Posts filed under 'Trendscape'

You Said: No to Man Bags

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downtown-messenger-bag_092010We asked: Would you carry a Man Bag?

You said:  No to Man Bags, with a 53-47 split in votes.

Style tip? The vote was pretty well split on man bags - with a slight majority voting No.  We see the utility of the man bag for men living in metro areas - the need to carry your stuff with you when you’re living in a city begets the need for bags like these.  But for guys living in the suburbs, these man bags are less of a necessity. For a sleeker look, try a smaller bag, like the single buckle messenger pictured.  But for a more rugged look, go for a bag with more hardware - like the double buckle version of the Lacoste messenger.

Next question: Round sunglasses have been growing in popularity under the radar, but they’re coming into their own thanks to their prevalence at New York Fashion Week. But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear round sunglasses?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Lacoste Downtown Messenger Bag | $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue

5 comments September 20th, 2010

Fall 2010 Menswear Trend: Ruggedly Classic Accessories

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Rugged classics are the name of the game for Fall 2010.  And in keeping with this richly textured trend, we’ve picked a few favorite pieces from Need Supply.  The weathered army bag and the distressed wingtip shoes, in particular, have a bit of a patina and will only get better with time.  Here’s our accessory picks to get you started on your pre-Fall shopping:

Pictured clockwise from top left:
Herschel Supply Co Novel Duffle Bag | $75 at Need Supply

Bed Stu Wingtip Loafer | $150 at Need Supply

Will Vintage Army Tote | $300 at Need Supply

Sperry 2 Eye Wool Boat Shoes | $90 at Need Supply

What accessories will you be sporting come Fall?  Share your style with us in the comments!

2 comments August 24th, 2010

Trend Alert: Colored Khaki Pants

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Who said that khaki pants have to be boring?  In a season full of neutrals, we dare you to add a bit of color to your wardrobe.  Instead of wearing standard sand-colored khakis, why not try a slightly nontraditional color?  You can play it safe with navy, olive, grey, or brown - or go wilder with a lighter blue slate or an orange-tinted clay color.  How to wear these colored khaki pants?  Pair them with a slim cut shirt and driving shoes for a classic summer look.  And where to get them?  J Crew’s colored khaki pants are well-cut and well-priced - here’s four of our favorites:

1. Sun Faded Stanton Pant in Urban Slim Fit | $39.99+ at J Crew

2. Broken in Chino in Classic Fit | $29.99+ at J Crew

3.  Sun Faded Stanton Pant in Classic Fit | $69.50 at J Crew

4.  Lightweight Essex Pant in Classic Fit | $49.99+ at J Crew

How will you wear colored khaki pants?  Share your style with us in the comments!

1 comment July 28th, 2010

What to Wear April 2010, Menswear Edition

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April, with its incessant showers, may be almost over, but we’re not letting the wet weather dampen our spirits.  In the face of dreary weather, we dare you to wear color!  We present to you a few choice pieces that exemplify classic American fashion but still manage to push the boundaries on color.

1. Velour Ethan Bellow Pocket Jacket | $210 at Steven Alan

2. Tea Stained Scarf | $24.50 at Gap

3. Brandon Plaid Shirt | $49.50 at Gap

4. BDG Blocked Pocket V-Neck | $20 at Urban Outfitters

5. Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt | $39.50 at Gap

6. Vans Authentic Sneaker | $45 at Urban Outfitters

What will you be wearing?  Share your style with us in the comments.

3 comments April 27th, 2010

Shopping Guide: Mad for Madras

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Perfectly lightweight and effortlessly chic, cotton madras fabrics feel quintessentially summery, as befits their Indian roots.  (The name "madras" comes from the old British name for Chennai, the Indian city that popularized the fabric.)  In shirts, shorts - and even jackets and pants, madras fabrics are found in plaid-type patterns - some crisply plaid, with others featuring colors that softly bleed into one another.

Style tip? Because madras fabrics are so breathable and lightweight, they’re the perfect summer fabric - and as such, should be worn only when temperatures permit.  Stock up now, and break your madras out once the temperature hits the mid-70s.

With fashion’s obsession with all things prep, they haven’t felt quite this fresh since the 1980s.  Since madras fabrics never really go out of style, we’d recommend picking up a few pieces now for seasons to come.  Here’s five madras pieces worth a look (#2 and #5 courtesy of Gary):

1. Gitman Vintage Purple Madras Shirt | $156 at Oak

2. Plantation Madras Plaid Shirt | $69.50 at J Crew

3. Thompson Madras Plaid Shirt | $79.50 at Rugby

4. Narrow Indian Madras Gold Tie | $85 at Polo Ralph Lauren

5. Button Down Shirt in Hillside Madras | $69.50 at J Crew

How will you wear madras?  Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments April 20th, 2010

Spring 2010’s Five Must-Have Mens Accessories

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It’s no secret that the easiest way to update your look is with aptly chosen accessories. Even if you haven’t gotten around to picking up your chambray shirt or splurging on a utility jacket, you can still grab some "quick wins" with our five classically cool accessory picks: the statement tie, the quality moccasin, the canvas tote, the spring snood, and the aviator sunglasses.  So don’t wait - step up your style for spring with these five must-have accessories.

