The Getup: The Goldilocks Outfit

The Getup: The Goldilocks Outfit
An outfit made up of “just right” pieces can’t go wrong. 

Just like you shouldn’t fill your kitchen drawers with uni-taskers–gadgets that are only good for a single purpose, like an avocado slicer–it doesn’t make any sense to fill your dresser drawers with clothes that only coordinate with a single other item in your wardrobe, or that you can only wear on a Tuesday in April when the weather is 65 degrees and partly cloudy with a southeasterly wind.

Getting dressed is often a series of compromises and weighing various factors: dress codes, weather, comfort, formality, and so forth. That’s why we like to identify the Goldilocks items whenever possible–chameleon garments that aren’t “too dressy” or “too casual” but can be “just right” for any number of occasions and outfit combinations.

That got us thinking. Would it be possible to combine multiple Goldilocks pieces and create the ULTIMATE GOLDILOCKS GETUP? Would we make a classic, handsome, versatile outfit? Or rip a fabric in the fabric of time and space? Or both?

We’re still waiting to hear back from CERN about any anomalies in our continuum, but we do have a Getup. Submitted for your consideration:

fall outfit men ideas

target socks invicta belt abercrombie jeans jcrew factory sweater frank and oak bomber image frank and oak bomber gingham flex shirt giorgio brutini banana republic shoes the getup amazon bomber

Get the Look

Packable bomber jacket: Frank & Oak, $129

Lambswool blend sweater: J.Crew Factory, $35.50

Flex gingham shirt: J.Crew Factory, $35

Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch, $39

Belt: Main Street Forge, $39.99

Socks: Target, 2 for $8

Watch: Invicta, $85

The quilted bomber/puffer hybrid combines two essential jacket archetypes. The silhouette is trimmer than a typical puffer, with some nice textural detail from the diamond quilting. It’s water repellent and packs down small into a travel-friendly stuff sack. Also available in forest green and black, but we like the “wine” option–it goes with just about any pair of pants or shoes in your wardrobe.

burgundy quilted bomber jacket frank and oak

Neither as thick as a fisherman’s cabled sweater or as thin as a cashmere knit, this soft (and machine washable) crewneck pullover is weighty enough to keep you warm in the cooler months, but it’s not so bulky that you can’t layer it under a jacket on wet or snowy days. It’s also available in about a kajillion (okay, 9) different colors, so you could always pick up a few options.

brown lambswool sweater

It’s easy (and perfectly acceptable) to wear a t-shirt under a sweater, but for a slightly smarter touch (and to take your casual style a notch toward the dressier end of the spectrum) try a collared shirt as your inner layer.

green and blue gingham shirt pattern

The small checkered pattern of this gingham shirt adds an additional visual dimension, and you’ll still be office-appropriate if you start to overheat and have to ditch the sweater.

abercrombie straight jea nas

Dress them up, dress them down, cuff them or leave them long–slim leg, dark rinse jeans just might be the epitome of a style chameleon. The right pair will pair perfectly with a simple t-shirt and nice sneakers, yet look equally appropriate with a collared shirt and dress shoes. Case in point.

giorgio brutini brown

Black shoes automatically read a little more formal than any other color, so it’s a good idea to round out your shoe collection with a more versatile brown option. The Giorgio Brutini oxfords (pictured) are a classic budget-conscious selection–the relatively simple styling makes them more timeless than a pair with broguing or other decorative flourishes (currently available on Nordstrom Rack; some sizes are as low as $35 on Amazon, while others are $99). If you’re ready to invest a little more in your footwear, try this pair from Banana Republic. Soft Italian leather uppers and a durable rubber outsole provide a great function/fashion compromise.

We kept the accessories simple and classic–nothing too show-offy to detract from the clean good looks of this Getup. A full grain leather belt that looks better with age, a stainless steel diver’s watch, and some fun-but-not-wild socks show character, but don’t pull attention from just how well everything works together. You could always add a statement piece if you want, but this is just the right amount of flair for a quietly confident Getup that makes you the focus, not your clothes.

➝ Read: 13 Belt Questions Most Guys Get Wrong

What pieces would you include in your Ultimate Goldilocks Getup? Let us know in the comments!

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.