The Hyde Closet Menswear Brunch

In DC, Sunday brunch is a pretty big deal. It’s one of those meals I look forward to as part of my weekend fun. Whether it’s the quiet Sunday meal with family or friends or that Sunday Funday boozy brunch where the entire afternoon becomes a blur, you can sign me up and I’m in. That’s why I was intrigued when I was invited to the Hyde Menswear Brunch. I wanted to hear about Hyde Closet.

Photo by: Anthony Bolognese

As the Man about DC and having connecting with some of DC’s dapperest dudes, this DCFashion Fool is always ready to get dressed up and enjoy a nice brunch. The brunch was held at Mintwood Place in Columbia Heights. Although not my first time at Mintwood, it was my first visit for lunch. In my mind there are two types of brunches, either a la carte style or buffet all you can eat. Either one can be good but what makes them exceptional is if it the brunch also allows for bottomless cocktails.

Hyde Closet

The purpose of the brunch was to introduce some of the most stylish DC men to Hyde Closet. Hyde Closet is an interesting take on the subscription box service. Instead of receiving a box you’ve either pre-purchased or pay for selected items out of the box, these boxes are rented. Think Rent the Runway for guys! Wear and return!

The company focuses on a complete look. Each box contains a shirt, jeans or pants, sunglasses or a belt, outerwear, shoes and cologne. Simple wear and return no dry cleaning necessary. Customers are assigned a stylist who curates the looks and provides the outfits under three different plans:

The One Off – Two complete outfits in a one-time shipment.

The Twice A Month – Four complete outfits a month in two deliveries per month.

The Monthly – Eight complete outfits a month — one delivery every week.

Since this was an introduction, I have not tried out the service but it something that I would like to in the near future. My initial thoughts are that this is a great service for a variety of reasons. First, I like the idea of receiving new looks that I can just wear and return. You give them the type of event you’re dressing for and they supply the look. Next, for those who have difficulties putting together looks this is a great way to have yourself style and look great. Celebrities do it all the time! Lastly it’s a way to experiment without a real commitment. With other boxes you pay for what you like and wear. Here you can just wear and return. If you happen to discover something you like, you do have the option to purchase. Plus it’s a good way to discover new brands or new types of style that you might not otherwise try if left to your own devices.

Photo by Anthony Bolognese

That being said I do some have a slight reservation. As someone who likes to curate his own look, I’m not so sure I’d want someone selecting things for me. I’d like the option to be able to create my own look based on my style as I see it. I don’t know if I’d want something left to chance especially if I’m planning for a special event. And what if I want something edgy. Would Hyde be able to deliver? That being said it’s not something that would stop me from giving them a try, especially if I’m just wearing once and returning. You can try them too. I am offering a 40% discount off your first subscription using the code: dcfashionfool40. If you try it please let me know your experience. I’ll be doing the same.

Photo by Anthony Bolognese

Brunch

Mintwood is a la carte which was ideal for this type of brunch. Because this was special group, we were offered a limited selection off the brunch menu. I opted for the steak and egg while the vegetable frittata was the other popular item at the table. I really wanted the Belgium waffle but I restrained (gotta try to hold onto that fashion figure). The full brunch menu offers a few more entrees along with some starters and sides. Next time I go if I get the same thing, I’d add a side of the roasted potatoes and brioche toast.

And for the record it did come with bottomless cocktails! When the first glass of champagne was offered I gladly took it. The restaurant offered grapefruit and orange juices so you could make your own mimosas, which is a nice perk. However being true to the bottomless glass, mine was never empty and I would sometimes forget to add the juice.

Look Details

Photo by: Anthony Bolognese

Naturally if its going to be a menswear brunch, I’m going to bring my A game. Even though it’s Sunday and you can be a bit more relaxed, I opted for a suit. To keep cool, try a lighter fabric such as linen during those hot summer days.

Made to measure linen suit –Blank Label | Striped shirt – Burberry | Tie – Etro | Green lapel flower pin – Hook and Albert | Cognac lace ups – Thursday shoes