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This article was produced in partnership with Cole Haan.

With airlines cutting costs at every turn and record crowds funneling through the world’s airports, it might seem like the halcyon days of glamorous travel will never make a comeback. But that doesn’t mean mens’ style should also become a victim of today’s air travel woes.

“It’s tempting to just throw on your coziest clothes, but we all can put a little more effort into crafting an elevated jet-set look that doesn’t forgo the comfort of sweats,” mens’ fashion stylist Seppe Tirabassi tells Men’s Journal. “The return of travel is something worth celebrating. Don’t spoil it for yourself by looking sloppy.”

While the jury is still out on whether dressing to the nines might win you a surprise flight upgrade, it certainly won’t hurt your chances. And if there’s one shoe worthy of a first-class ticket, it’s Cole Haan’s 4.ZERØGRAND Stitchlite™ Oxford.

Cole Haan seamlessly marries innovative material craftsmanship and striking design with the 4.ZERØGRAND Oxford. Constructed in a breathable Stitchlite™ knit, the uppers will ensure that your feet stay cool and comfortable throughout your journey. When it’s time to tackle the airport security line, sliding your shoes off and on will be a breeze thanks to the slight stretch factor of the fabric. (Just make sure you’re wearing Cole Haan ZERØGRAND Performance Crew Socks so you don’t have to waltz through barefoot.)

Be prepared: Fellow travelers will be ogling your Oxfords—blame it on the handsome wingtip embellishment on the uppers, something you’d typically find on a dapper dress shoe. But they’re more than just an attractive pair of kicks; they’re comfy and ideal for traveling, too. When travel days keep you on your feet for extended periods, you’ll appreciate the shoes’ layers of proprietary cushioning compounds. They softly pad each step, whether you’re loafing around the terminal or sprinting to the gate just before the boarding door closes. In addition, the Oxfords’ lightweight construction makes them easy to pack: They won’t weigh down your suitcase on the return trip home (though we think they deserve to get shown off at the airport).

The 4.ZERØGRAND Oxford comes in four colorways, but for traveling, Tirabassi likes the Glacier Gray color, which serves as the foundation for this low-profile monochromatic look.

“Each piece is more or less a gray tone, but the bright yellow sole adds a fun pop of color that will catch peoples’ eye,” says the stylist, who travels frequently for photoshoots.

As for the rest of the look, Tirabassi points to one material that essentially defines sophisticated comfort: cashmere.

“There’s nothing like the sensation of slipping on a jogger made from one-hundred percent cashmere,” he says.

He recommends the brand Naked Cashmere for its solid selection of high-quality yet surprisingly affordable cashmere garments.

“Skip the shapeless cotton sweats and go for Naked Cashmere’s matching set of monochromatic zip-up hoodies and joggers,” Tirabassi says. “These pieces are breathable and lightweight, but will keep you nice and warm on a drafty red-eye. Plus, they won’t wrinkle, so you’ll touch down at your destination looking like a million bucks.”

Underneath, a plain white cotton T-shirt, like Mott & Bow’s Classic Crew Driggs, is all you need.

When traveling, it’s vital to master the art of layering. Whether you’re escaping your chilly hometown for a beach getaway or heading out on a ski trip, the last thing you want to do is lug around a bulky coat through the airport.

“Not only can it get pretty cold on a flight, but even in the height of summer, you may find yourself needing an extra layer when the A.C. is blasting indoors,” Tirabassi says. “Keeping with the monochromatic gray palette, this quilted down vest from Brunello Cucinelli is a smart layer because it can be rolled up into a backpack or suitcase when you’re not wearing it.”

He also notes that while Brunello falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, you can find similar lightweight puffer vests in nearly any budget.

Complete the look with a plain gray cap—Loro Piana’s super-soft Ty Baseball Cap sticks with the cashmere theme—for an extra dash of anonymity or to cover up unkempt hair. You can also pull the brim over your eye to catch a snooze mid-flight.

Last, but certainly not least, every traveler needs a durable, TSA-approved backpack to keep all their essentials within easy reach. Cole Haan’s water-resistant ZERØGRAND Slim Convertible Backpack was designed with ergonomic backpack straps to rest lightly on the shoulders, and it comes with a trolley pass strap to slide over the handle of your carry-on luggage. Multiple interior compartments make it easy to organize important documents, electronics, and other gear.

“Like the Cole Haan Oxfords, this is a fun, functional accent piece that will add a bit of personality to your monochromatic look,” says Tirabassi. “Ironically, this bold camo print is going to make you stand out from the crowd.”

[Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Stitchlite™ Oxford: $210; colehaan.com]

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This article was produced in partnership with Cole Haan.

