18 Cool Things GQ Staffers Actually Bought in February

Here at GQ Recommends, we spend countless hours toiling in the e-comm trenches to curate cool things to buy so you can shop like one of us, whether you’re looking for a new suit or a fresh three-pack of boxer briefs. Our unrivaled window shopping brings you everything from the best new menswear to the hottest menswear deals. But do those selects always align with our own personal order histories? They do not. So we thought we’d give you a tantalizing peek into our very own actual non-imaginary shopping carts. Here are 18 things our editors copped last month—much of which you can cop for yourself, too!—including cushy retro sneakers, top-shelf olive oil, and so much more.

February

These vintage-style chinos have been a nice break from wearing denim all the time. The permanent crease, like those on a pair of Dickies work pants, is great for looking put-together without having to whip out the ironing board. Plus, I'm a real sucker for flaps on back pockets.

Lord knows I don't need another midweight jacket. But dammit, Lord also knows I love a deal! From the Americana gods at Engineered Garments comes this navy corduroy trucker jacket that's actually warmer than I expected. The jacket just might have the most perfect fit I've ever encountered, and I'm super into the cropped silhouette, which makes me question where I stand in the Team Topcoat or Camp Crop debate.

I never thought I'd be taking style advice from Drake and Josh, but the whole long-sleeve tee under a short-sleeve tee move has really tickled my fancy recently. The problem was: I needed a long-sleeve tee. I opted for a simple option from Norse Projects, which makes one with a pocket. Now, while there's a tee going over this top, I figured it'd be nice to have a pocket if I decided to wear the Johannes on its own.

A rec as old as time, but a big "menswear guy" moment for me. I recently purchased my first pair of Paraboot Michaels. In my opinion, everyone should own a pair. They're versatile enough to dress up with a casual suit or dress down with jeans and a T-shirt. Of all the leather shoes I've owned, nothing compares to the comfort of the Michael. And as a lifelong Pacific Northwest resident, having a gussied-up shoe that's virtually waterproof thanks to its Norwegian welted construction is a godsend.

Despite having been in the "air fryers are lame" camp for a few years now, my wife, in another push to find the most affordable and aesthetically pleasing kitchen gadgets, pushed me into the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer. I gotta say…this is the exception for me. The touch screen is easy to use and it makes reheating a breeze—especially since we haven't replaced our microwave since it went out last summer.

I've had trouble finding good socks to wear with my favorite clogs in the winter, but these fluffy socks solved my problems. They're perfectly thick and warm and they let me wear my clogs even on the coldest days. Also great for lounging around the house when it's too frigid to even go outside.

Brooklinen describes these bath towels as having “over-the-top plushness”, and they're not exaggerating. It's super thick, oversized, and the heaviest towel I've ever held. The absorbance is great, and the fun colorways are the cherry on top. I no longer dread stepping out of the shower.

I originally got this from an Italian pharmacy, but you can also find it on Amazon! It's become part of my everyday routine to keep my skin looking and feeling its best. I apply this on my face with a cotton pad after showers or before bed, for instant hydration, not to mention the dreamy, subtle rose scent.

I wanted a nice sweater to get me through the last days of winter, so I took a little road trip to New Haven and got myself some pizza and a Shaggy Dog sweater from J.Press. Thought about getting funky with a kelly green or bright yellow but I opted for a more muted blue-brown that goes with just about everything.

Big tip for fans of the series, aspiring screenwriters, and eldest boys.

These nappy purple joints aren’t what I would normally go for, but I got them on deep discount at Hatchet Supply in Brooklyn (they’re still also on sale at Dr. Martens). Great silhouette, and will be fun to style the next time I want to crack open a can of freaky.

Perhaps the best thing my partner and I put on our wedding registry last year was flatware from Sabre, the French brand responsible for the pretty cutlery you used that one time at that great restaurant you can’t remember the name of. Anyway, we had to get some vintage-finish spreaders to round out the set because we’re completists, for one, but also because when you take bread and butter seriously, elevated butter spreaders are only to be expected.

Had to get my graphic tee rotation in warm-weather shape, and this no-nonsense denim brand makes a bunch of simple, un-fussy ones. I bought three.

I finally got sick of sloshing around New York with the lower half of my body soaked to the bone. And of course, a brand whose main mission is to keep folks dry and fly would be the one to convince me at long last that there's a better way.

It's light, fluffy, comfortably oversized, and goes with everything. I'm just terrified to eat pasta in it.

My V-Day gift to myself was this cute lil’ flower ring from Levens Jewels, a sweet brand based in Spain that makes an assortment of amazing glass and ceramic pieces. It’s kind of childish, almost DIY-looking, but I love the idea of wearing a casual cocktail ring around.

In an effort to look a little more pulled-together this spring, I just bought a couple different sweater vests like a pale blue mohair one (sadly now sold out), and this hand-dyed one from Maria Stanley. She’s an LA-based designer who makes deeply covetable, high-quality cardigans, dresses, denim that you want to wear forever. The fit on this is slightly cropped, and it comes in a cool indigo shade that looks even better in person.

