As promised, I present to you the Style Intelligence Report’s first foray into the Wide World of Men’s Fashion.
I bring to you the look of the season for men that’s nearest and dearest to my heart: the Preppy Rockstar.
The foundation of the look consists of a good quality jean and a casual-to semiformal top…or two. Pictured are American Eagle’s Eagle Stripe Pique Polo ($29.50), and Armani Exchange’s Boot Cut Jean ($105).
Boot Cut Jean ($105).Photo Courtesy of Armani Exchange.
Another, perhaps more sophisticated, shirt possibility is a woven, button-up shirt that has some extra style detailing. One of my current favorites: Kenneth Cole’s "Pieced and Love," ($110) shown below. The ribbon detailing provides an interesting counterpoint to the otherwise standard button-up shirt.
Ribbon-detailed Button-Up Shirt ($110).Photo courtesy of Kenneth Cole.
To this basic foundation, add your jacket of choice. Two suggestions:
1. A Blazer: To mix things up a bit, try one in an unusual fabric. The blazer pictured below ($89 at Urban Outfitters), for example, is made of Velvet.
2. A Biker or Motocross Jacket: Very attractive on a wide variety of body types. The Cotton Biker Jacket pictured below goes for $145 at Armani Exchange.
Cotton Biker Jacket ($149)Photo courtesy of Armani Exchange.
All you have to do is add sunglasses and some attitude, and you’ll be ready to go!
March 31st, 2005
Q: I’m a classic dresser with pretty conservative tastes, but I want to move my wardrobe into more colorful territory. Help please!
A: Considering the wide range of color options out in the marketplace right now, there’s no better time to start adding color to your wardrobe. I see three color combinations as both flattering and fashion-forward this season. What’s more, they’re relatively easy to wear without being overwhelming.
- Blue + Green: The nautical theme on the runways has manifested itself again—this time in color form. But don’t think of the high seas when choosing your ocean-inspired colors. Instead, imagine yourself on a beautiful tropical island, complete with crystal clear skies and a richly hued seascape. Try sky blue and sea green, as well as sky blue and lime green. Blue and green never looked so fresh.
“The Bottom Line†Silk Shirt ($79) and “That’s a Wrap†Silk Skirt ($99), both at Kenneth Cole.
- White + ???: While the green and white combo was tennis inspired for Summer 04, it’s still around this year in more sophisticated permutations. Though the sporty outfits were definitely cute, I’m glad green and white have moved beyond the tennis court. Judging from retail store displays, green and white is here to stay for Spring/Summer 05—look for the color combination in stripe and colorblocking forms. Also hot: turquoise and white, and light blue and white. My prediction: as much as I love green and white, sky blue and white will dominate over the next two seasons.
Theory: Striped Shirt ($165), White Tank $45, Flared Pants, $195.
Find them at Neiman Marcus.
- Pink + Grey: Pink has traditionally been paired with brown, a pretty color combination (especially when pairing a dusty rose pink with a chocolate brown) that got kind of tired by last autumn. The new It Pairing for pink? Move over brown, and make room for grey! I love a light heather grey with pretty much any pink hue, light or dark. FYI—My pile of pink tops from last summer pair especially well with the Sasha Shrunken Cable Cardigan from the “Stylish Sales†post. Try pairing that sweater with the camisole below for a fun spring look!
Eva Lace Trim Cami ($44) at Guess.And for even more daring color combinations, feel free to try:
- Orange + Yellow
- Green + Yellow
- Orange + Pink
Though I started this blog only last week, I already started to receive style questions by email. Thanks for being proactive—I applaud you! I plan to write a Style Q&A post each week—so feel free to email more questions to styleintelligence@gmail.com. Hope to hear from You!
March 29th, 2005
