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Designers: The Giving Season
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FALL 2016 FASHION TIPS FOR HIM
Can I wear BROWN SHOES with black, navy or gray suits?
Yes! We love various shades of brown and tan with dark suits: it’s perfectly appropriate, and very Italian!
My girlfriend tells me I’m in a “fashion rut,” that my wardrobe is both boring and dated. (I wear mostly khakis and nice button down shirts.) How do I update my look? Personal style is about knowing yourself, your comfort zone and the image you want to project. Here are a few easy suggesIMAGE BY DAVID ARKY tions: 1) Throw on a soft sportcoat or cardigan: it adds instant “attitude,” requires no special fashion savvy and gives you pockets to keep stuff. If you dare, try a printed silk square in the pocket of the sportcoat. (No need to fuss with it: our sellers will show you the most simple folds.) 2) Instead of your basic khakis, try five-pocket pants in luxury fabrics with stretch. These are comfortable, fashionable and the fit is amazing. 3) Invest in a great leather belt. 4) Consider a custom shirt. They’re not much more expensive than regular shirts, but they’re a lot sexier. 5) Call us to make an appointment for a closet update; we’ll send over one of our personal shoppers. There’s no pressure to buy, just great ideas to upgrade and update your wardrobe for a fashionable fall/winter ’16.
I have a friend who buys custom suits from a Chinese maker who periodically shows at local hotels. Can this be a reliable source for good clothing?
Probably not. Anyone with a tape measure and a few swatches can call himself a custom clothier; the critical issues are the accuracy of the measurements, the quality of the suit (fabric, interlinings, construction) and what recourse you have if you’re not satisfied.
The advantages of buying custom clothing from an independent menswear store are many: a vast selection of made-to-measure options from the finest brands; expert in-house tailors for accurate adjustments; and guaranteed top quality. For what’s the point of having a suit that fits if the fabric is inferior, or if the interlinings are glued rather than sewn? (And try tracking them down in Hong Kong when your “custom” suit comes back from the dry cleaner with ripples…) As always: caveat emptor.
FALL 2016 FASHION TIPS FOR HER
Dress codes for large corporations, law firms and banks are going more casual. I’m not sure where to start when it comes to building a workappropriate wardrobe for these changing times.
Business casual, smart casual, upper casual, casual chic—when did dressing for the workday become so confusing and murky? As Millennials begin to outnumber Boomers in the workforce, some companies are afraid of older employees appearing out of touch. The trick is to instill confidence in co-workers and clients without looking too fancy; being relatable is key.
The good news: reworking your existing wardrobe to fit these new parameters is easier than you might think.
One of the easiest ways to make this transition is to let us show you how to separate pieces that you’ve always worn together, as well as mix different designer lines for a more relaxed look. You can still use your suiting pieces by breaking them up into separates. Put a white tee on under your jacket and add a colored trouser, then throw on a long tasseled necklace instead of your g0-to pearls. Just purchasing a few new pieces will allow you to remix your clothing in a completely different way.
While at first it can be intimidating, this change in dress code is actually a good thing. You no longer need separate wardrobes for work and weekend, and you can get more versatility from the pieces you purchase. It just makes sense for the way people live today.
How can I use accessories to personalize my outfit without appearing overdone?
Not looking too studied is an art in itself, but luckily it’s an art you can learn.
You’re right to be wary of over-accessorizing, so if you’re one of those people who doesn’t know where to stop, take one item off before you leave the house. In terms of jewelry, either your necklace or your earrings should stand out while the other remains simple. When you do a bold jewelry look, choose a simpler handbag or scarf, and vice versa. Items within your outfit shouldn’t be competing for attention.
When shopping for accessories, ask yourself if you can use the piece for work and on the weekends, and make sure it works with at least a few outfits already in your closet. Adding the finishing touches to your look should make you feel happy, so buy what you love!
What’s one of the hottest items in fall fashion?
Beautiful blouses are everywhere! This season it’s all about soft, flowy silk and chiffon rather than stiff, buttoned-up tops.
The “cold shoulder” trend that exploded this summer (blouses cut straight across the chest, leaving the shoulders exposed) will continue; other hot styles include high-low hems, v-necks with detachable ties, bell sleeves and embellishments.
Wear them loose and flowy with leggings, or tucked in at the front with a great pair of jeans. Come into the store to see our beautiful selection in person, from brands like L’Agence, Equipment and Veronica Beard.