1. Cotton Madras Tie | $59.50 at J Press

2. Grizzly Moccasin | $249.99 at Quoddy

3. Want Organic Mirabel Day Roll Bag | $145 at J Crew

4. Grey Jersey Snood Scarf | $24 at Topman

5. Aviator Sunglasses | $5.90 at Forever 21

10 comments March 30th, 2010

How to Wear a Statement Tie

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Pictured, clockwise from top left: White and Red Slim Tartan Tie | $20 at Topman, Blue Liberty Print Slim Tie | $32 at Topman, Black Acid Wash Check Slim Tie | $20 at Topman, Purple Reversible Slim Tie | $20 at Topman.  See Topman’s entire collection of ties here.

The foundation of a tie wardrobe is composed of solids and stripes in neutral colors.  You probably already have your striped repp, your narrow black, and your perfect-shade-of-grey.  But do you have ties that make a statement?  Cross over into statement tie territory with a selection of ties that add a bit of spark to your wardrobe - but not in a crazy kind of way.

How do you wear a statement tie?  Three practical tips:
(1) In order to make a statement without going overboard, choose a fun color or an interesting pattern - not both at the same time.  Make your statement with a bold color, like the regal purple tie pictured bottom left.  Or add visual interest via a special pattern, like the kitschy liberty print pictured top right.
(2) So that your statement tie takes center stage, pair your tie with a blank canvas.  The plain white button-down is a clear winner, but depending on the color of your tie, you can also try a solid colored button-down in a complementary color.  The liberty print tie, pictured top right, would look lovely against a pale blue button-down shirt.
(3) Keep the rest of your outfit simple - flat front trousers and a pair of brogues will do the trick.

How would you wear a statement tie? 
Share your style with us in the comments.

3 comments March 24th, 2010

Mens Trend Alert: The Colorful Plaid Shirt

If there’s an "It" pattern this season, it has to be Plaid.  And what better fabric than plaid to dominate the runways and storefront windows?  The fresh, unstuffy feeling of plaid crosses boundaries - of both class and occasion.  You don’t need to confine plaid to the weekend, or to being paired with jeans and sneakers.  Try dressing it up with a snappy, tailored overcoat and a chunky knit scarf or sweater for some extra texture.  Here’s four versatile plaid shirts to incorporate into your wardrobe:

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Eagle Plaid Shirt | $39.50 at American Eagle

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Fitted Greenbrae Plaid Shirt | $49.50 at Gap

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Firm Plaid Woven Shirt | $24.90 at Heritage 1981

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Eagle Flannel Shirt | $29.95 (sale) at American Eagle

9 comments December 2nd, 2009

Mens Fall Fashion Preview: Five Pieces You Need for Fall 2009

Guys, it’s time to start embracing Fall Fashion.  Key menswear trends include a strong Americana vibe that gives a nod to quirky British style.  Think preppy classics with special details - but details that don’t take themselves too seriously.  Our sartorial recommendation for the season?  Invest in classic pieces that will keep your look sharp not only for Fall 2009, but for Fall 2010 and beyond.  Here’s five pieces that you’ll want to have in your wardrobe for seasons to come:

The 3/4 Length Duffle Coat

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Gloverall Made in London Duffle Coat | $459.75 at ASOS
How to wear it: Make the bright red color really pop with a pair of dark denim jeans.  

The Classic Flannel Shirt
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Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $34.99 at Gap
How to wear it: Pair this cozy flannel shirt with gray denim and distressed boots for a look that’s urban meets rugged.

The Bright Layering Tee
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Cotton Waffle Knit Crewneck | $40 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: Let a bit of color peek out from under your gray or navy cardigan.  Added bonus for you?  The extra soft waffle knit fabric.


The Slim Shawl Collar Cardigan

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Cable Knit and Sweat Cardigan | $64.37 at ASOS
How to wear it: Wear this shawl collared cardigan over a slim fit shirt.  We love the texture of the cable knit pattern, which pairs nicely with other coarse textures like a medium wale corduroy.

The Sporty Quilted Jacket
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Quilted Four Pocket Jacket | $200 at Banana Republic
How to wear it: We love how you can take this chic quilted jacket anywhere this Fall.  Whether you’re catching a game or strolling downtown, this jacket is a practical, stylish choice.  Pair it with a bright scarf for a playful look.

What will you be wearing this Fall?  Share your style with us in the comments!

2 comments September 8th, 2009

Mens Trend Alert: Rugged Boots

What’s the key to men’s style this fall?  Masculinity.  Think men, not boys - and a decidedly grown up, rugged look.  To achieve this masculine look, add a pair of rugged boots to your shoe wardrobe.  Wear them with your weekend chinos and jeans for hiking in the woods - or just walks in the park.  Here’s our seven picks for rugged boots to invest in:

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Timberland Earthkeepers Waterproof Boot | $160 at Nordstrom

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Red Wing Classic Lifestyle Shoes | $183.96 (sale) at Zappos

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Bed Stu Romel Boot | $185 at Nordstrom

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Bed Stu Declaration Boot | $225 at Nordstrom

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Bacco Bucci Marchant Boot | $255 at Nordstrom

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Red Wing Iron Ranger Shoes | $270 at Zappos

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Timberland Counterpane Plain Toe Boot | $375 at Nordstrom

6 comments September 1st, 2009

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