PLAID = LOVE

I have said it before. I love plaid. Here is just another example of a plaif that can be paried with nearly everything- a blazer, a tie, jeans, cords, vests and sweaters.






American Rag from Macy's ($29.98)

(photo from men.style.com)

Looks I love...

I love this look. The crew neck sweat shirt with the white oxford and the cuffed pants is both casual and put together. Also, I love the mix of neutrals here- the grey, white, charcoal and brown of the shoes.

While I don't suggest that everyone duplicates this look there are lessons that can be taken from it:

1. The cuffed/cropped slim-fit pant
2. Crew neck sweatshirt (much more put together than the average sweatshirt)
3. Layering
4. Fun accessories like the white summer fedora


Photo from men.style.com

Accessories: Designer Watches

Almost everyday I wear a watch. Recently, while shopping for a Christmas gift I found that many architects have designed watches. Generally speaking, they are refined and simple--just as a watch should be.


Frank Lloyd Wright by Bulova (amazon.com)
















Piero Lissoni
Alessi Tic Watch (allmodern.com)








Franco Sargiani
Alessi Tanto X Cambiare Wrist Watch
(allmodern.com)











Franco Sargiani
Alessi Tanto X Cambiare Wrist Watch with Black Dial
(allmodern.com)

V-NECKs for cold weather

As my followers might remember I love a v-neck. V-necks tend to make us look taller and thinner because they make the neck look longer. This season many retailers are selling deep cut v-neck sweaters. They are great by themselves, with a crewneck t-shirt underneath (no layering of v-necks please- you'll look like a tool), a button up shirt (plaid is a great choice) and even a polo shirt can look great.





Penguin ($69)













Urban Outfitters ($39)

CHAMBRAY/DENIM SHIRT

Here are some examples of how to wear a denim/chambray shirt (a'la men.style.com)

Dress it UP or DOWN

The Chambray Shirt is one of my favorite looks this season and in my opinion is a classic piece that has real staying power. It can be dressed up or down, here's how:

Dress up:

With a great knit or cotton tie, perhaps a tartan plaid, and a cord blazer. Put it over a pair of thick wool pants and wing-tips OR a more casual khakis and a pair of boots (see 'What your feet need this season')

Dress down:

Khakis, sneakers and leather bomber jacket. Or you can try boots, a simple cardigan (leave the shirt un-tucked)

For an edgier look:

Try it with a pair of black jeans and some kickin' boots. Throw on a dressier blazer or even a dark skinny tie.

(Vintage Chambray Utility Shirt- J Crew $98) Note: Chambray does not equal denim. They look similar but Chambray is more like a lightweight poplin.

What your feet need this season

This season boots are both necessary and a great way to up the ante when it comes to your style. Boots can add texture, color and an edginess or toughness that might be missing. Here are some of my favorites:










UO Sandstorm Boot
($100 Urban Outfitters)








Ben Sherman Brown Suede Emission Boot
($99 Urban Outfitters)














Timberland Brown Earth Keeper Lace-up Boot
($170 Urban Outfitters)

10 Rules of Style...

I actually don't think there are 'rules' for style but these are 10 basic tips:

10. A man shouldn't smell- too good or bad at all. So fellas wear deodorant and fresh clothes but do not drench yourself in cologne. Your scent should be subtle and should never linger behind. Side note: lay off the AXE.

9. No Talons. Talons? You ask? Guys, do the world and any scratchable floors a favor, cut your toenails, fingernails and any other nails you may have on your person.

8. When your clothes have run their course, get rid of them. (This is especially true for underwear. Don't be nasty)

9. Black suits are for evening only. (unless/maybe if it is cotton)

8. If your shoes are supposed to be shined, shine them. If they are supposed to be white, clean them. There is no need to be traipsing around in mud laden chucks or dull wingtips.

7. If you 'match' from head to toe you'll look like you're in a boy band. You must coordinate not 'match.'

6. A really classic look is when a guy wears some dark wash jeans, a white oxford and some chucks. This is a timeless look and can be easily modified depending on where you're going.

5. Keeping your closet organized can help you assess what you have to wear and can help limit the time it takes you to get ready in the morning.

4. Adding a watch/man bracelet can take a good outfit and make it in to more of a 'look'...it gives a more complete and finished appearance.

3. Adding a pop of color can make an outfit much more interesting... A bright colored socks, sneakers with some pizazz, a handkerchief in your back pocket...

2. Anything can be worn if it is worn with confidence.

1. Being stylish does not mean spending a lot of money on clothes.

Be a STUD...

In Middle School I went through a 'punk' phase where the square studded belt was an essential. While that belt might be a thing of the past and is for the modern man a bit cheesy. This belt is studded but seems more mature and stylish. The studs are flush and circular, almost polka dots. This adds a little 'rock and roll' to any outfit.

Urban Outfitters ($38)

Looks I love..

Here are some looks I love and ya'll should try them.
No. 1
The 80's tank. This is a great look to show off the tan and the work you've been doing at the gym. This is a daytime/casual look, my friends. (aka not to a nice dinner/wedding/work, unless you're a lifeguard) The stripe across the chest can add the appearance of width to those who are narrow in the chest/shoulders. Be careful to buy the size that *fits* aka not too big and not to small (no sausaging). Urban Outfitters RVCA Sync 2 Tank ($39)

No. 2
The Deep V. This look takes confidence. A lot of guys have hang ups about wearing v-necks and especially deep v's. Men have stronger, more developed shoulders, necks, chest and the deep v celebrates these things. This look is great with a pair of jeans and a fitted blazer . Urban Outfitters BDG Speckled Deep V ($18, 2 for $24)



No. 3
Shawl Neck Knit Pullover. This is a great easy, comfortable, lightweight knit. Try it as pictured. Its a great replacement for the hoodie. Urban Outfitters BDG Shawl Collar Pullover ($34)