky-soled Oxford shoes (that aren’t Doc Martens).

By Chris Black

please advise Jan. 22, 2020

Ask Chris Black: How Do I Bring More Italy-on-Holiday Vibes to My Life?How to use Italian vibes (and snacks) to relax, plus Chris’s favorite black shoes and gray shirts.

By Chris Black

please advise Jan. 14, 2020

Ask Chris Black: I’m Beach Bound. What Shoes Do I Get That Aren’t Basic Sperrys?Plus Chris recommends dupes for Warby Parker frames and green accessories to buy this season (after he saw the color all over at Pitti Uomo).

By Chris Black

please advise Jan. 7, 2020

Ask Chris Black: What Do You Use to Keep Your Teeth Pearly White?Everything Chris uses to care for his teeth (and mouth), plus his favorite bedside tables and the books currently on his reading list.

By Chris Black

please advise Dec. 31, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Can You Help Me Put Together an (Effortless) Après-Ski Look?Our columnist recommends the best clothes for dressing après ski without looking like a try-hard, along with some indoor-outdoor slippers for men.

By Chris Black

please advise Dec. 17, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are the Best Things You Bought in the 2010s?The products Chris calls his best purchases of the past ten years, plus stylish yet sturdy camera bags, and his favorite stuff for listening to music.

By Chris Black

please advise Dec. 10, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your Favorite Winter Gloves?Three pairs at various prices to keep hands warm, plus Chris’s favorite flannels and some highbrow gift ideas for highbrow teens.

By Chris Black

please advise Dec. 3, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your Storage Essentials for City Living?The bed risers, laundry bags, and sleek hooks Chris uses to maximize his apartment’s space, plus his picks for brown dress shoes and warm workwear.

By Chris Black

please advise Nov. 26, 2019

What’s Your Take on Mock Necks, and Which Ones Should I Wear?Three mock necks that channel Chris’s “dad’s ’90s cold-weather running looks,” plus plants for the home, and gifts for Japanophiles.

By Chris Black

please advise Nov. 19, 2019

What Are Your Favorite Pairs of Tassel Loafers?Three styles to complete a “Take Ivy” look, plus Chris’s favorite affordable home goods from often expensive brands and gray wool trousers.

By Chris Black

please advise Nov. 12, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Can You Suggest Some Tasteful, Unique Groomsmen Gifts?Plus Chris’s favorite camo clothes for winter and four coffee-table books he loves to give as gifts.

By Chris Black

please advise Nov. 5, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are Nice, Warm Winter Boots for the Brutal Season Ahead?Plus Chris’s favorite men’s puffer jackets (that cost roughly $180), and six non-candle gift ideas for those suffering from candle fatigue.

By Chris Black

please advise Oct. 29, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Should a Man (Well) Over 50 Buy to Update His Casual Wear?Chris suggests some age-appropriate clothes for the dad set, as well as special gifts for a 30th birthday and his favorite winter scarves.

By Chris Black

please advise Oct. 22, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Ideas for Slightly Elevated Sweatpants I Can Wear in Public?A handful of sweatpants to go from couch to brunch, plus sleek-but-protective iPhone 11 cases and women’s (non-workout) sneakers to wear this fall.

By Chris Black

please advise Oct. 15, 2019

Ask Chris Black: If You Had to Dress Business-Casual, What Would You Wear?Plus: Chris’s favorite beanies to sport this fall, and leather jackets that won’t make you look like a Sweetgreen regular who works in marketing.

By Chris Black

please advise Oct. 8, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Can You Recommend a Few Good (and Good-looking) Duffel Bags?Plus: black shoes (not sneakers) a “not cool” person can pull off, and the best footwear (including sneakers) to pair with black jeans.

By Chris Black

please advise Oct. 1, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What’s a Good Throw Blanket to Flex My Taste And Keep Me Warm?Plus: Our glasses-wearing columnist shares his favorite frames for men and women, and goes deep on nice-looking, cozy socks.

By Chris Black

please advise Sept. 24, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Ideas for Colorful (Wearable) Clothes to Brighten Up My Closet?Plus, Chris’s pal Jason Stewart, a home cook, weighs in on staple cookware and other items no kitchen should be without.

By Chris Black

please advise Sept. 17, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your 10 Wedding-Registry Essentials?Chris’s favorite practical and whimsical items for any registry, plus his picks for stylish men’s loungewear at any price point.

By Chris Black

please advise Sept. 12, 2019

Ask Chris Black: Is a Framed David Hockney Print in Poor Taste?Plus: an impassioned case for a Rimowa, and the coats Chris is coveting for fall.

By Chris Black

please advise Sept. 4, 2019

Ask Chris Black: What Are Your Thoughts on Watches?Plus, our resident Cool Guy’s take on wedding tuxes and non-dweeby laptop cases.

By Chris Black

please advise Aug. 28, 2019

Ask Chris Black: How Do You Keep Your Clothes Looking (and Smelling) Fresh?Chris shares his go-to laundry detergent, plus his favorite leather boots for fall, and what to wear for a night out in Vegas.

By Chris Black

dupes week Aug. 21, 2019

When Polished, Everyone Thinks My $120 Derbys Are Their $820 Prada CousinsPractically every compliment I receive is from someone who assumes they are Prada.

By Chris Black

painless shopping Aug. 15, 2019

The Chris Black Starter Pack: 25 of Our Columnist’s Favorite BasicsIncluding the white T-shirts, jeans, deodorant, and backpack (which, spoiler alert, is not a backpack) Chris swears by.

By Chris Black and The Editors

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