Three Looks for Spring with Photographer Kirk Chambers

The Tie Bar: How would you describe your personal style?

Kirk Chambers: For me, personal style is all about what’s comfortable and easy to wear, but also about the classics. I mean, I’ve always appreciated all different kinds of fashion. This might be a long-winded answer, but I’ve found the things that work better with my body type and started honing in on the fits that suit me.

I’d say my style is classic menswear with a modern edge or a bit of a modern flair — casual tailoring, if you will. Nothing too serious. I don’t feel like I can pull off full suits all the time, but I love suits. I love menswear. I love photographing people wearing suits. So for me, it’s about mixing it in — maybe a blazer with denim, a sweater layered over the top. Stuff like that.

I feel like my style has changed a little over time. Again, it’s just about finding what works for you. When I first started out, I was really into that whole Americana movement — leather goods, a more rustic look. But now, it’s just about classic pieces. I’ve simplified my wardrobe instead of feeling like I have to chase every cool new thing. Now, I just need three or four pairs of jeans in different shades, and that’s enough.

Honestly, even with shoes, it’s the same. I either wear Vans that cost $70 or really high-end loafers. There’s not much in between.

TTB: What was the first item that got you excited about clothes?

KC: I remember this one time when we had the blog with Clayton and our other two brothers. We went to a thrift store outside of Orlando, and I found this incredible navy wool suit with chalk pinstripes. It was old — classic. It still had that vintage smell and everything. But when I put it on, it actually fit pretty well. It needed a few adjustments, but I remember thinking, “Dang, this is crazy.”

When I went to check out, the suit was only two dollars. Even though I didn’t know much about clothes at the time, I could tell it was something special. The fabric felt substantial — really well made. So I bought it.

We ended up doing a blog post about it. Our mom had taught all of us how to sew at an early age, so we took it home, tailored it a bit, and tapered the legs — probably too short, because that was the style back then. But yeah, it was cool. After that post, I remember feeling really excited about what you could find, what was out there.

I didn’t grow up wearing suits or anything. My mom dressed us in that classic, old-school style — shirts tucked in, Duck Head, J.Crew, Chaps, that kind of stuff. But this was the first time I had a suit that made me think, “Oh man, this feels pretty cool.”

And honestly, that’s what it was. It was just this feeling of, “I feel good in this. Not just because it looked great, but because I spent two dollars on it, made it my own, and got to share that experience.” People liked it, and it turned into this whole thing. So yeah, when you asked me that question, that’s the first memory that came to mind — picking up that suit from the thrift store and writing that blog post about it.

TTB: What’s your go-to style uniform?

KC: It really depends on the weather, but I’d say, in general, it’s all about that evergreen style — just denim, you know? A relaxed pair of jeans. I’ve got these P. Johnsons that I wear a lot — they’re super relaxed, light-wash. And then I’ve got these vintage black 501s from the ’90s that are just awesome. They go with everything.

Footwear-wise, it’s either Vans or loafers, starting from the bottom up. Then, a relaxed pair of denim or trousers. And honestly, probably a denim shirt or a button-up, untucked — because I live in the South, and it’s hot. If I can get away with it, I’ll throw a little sweater over the shoulders, maybe toss on a hat, and call it a day.

TTB: For your spring picks, what vibe were you going for?

Classic, casual, and versatile — I wanted to show how to wear a polo shirt on a date night with a light jacket layer, a linen sweater for client meetings during those in-between seasonal temperatures, and a classic striped tie for an everyday Ivy League look.

TTB: What style tips do you have for transitional dressing?

I mean, I think — well, I don’t know — this tip might apply to other people, but what I’m doing myself is slowly transitioning to lighter pieces. I’m not ditching layering just yet, but instead of wearing a puffer jacket, I’m opting for a chore coat with a sweater or a scarf. And then, little by little, I’m introducing lighter colors.

In winter, it’s easy to stick to black, brown, navy, or other dark tones. But now, I’m reaching more for lighter-wash denim — like P. Johnson denim — rather than dark washes. So, I’d say the approach is still simple, nothing too crazy, just gradually lightening up where it makes sense. I’m also leaning toward colors that hint at spring — brighter, happier days.

TTB: How are you incorporating neckties in 2025?

We used to thrift a lot for that, and over the years, I’ve found some really cool ones. Lately, I’ve been thinking about it more. Obviously, it’s easier to skip the tie — especially if you’re not going into an office or working for a major corporate company. It’s just simpler to throw on an Oxford and call it a day.

That said, my goal this year is to wear more casual suiting and sport coats, so naturally, I’ll be looking to add some neckties. Beyond that, there’s something about the tie as an accessory that brings me back to why I fell in love with menswear in the first place. So this year, I’ll be taking a few more risks and finding the right opportunities to bring ties back into my weekly mix. I want to find easy ways to wear them — whether it’s with a chore coat, a denim jacket, or something more laid-back. It doesn’t have to be super buttoned-up.

TTB: What materials should guys look for in spring and summer ties?

Honestly, anything lightweight works. Anything made of linen — you really can’t go wrong with. Linen-cotton blends are great too. Just stick to lighter fabrics and steer clear of heavy wools and things like that.

TTB: Your work as a photographer and creative director spans fashion, lifestyle, and product — how do you create such a refined visual language across all three?

It’s always so funny when people say that, because, I guess everyone’s critical of their own work, right? So I’m always looking at my stuff thinking, “Damn, how can I make this more cohesive?” But it’s funny because people do say, “Yeah, I can notice that this is your style — like your colors, your flavor.” Honestly, I think it comes down to the way I shoot. I like things tight. I want it to feel like you’re there, like you’re part of it — whether I’m shooting a bottle of whiskey or photographing a person in a lifestyle shoot, like someone on a boat just hanging out.

I try to avoid these wide, distant shots. I want to be close, to really feel immersed in the scene. Maybe that’s it: finding a way to make everything feel close. My edits are always pretty warm. I’ve always loved that desaturated look, but with a warmth and feeling to it — a kind of woodsy vibe. I want it to feel intimate, warm, tight, and natural.

Spring Style Guide

We’ve highlighted Kirk’s picks in our Spring Style Guide below, featuring a curated collection that embodies the essence of the season. Find the piece that speaks to you for the brighter, happier days.