January 2024

Ask ten GQ staffers to ID their favorite white tee, and you’ll get ten different answers—along with a lot more context than you need. So for everyone's sake, I’ll spare you the hem-hawing: Front General, the Brooklyn-based vintage emporium, makes the best T-shirt not equipped with a faded Screen Stars tag. The collar could be a smidge tighter and the cut a shade less boxy, but those are the minor quibbles. (A word to the wise: If you wash them on hot, they shrink.) Last month, I made the annual pilgrimage to Dumbo to replenish my supply. Perfection is overrated anyway.

Needed a new pair of gym shoes, bought a new pair of gym shoes, have been wearing said gym shoes ever since. I kick 'em off before I hit the squat rack, but they've held up equally well on the elliptical and en route to the corner store.

A lot of Nike's shoes are too narrow for my wide feet (I miss the SB Dunk high-tops), but the Air Force Ones are supremely comfortable. I love a suede Nike sneaker, and this monochromatic riff is going to be my new everyday beater.

Even if you're wearing nothing else—or maybe especially then—the right socks can make or break an outfit. Uniqlo's crisp white pile socks are the most comfortable ones I own. I tested a lot of alternatives along the way, and now I wear a pair of these every day of the week.

While writing about my favorite beard care products, I was inspired to re-up on one of the best beard oils I've ever reviewed. To this day, it absorbs like no other product I've tried.

Growing up in Chicago, I was raised on a steady diet of Vienna Beef and the ‘90s Bulls dynasty. So when I saw this particular Michael Jordan print available at Sonic Editions, I had to have it hanging in my office. Not only does it remind me of home, it also serves as evidence that MJ is an OG NBA style icon.

I’m a longtime fan of Outlier’s tough-as-nails Bombtwill fabric, and the Bombdeux pants are a relaxed rendition of the brand’s Bomb Dungarees, which these days are cut a bit too slim for my liking. It’s quickly become my new go-to pant: Generously cut and relaxed, but plenty of structure that can serve pretty much any fit.

On one shoulder an angel told me, "You have enough plain black boots." On the other, a stylish little devil said, "Maybe this is just who you are. Embrace yourself." Seeing as this is an article titled 'What GQ Staffers Actually Bought', you can guess who was more persuasive.

For Bottega Veneta's Spring/Summer 2023 collection, creative director Matthieu Blazy collaborated with the legendary furniture designer Gaetano Pesce to build a mind-blowing set featuring a psychedelic runway paved in Pesce's signature resin work and lined with dozens of handmade chairs. Come Stai? documents the creative process behind the collaboration and is bound with the same fabric that was used to make the chairs, as well as a unique 1-of-1 resin cover. I was on a desperate, irresponsibly last-minute hunt for holiday gifts back in December when the cover of this book caught my eye. Shopping for loved ones should've been my priority, but who says I couldn't have a little treat for myself along the way? Only a few hundred copies of the book were produced; securing one of the actual chairs from the runway show is infinitely cooler, buying the book seemed less irresponsible.

I’m on a big pants-buying and pants-purging kick, in search of new silhouettes. These chunky, corduroy styles are my latest, with a satisfying, cold-defying heft to them and a slouchy fit. They’re at the tailor right now getting taken up a few inches, but I can’t wait to let them loose on the streets.

Last year, around this time, I lost a beloved five-year old, limited-edition Uniqlo liner jacket at the LAX security line that has saved my ass many winters in a row. To say that I was devastated is an understatement, and I’ve spent the months since trying to find a suitable replacement. This one isn’t exactly the same (there’s no down fill here), and it’s not quite as thin, but the ribbed collar is a nice touch and it keeps me warm under slim coats when I don’t want to pull on my giant puffer jacket.

I’ve never been a huge jewelry girl—mostly because I’m the kind of chaotic person who is always losing rings in restaurant bathrooms and earrings at exes’ places, never to be seen again. The fiscally responsible choice for me is usually to just not engage. Recently I made an exception for this wavy ring from Agmes, a brand that I’ve double-tapped many times on Instagram before pulling the trigger. Everything is beautiful, sculptural, and polished to a high sheen, plus I love that this one looks like two rings stacked together. Hopefully it’ll get plenty more play before it eventually gets sucked up by the vortex of life (floating out there somewhere with all my misplaced socks).

Originally made for park rangers and elk hunters, I bought this heritage wool jacket so I could stay warm and toasty on my stroll to the coffee shop. Filson even provided a Gotham City colorway so I could traverse the streets in perfect camouflage.

They’re a little bit country, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.

Never met a black trouser I didn't like, especially Magliano's deconstructed homage to the Le Smoking. I love that they offer a bit of edge to an everyday pant that can also be uber elegant for evening—and double the wear at half the cost makes them even more irresistible.

Here's a secret: Shop the women's section. I'm a loyal SSENSE shopper, which means I get access to the brand's wildly impressive private sale (pro tip: anyone can gain entry just by making an account). My favorite thing about Bode tops is their cropped silhouette (something we're expecting to see a lot more in 2024) and that zig-zag motif just makes things more interesting than your typical button-up.