Remember what dressing up for the office was like? You’re not the only one who swapped a wardrobe of wrinkle-free workwear for a Zoom-friendly getup of sweats and slippers, but as companies across the country welcome employees back to their desks, it’s time to brush up on what it means to dress business casual. After a long hiatus from face-to-face interactions, you’ll want to transition back into office culture armed with a dress-to-impress attitude. Whether you’re on track to land a promotion or in the first few days of a new job, flexing your workplace style muscles with a game-raising outfit will pay off in spades.

“It’s no secret that we all dress down for virtual meetings and phone calls, but when you’re in the office around colleagues and your boss, it’s crucial to show that you’re committed to looking presentable while on the clock,” New York City-based menswear stylist Seppe Tirabassi tells Men’s Journal. “Now is an ideal opportunity to elevate the professionalism of your attire, which you can do without sacrificing the comfort of your stay-at-home clothes and footwear.”

When it comes to business casual, there are a few select menswear brands that get it right every time. Cole Haan is one of them. For nearly 100 years, the brand has been redefining the rules of how to dress in an ever-evolving workplace. The heritage label continues to revamp its most popular releases, like the best-selling 4.ZERØGRAND shoe, which disrupted the work footwear category in 2020 with its striking design and innovative construction. For Tirabassi, Cole Haan’s new 4.ZERØGRAND Stitchlite™ Oxfords are a rock-solid foundation for building a sophisticated office outfit.

Blurring the lines between formal footwear and casual sneakers, Cole Haan’s elegant Oxfords are crafted with ultra-breathable Stitchlite™ fabric to keep your feet dry and cool, and they feature decorative wingtip details that evoke the classic embellishments of a mainstay dress shoe.

“These are a great alternative to a leather Oxford that you’d typically pair with a suit,” Tirabassi says. “When you’ve got long days at the office, it’s alright to give your feet a break now and then with a more ergonomic shoe.”

Whether you’re an architect running around town for site visits or a software engineer glued to your keyboard, you’ll also appreciate the innovative multi-layered foam cushioning in the sole of the 4.ZERØGRAND Stitchlite™ Oxfords.

“No one has to know just how comfortable you are in these Oxfords,” Tirabassi adds. “Just keep your ankles covered with a pair of socks, like one of Cole Haan’s Stripe Dress Crew Socks in gray or navy.”

Tirabassi also has some advice for color matching.

“The beige version of the Oxfords with blue laces complements a relaxed navy or light blue suit perfectly,” he says. “Plus, the visual contrast will have eyes gravitating toward the shoe.”

As a reference, he points to J. Crew’s Ludlow Unstructured Suit, which is crafted with fabric from Baird McNutt, an Irish Mill that produces some of the world’s finest linen. Since the jacket is unpadded, it’s versatile and comfortable to wear all day long, from morning bike commutes to rowdy happy hours with the team.

“This isn’t your dad’s boxy suit. The slim fit is modern, cool, and very office-appropriate,” says Tirabassi. “Guys tend to think that clothes labeled as ‘slim cut’ will be uncomfortably tight, like a pair of skinny jeans, but it just means that the shape of the garment is a bit more tailored. In any case, the breathable blend of linen and cotton is perfect for a spring and summer wardrobe.”

Rather than styling your suit with a dress shirt, opt for a simple white oxford like Taylor Stitch’s organic cotton Everyday Oxford, which comes in a tailored fit with no pleats for easy ironing.

“The material is a lot less stiff than a formal dress shirt and will keep you cool on warmer days,” Tirabassi explains. “While this shirt is cut to a shorter length, which means it can be worn untucked, you’ll want to tuck it in when wearing it with a suit. A slim, loose tie is optional here, too. But don’t be caught without a belt if your goal is to appear put together at the office.”

In this outfit, Cole Haan’s two-tone GRANDSERIES Perforated 31mm Belt is a superb option. The perforated nubuck detail adds visual interest, and it complements the Stitchlite™ uppers of your Cole Haan shoes.

To carry all your daily essentials, like a laptop, water bottle, and notepad, complete the look with an office-friendly work bag—not a backpack (you’re not in high school anymore). Cole Haan’s ZERØGRAND All-Day Tote fits the bill.

“The camo breaks up the solid color of the suit with a fun, edgy pattern,” Tirabassi says. “It’s way cooler than a regular briefcase, but still a professional accessory to carry to your desk.”

The sleek, sturdy bag is constructed with water-resistant nylon and features double leather handles and a strap for slinging it over your shoulder (plus a back panel of compression-molded EVA foam for added comfort).

“With a business casual outfit like this,” Tirabassi says, “I promise you won’t be missing your work-at-home uniform at all.”

[Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Stitchlite™ Oxford: $210; colehaan.com]

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