Vests and polos are a must on and off the golf course.
It’s no secret that we look to Katie for fashion advice and inspiration, but her right-hand man also has a sense of style worth emulating. Chances are you’ve seen Molner in Katie’s Instagram photos dressed in classic trousers, a polo, and a vest, but in case you haven’t, we’re here to dissect how and why his timeless uniform works so well.
The man loves to be comfortable, but he’s not going to sacrifice style to do it. Most of his closet travels seamlessly from the office to the golf course to an evening event with Katie in a flash. Also, John isn’t looking to overhaul his closet every season, so high-quality items constructed to last are at the top of his essentials list.
Another must? Adaptability. Molner prioritizes clothing that is easy to wear while traveling without looking schlubby. Opting for wrinkle-resistant fabrics and lightweight materials is one of his tricks for packing a bag for a weekend trip or vacation. He also suggests sticking to neutral colors that can easily be paired with anything else in rotation.
So while we’re used to Molner’s advice on gifts for men and workout essentials, now we’re probing him for outfit inspiration. From pants that have plenty of pockets to sneakers that can be worn for workouts and beyond, here are some of Molner’s must-have wardrobe picks.
12 Men’s Fashion Basics Approved by Molner
Peter Millar Crown Crafted Stealth Performance Quarter-Zip
Peter Millar
One of Molner’s absolute favorite brands is Peter Millar, and their quarter zips are his wardrobe mainstays. This one is part of the brand’s newly dropped Crown Crafted fall collection, which features clean, sophisticated silhouettes and fabrics that complement their more golf-forward athletic gear. Some other standouts from the line include stylish suede boots and another Molner fave, the Regent Vest.
Zero Restriction Z625 Vest
Zero Restriction
In John’s own words, “I love a vest.” Molner will be layering this water-resistant piece over his favorite polos and T-shirts for a little extra warmth and sophistication while he watches the pros tee off. He also likes the Z700 version, which is a little simpler visually because it doesn’t have the quilted detail.
lululemon ABC Classic Fit Pants
lululemon
If these pants were in the Olympics, they’d win a gold medal. Not only do they ace the presentation factor by masquerading as fancier trousers, but they can do just about anything. Five pockets keep your phone and wallet handy, stretchy fabric keeps you comfortable and wrinkle-free, and five different inseam lengths ensure you’ll find a fit. John will sing the praises of this pant until the end of time.
On Cloud 5 Coast Sneaker
Zappos
John is an On sneaker devotee, especially when it comes to the brand’s Cloud style. The most recent iteration of the best-selling style has quick-tie laces that make them easy to slip on and go, and they can be folded down for packing without compromising the structure and shape of the shoe.
Mack Weldon Jersey Boxer Briefs
Mack Weldon
The base of a great outfit is great underwear. Give yourself a solid foundation with these boxer briefs, which are breathable, offer support in all the right places, and won’t bunch up under pants.
Mack Weldon Atlas Jogger
Mack Weldon
There’s nothing technically wrong with keeping those moth-eaten sweats you’ve had for years, but you may not want to wear them outside the house. These joggers from Mack Weldon are incredibly soft, and the tapered legs and smooth fabric make them look more like trousers than cozy sweats. John recently wore these at our company retreat, and they were stretchy enough for him to do yoga in. As an added bonus, they’re on sale right now.
Freefly Breeze Pants
Freefly
You don’t want to be stuck in thick, heavy pants during the warmer months, which is why Molner opts for these quick-drying pants when he wants something comfy during the summer. He’s worn them everywhere, from Bahamas vacations to NYC. They even have built-in sun protection to keep him safe from the rays, even on their strongest days.
Orvis Jackson Quick Dry Pants
Orvis
Sensing a pattern yet? The man loves good pants. Another pair Molner couldn’t live without are these sleek slacks from Orvis. They look like jeans, but they’re made from a lightweight material that dries in a flash, offers UV protection, and has zippered pockets to keep the essentials secure. While all pants cover your legs and protect them somewhat from the sun, styles with built-in protection are actually made from a tightly woven fabric that blocks out even more sun than basic cotton or linen.
Tod’s Suede Loafers
Tod’s
A solid pair of loafers can be worn anywhere. While the style is on-trend right now, it’s a timeless design that you won’t regret purchasing once the viral moment has passed. It’s likely that you’ll wear them often, so investing in premium materials will help the shoe last. Molner admits this pair is expensive, but he says they’re extremely comfortable and go with everything. This style from Johnston and Murphy is similar in aesthetic but on the more affordable side.
Cotopaxi Fuego Jacket
Cotopaxi
Yes, it’s summertime and warm enough to not need a jacket 24/7, but now’s the time to buy one since so many are currently on sale and will eventually become handy. John wore this Cotopaxi puffer throughout his and Katie’s trip to Argentina, and it kept him toasty while summiting mountain peaks and visiting glaciers.
Shinola Vinton Watch
Shinola
Forget smart watches; Molner’s all about keeping it timeless (sorry, we had to). A stainless steel strap and case protect this watch from bumps and scratches, while the sapphire blue face adds a subtle flash of color. If you’re experiencing a case of deja vu, it might be because you’ve seen John wearing this one in photos, as it hardly ever leaves his wrist.
Ray-Ban Tech Polarized Sunglasses
Ray-Ban
Aviators are already a classic accessory, and they allow you to live out your Top Gun dreams without feeling hokey. Katie prefers this groovy ‘70s pair, but Molner reaches for these Ray-Ban sunglasses instead. This pair has a reflective lens that reduces glare, making them perfect for driving or, if you’re sensing a pattern now, golf.