The mall is dead, long live the mall. As your friendly neighborhood commerce editor, I'm constantly helping you shop for that good good. But none of those recommendations ever send you out to the mall, now do they? I've been trying to read more, and I weirdly had the desire to learn more about the history of the mall and its place in 2024. Short answer? Brick-and-mortar ain't dead yet.

Three weeks after getting a new iPhone, it popped out of my running shorts' compression pocket, shattering the entire back screen. Since then, I do not run without zippered pockets. Sadly, not enough brands make running shorts with pockets like that (and sometimes they don't have pockets at all) so I went ahead and got a running belt. I opted for the FlipBelt Zipper belt (duh) and now I can run with my pocketless itty-bitty shorts without worrying about another shattered screen.

Gimaguas has got it going on, Gimaguas has got it going on. This is the third piece I've purchased from the Spanish retailer: the loose-yet-sexy cuts paired with sturdy fabrics is what keeps me coming back for more. With a front-facing slit that's high enough to feel a little risqué without crossing over into uncomfortably exposed, the skirt nails the casual-to-slightly more dress up vibe I've been leaning into recently. I like that I can pair this skirt with my Vagabond Nella boots and a silky black cashmere sweater just as easily as I can with a form-fitting T-shirt and my Rossana platform mary janes.

I don't own many white T-shirts, but this crisp Muji one called out to me on the shelves. Warm yet flattering, I think the boat neck is a great way to clean up a fit without loosing out on the comfort factor.

November 2023

Quarter socks have been one of my tiny-but-significant fashion epiphanies this year, and my growing collection/ongoing experiment in hosiery optimization has led me to Bombas. Their socks are the perfect length, the wool blend is warm and somehow still breathable, and the tension is juuuuust right.

Okay, okay, so technically I bought a vintage MA-1 bomber that was originally made by Alpha Industries. I'm glad to say that they're pretty much exactly the same as back in the day.

Sensitive boy needs his fragrance-free, Eczema Association-approved cleanser. La Roche-Posay's cleansers are all great, especially for a guy like me with chronic skin issues. The Lipikar AP+ line is formulated with ingredients that help your skin biome, and is packed with ceramides to keep your skin healthy and moisturized.

At this point, my wardrobe is about 30% cardigans, so one more couldn't hurt. Auralee's ribbed knit cardi is super cozy and has a subtle cropped silhouette, which, when paired with my average height, looks like it's the perfect length. I've been loving Auralee's Japan-made knits for a loooong time, so Black Friday was the perfect excuse to finally cop one for a decently affordable price.

My favorite pair of denim is a pair of 105s from Orslow in classic faded blue wash. The fit of the 105 is perfect for me, which is just the right amount of straight and high-rise. (Orslow's founder Ichiro Nakutsu based the 105s on a classic pair of 501s, which might make sense for why these are so great.) I wanted a pair of washed black denim, and of course Orslow was the move for me. I thought about switching it up and going for the 107s, which is Orslow's slimmer fit (akin to a Levi's 505), but I told myself that if I loved my 105s, why change? And dammit, I'm glad I listened to myself for once.

There's a picture on the internet of Jacob Elordi rocking a full-placket cardigan. I loved it so much that I found it online, except it was Prada and cost nearly two G's. Neither wool, nor cashmere, nor an Italian fashion house's label could convince me to drop that much on what surely must be an amazing sweater. Luckily, during my marathon of Black Friday shopping I found Studio Nicholson's cardigan for way less, and boy, does it tick every box in terms of fit, color, and, of course, price.

I needed to re-fill my sock drawer, and the only brand that came to mind (besides Hanes) was American Trench. They look like a pair of boring basic socks, but as soon as I sit down, and my pants ride up a bit, you can see the pop of color, courtesy of that varsity stripe.

My brother has a great eye for design, so I like to use him as a litmus test when I'm considering a big investment in the furniture department. Recently, he solved a dilemma I’ve spent months handwringing about: what to buy to balance out the two Aldo Jacober folding chairs I use as my dining seating. He found these chairs in a matter of minutes, of course—in gorgeous oxblood to contrast the neutrals in my apartment. They have some real Bruno Rey swagger to them, and I got them at an absurdly cheap price ($100 apiece!) during West Elm’s Black Friday bonanza.

It’s been so chilly lately that I’ve been holed up in my apartment, barely going out. I’m also conveniently out of slippers at the moment, and in lieu of plush memory foam, I’ve been padding around my cold floors in my fresh-out-the-box Sebagos. They’re surprisingly comfortable despite the fact that I usually get blisters just looking at a pair of loafers, but I’ll reserve judgement ’til I actually take these puppies for a lap around the block.

It’s so rare to covet something online on a twiggy model and feel like the fit and style match up in-person, but this elegant strapless number pleasantly defied my expectations: It’s stretchy enough to hug my figure without constricting it, and printed without veering into picnic blanket territory. A potentially delusi