Jeans-Free Outfits & The Secret to Happiness

And one shredded dad

by Brock McGoff

Hello again! I hope your week is going well so far.

In today's email:

• No jeans, no problem
• Secret to happiness (really)
• Shredded dad
• The best James Bond

Let's dive in 👇🏼

👖 No Jeans Outfit Ideas

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for good reason, and there's nothing wrong with wearing them every day.

But if you want to get more mileage out of your other pants (chinos, trousers, cords), you have to actually wear them.

My friend, Barron (a.k.a., Effortless Gent) has been posting daily #nojeansjanuary fit checks over on his Instagram.

This means 27 jeans-free outfit ideas, and counting, you can use for inspiration (even after January ends).

​This one is probably my favorite 🤌🏼

🧘🏻‍♂️ The Secret to Happiness

Does money actually buy happiness?

Do kids make you happy?

Are some people just sad?

Turns out, we have answers to these questions!

See, in 1938, Harvard started tracking 268 sophomores to figure out what actually leads to a good life. They followed them through careers, marriages, failures and successes for nearly 80 years.

​What they found wasn’t money, fame, IQ or even cholesterol levels. It was relationships. Close, supportive relationships turned out to be the strongest predictor of long-term happiness and health.

Stronger than genes. Stronger than social class. Stronger than most things we spend our time optimizing.

The study’s current director, Dr. Robert Waldinger, puts it bluntly:

The people who were happiest in their relationships at 50 were simply healthier at 80, regardless of how much they exercised or how much money they made.

If you want the full breakdown (and the science behind it), I highly recommend listening to the Science Vs. podcast episode featuring Waldinger.

It’s one of those listens that quietly makes you rethink how you’re spending your time and who you should probably text today.

If you prefer video, go watch Waldinger's Ted Talk about on what makes a good life.

💭 Food for Thought

🤳🏼 Who I'm Following

​@shredbundy​ Joe Delaney, a.k.a. shredbundy, is a breath of fresh air in the "fitfluencer" community. ​He keeps it real, which I appreciate. And while I have massive respect for anyone who achieves such an incredible physique, the fact that he has two little kids makes it that much more impressive. Check him out here

📚 Good Reads

Here are some hand-picked articles that are worth your attention:

• ​Where has all the weirdness gone? - why every house has grey faux wood floors, and every brand uses the same san serif font
• ​How to actually develop good taste - written for watch collectors but applies to any facet of life
• ​GoldeEye 30 years later - a surprisingly fun read for anyone who grew up in the Pierce Brosnan era of James Bond

Got anything for me? Hit 'reply' and send your best stuff...

😂 Comic Relief

IG: olesoul57.2 ♉️ 5/12 @olesoul57_2 He likes his job a little too much lol 😫 2:5 AM • Jan 27, 2026 2786 Retweets 30837 Likes Read 839 replies

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In Case You Missed It 👀

Here are my most recent videos:

• ​Trying on YouTubers' favorite t-shirts​
• ​My watch collection​
• ​17 Travel Essentials​
• ​But-it-for-life products​
• ​Abbreviated try-on, part 2​

Got any video ideas for me? Hit 'reply' and share them!

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​Did you know? In the middle of the frumpy business casual mid-90s menswear era, Pierce Brosnan's James Bond (styled in Italian Brioni suits) helped reintroduce classic tailoring to a modern audience.

Until next time, Brock ​​​

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