Reader Getup: Khoi Nguyen from Gentleman Within

Reader Getup: Khoi Nguyen from Gentleman Within
Introduce these transitional pieces to help you with the seasonal change.
23 September,2018By / Photos By Erica Torres
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I first met Khoi at the Menfluential conference a few years ago, and he's a friend I always look forward to catching up with each year. He's thoughtful and easy-going, and incredibly driven. Since going to Menfluential the first time, he's started Gentleman Within, an awesome site where he shares his style journey and inspires and helps others to start their own. I'm excited to feature Khoi as this month's Reader Getup, I love how this outfit brilliantly balances the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Khoi has put together some helpful insight and his photos are killer. 

If you have a look you love that you want to share with the Primer community, email us, tag @primermagazine on Instagram, @primerag on Twitter, or upload a photo into any Primer article comment! Take it away Khoi! – Andrew

I love the simplicity of summer style. It encourages minimalism by saying more with less. On the other hand, fall style has more intricacies that makes dressing stylishly, fun and equally challenging.

With a myriad of different boot styles to try on, accessories to experiment with, all the while keeping in mind fit and silhouette, it’s no wonder nailing fall style can be a challenge.

The look in this Live Action Getup is somewhat of a transitional uniform for me. It’s the perfect balance of smart and casual, rugged and refined.

Live Action Getup Key Pieces

Transitioning Your Style From Summer To Fall

Let’s start with the light-padded vest, one of my favorite layering pieces. It’s a simple, stylish way to transition your style from summer to fall.

I went with the blue vest because IMO, navy and brown are an excellent color pairing. Besides being one of my favorite color schemes, both of these colors are versatile and play well with all different shades of colors from gray to olive to beige, and even black.

The lightweight nature of the vest gives it a refined appearance. If it were thicker and baggier, it would give off a more rugged vibe.

It not only looks great, but can be worn overtop of a t-shirt, henley, sweatshirt, OCBD or layered underneath a denim jacket. It’s this versatility that has made this quilted Walker vest from J.Crew Factory a staple in my summer/fall transitional wardrobe.

Now let’s move on to the athletic-inspired light gray sweatshirt. This classic menswear piece looks great both fitted or slightly roomier. I went with a snug fit throughout the body and arms which makes for a cleaner silhouette. I rolled up the sleeves to give the look a casual cool nonchalance.

Working our way down, let’s talk about dark wash denim. What about dark wash denim? Well, I’ve written an entire article on why dark wash jeans are essential to a man’s wardrobe.

Lighter colors are most appropriate for warmer weather while darker colors are better suited for autumn and winter. Dark wash jeans are a workhorse that will get you through the fall season in style. I personally like to cuff the bottom of my jeans when I’m wearing boots for a touch of ruggedness. My ideal fit is slim through the thigh and leg with a nice taper towards the ankle. Notice the streamlined silhouette from top to bottom with the jeans

A fall Getup isn’t complete without a quintessential plain-toe or chelsea boot. For this Getup I think both of them work. The boots add a dash of ruggedness to the look while balancing with refined qualities. These boots from Thursday have a slimmer profile and silhouette than a chunkier Wolverine or Thorogood, which would make this look sway into rugged territory. These Thursday boots give a good balance between rugged and refined as I mentioned before.

Finally, we can’t leave without mentioning the accessories. Sunglasses are an essential year-round and for this look I went with a matte brown pair with green gradient lenses. Gotta protect your eyes from squinting and prevent those crows feet.

Can’t forget a quality leather messenger bag that’s equal parts functional and stylish. Solo NYC makes some great bags that has all the carrying space you need while maintaining a relatively slim profile. I love how the brown accents pop off of the black, pebble grain leather.

Lastly, for a quick wrist check, I’m rocking the classic, clean-faced, Timex Weekender with a custom brown leather strap which again makes the overall look a touch more rugged.

I want to thank Andrew for allowing me the opportunity to share this look with the Primer Magazine community. I’ve been an avid reader of Primer and the LAG series for a long time and so it’s an honor to be able to contribute to Primer and its wonderful community of stylish gents.I hope this article shows you how easy the summer to fall transition can be simply by introducing a few key elements of fall style into your daily Getups.

Banana Republic Gray Sweatshirt, $35 (similar for more sizes) / J.Crew Mercantile Vest, $47 / Timex Weekender, $35 / Leather NATO strap, $16 / Thursday Boot Chelsea Boots, $199 / Banana Republic Traveler Jean, $71 / Solo Briefcase, $215

Khoi Nguyen is the Founding Editor of www.gentlemanwithin.com. He created Gentleman Within to help men dress better, feel amazing, and live their best life. He believes that style is worth caring about, and that through style, men can achieve greatness.

If you liked this article, visit his site and check out the ‘I Am A Gentleman’ Manifesto a credo and call-to-action for us as men—to live our lives the best way we know how; courageously and with purpose.

Cheers to your style!

What’s Your Getup, And What Inspired You?

I want to say a huge thanks to Khoi for sharing his Getup and inspiration with us, and encourage you to get in touch and share your own. Email us, tag @primermagazine on Instagram, @primerag on Twitter, or upload a photo into any Primer article comment!

Be sure to check out Zac's and Devon's Reader Getups too.

Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.