Listen Up Guys, Here Are Three Great Reasons to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

When your better half's had enough of your skinny jeans!

Like many men of my generation, I suffer from a condition that has me trapped in my long-term dressing habits — a stylistic disease that’s oh-so comfortable. One symptom is the model of shoes that I’ve been wearing since tenth grade. Yup, I fell in love with Vans Slip-ons, and to this day I seem to be incapable of footwear emancipation.

It’s the same situation with my clothes. I love wearing black, white, grey and, above all, skinny jeans. The downside of all this is I am unable to go shopping with my girlfriend. Typically, we start arguing, largely because I always end up choosing the same stuff. Recently, a short stroll in Old Montreal managed to provide a bit of relief for my dude-related fashion disorder (and might have even cured it).

The neighbourhood offers a noteworthy selection of boutiques for guys, three of which convinced me to step out of my “skinny jean” comfort zone and expand my options — especially when it comes to pants.

Here are my three finds!

PHILIPPE DUBUC

Philippe Dubuc’s boutique is chock-full of little wonders! Whether you are looking for accessories, fragrances, shoes, formal clothes or casual threads, it’s practically impossible to leave with empty hands. I recommend the viscose/cotton blend pants, which are incredibly comfortable. The pants are both urban and sophisticated, and can be worn whenever — truly a “must have” piece in any guy’s wardrobe. At $160, it’s an excellent value, given the quality, versatility and local (Quebec!) design.

Photo: Alexis Gonçalves

MICHEL BRISSON

Not far from Dubuc, is the boutique of Michel Brisson. Over the past 10 years, with two storefront locations and an inventory available online, Michel has made his mark on Montreal. Visitors will find products of unparalleled quality, such as those made by Harakiri, Jil Sander, Larose Paris, Marsèll, Neil Barrett, Rick Owens, Thom Krom and Tiger of Sweden. These brands make the boutique a “must” for fashion in Old Montreal. I fell for a pair of “crotch pants” by Thom Krom — very comfortable and very versatile. Cost: $220.

Photo: Alexis Gonçalves

ROONEY

My final choice is Rooney’s boutique — another “must” for shopping in Old Montreal. With an array of quality products ranging from trendy magazines to scented candles, from the most handsome shoes in the city to the latest fashion finds, the boutique will equip you with the right stuff for everyday style. I developed a crush on the Bermuda chino shorts by Wings + Horns. Sure, they aren’t pants, but I figure one more accessory is permitted, even if it irritates my girlfriend — ha! These Bermuda shorts are simple, functional and can be worn often (and with almost anything). In other words, a worthy investment. Cost: $105.

Photo: Alexis Gonçalves