ask
FALL 2015 FASHION TIPS FOR HIM
Q:
I have a perfectly good winter coat from last year; will it work this season?
It probably will. Since menswear designers believe in investment dressing, they’re usually careful not to change styles dramatically from one season to the next. That said, one coat no longer fits all occasions or all lifestyles, so you might want to consider alternating among several different styles with different functions. Options include a wool or cashmere topcoat for dressing up, a three-quarter-length wool coat for business, a leather jacket for looking cool and a quilted down parka (or vest ) for activewear and maximum warmth. Many of today’s fabrics are also specially treated to be waterproof and heat-retentive: come in and we’ll show you a great assortment. (And check out our outerwear fashion shoot in this issue!)
Q:
What’s the correct length for a modern man’s pants? My girlfriend is complaining that I’m wearing my pants too short (I recently had my tailor shorten them all) but I often see models in magazines with socks showing. Who’s right? Like most things in life, it’s not black and white: European designers are showing pants shorter than American designers and fashion experts continue to debate length. Our opinion: because pant styles today are slimmer than they were a few seasons back, pant legs worn too long tend to “accordion” from ankle to calf, a truly unattractive look. The most flattering length has the bottom of the pant leg just caressing the top of the shoe, with no creases down the pant leg and no breaks at the bottom. If your socks or skin are visible, the pants are too short.
Q:
What’s up with the flowers I’m seeing guys wear on their suit lapels?
Lapel flowers, lapel pins, tie bars, cuff links, wrist jewelry, pocket squares, scarves, bags, interesting belts—men’s accessories are increasingly important and allow you to make a personal statement about who you are. If this seems a bit out of your comfort zone, try wearing just one accessory and see what it does for you. A beaded or silver bracelet that barely shows from under your shirt cuff is a good starting point, as is a pocket square that adds a touch of class to your suit or sportcoat, or a cashmere scarf that adds a luxe touch to anything you wear. If nothing else, you need a great leather bag this fall to replace that beat-up briefcase (and to save your pockets from getting over-stuffed). Remember too that accessories make great gifts since you don’t need to deal with sizes. Pocket squares for all the guys in the office? Interesting umbrellas? The perfect business card case? Happy shopping!
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IMAGE BY EVAN TAYLOR; TROUSERS BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA; SHOES BY JOHN LOBB
Today versus yesterday
