Some of you have asked me lately what are some looks that can easily transition from Fall to Winter. I have put together options that would work for most men and are not too “out there.” While these are expensive name brands, you can find similar options most any place. Just take the inspiration from the designers and go hunt for a bargain. If you look hard, you’d be surprise of the stuff you can find at places like T.J.Maxx and Stein Mart.   What’s your favorite look in this collection?

For today’s Fashion Friday we are talking about a trend in men’s fashion that has made a strong come back in the past few years: the vest. The suit vest has some very distinct characteristics.  For one, vests, are almost always full back, unlike the standard tuxedo vest which has an open back design.  They also have two main style options, being buttons and pockets.  They can come with as few as three buttons to as many as nine, although the standard for a men’s suit vest is five or six.  And also pockets, which can come in a rounded style or as welt pockets, which only show a fold of fabric at the opening. You should never button the last button on a vest, sometimes you might opt to not button the last two, even if it’s casual wear. The vest should fit snug but not so tight that…

I remembering hearing “if you don’t want to look like a clown, don’t mix your patterns.” Most guys are comfortable putting together solid ties and striped shirts or pairing a patterned shirt with a solid tie.  Forget what your mother told about the evils of mixing patterns and put aside your fear of looking like a clown. If you keep in mind a couple of simple rules, you can look sharp in a very dynamic combination of mixed patterns. Before you decide to mix your patterns, remember this: Opposites attract. If you have a dark shirt, then go for a lighter tie. Unless you’re going monochromatic, contrast is always a good thing Decide who is boss.  Two strong patterns together comes across more like a shouting match than beautiful dissonance.  Look for dominant/subtle combinations. Much like good design, you should decide where your focus point is. When everything screams “look…

Turtleneck sweaters are one of those winter basics that never go out of style. Every man should have a basic black turtleneck. This Fall the turtle returns, but not in the supporting role of years’ past, but as a leading piece. Texture and bold, jewel-tone colors make this season’s version stand out. When paired with an dark suit or jacket, a bright turtleneck can breathe life back in to the drab black-on-lack from past seasons. Are you a fan of the turtle neck?

Men and hair coloring have been taboo subjects. For some the conversation is just as “off the table” as the “don’t ask, don’t tell” gay policy for the military. But regardless of its status, men’s home hair coloring business is booming. According to industry experts, it grew by over 10% during 2010. Men, gray hair can make you look distinguished or it can make you look old and tired. Sometimes it lends credibility and other time it lands you a date at the retirement home for a 4 p.m. dinner.  I know guys who gray prematurely and find themselves mostly gray in their mid 30’s, and I also know guys in their late 40’s that have not shown any signs of graying–not fair, but true. Whatever you decide to do about it, you should feel comfortable with the decision. Recently, Patrick Dempsey became the face of L’oreal’s new men’s home…

The double-breasted jacket has come back in a big way this year. It’s not the same version of the 1930s gangsta look or the 1980s resurgence with big lapels, extra thick shoulders pads and brass buttons. Labels are keeping it youthful and fun but making it more fitted, softer lines around the shoulders and using interesting fabrics. The fun part comes from paring unconventional shoes, no socks and bright colors. Some of you might feel the urge to reach way back into your closet and pull out your “vintage” double breasted jacket. Before you risk it, take a look at these new Fall and even Spring releases. If you are still not sure, ask your wife, girlfriend, mother, uh, not your mother, she thinks you look great in anything. What’s your take on the new double breasted jacket resurgence?

How much, what brand, and even what style of pants does not matter as much as how well they fit you. Pants have more of an impact on how a guy looks than any other clothing item. Ill-fitting slacks will make you look bad no matter how nice and expensive your shirt or jacket are. When buying pants, make sure you try them on and that you can see what’s happening behind you. I have seen some horrific sights that I’m sure the offender never saw happening at the back. Here’s a guide on how to find the right size of of pants. Most men’s pants are sized with two numbers: waist and inseam measurement, in that order. Measure your waist by wrapping a tape measure around your torso wherever you want your pants to fall. Keep a finger or two between the tape measure and you, so that you…

Fashion Friday returns with the age-old question: “should I match my socks to my pants or shoes?” I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve answered this. People at the gym ask me that at least once a week. As a rule, you should match your socks to your pants and not your shoes. Why? you might ask. Mainly because it just looks better. If you match your socks to your trousers, then you have a streamlined look from your waist all the way down to your shoes. If you match them to your shoes, however, you can get the booty look where your pants have the illusion of ending around your ankles and your shoe/sock/booty combination begins. It makes your legs look shorter and your call attention to your ankles, or cankles (the combination of calf+ankle in one unsightly, unnatural organ). There are a few exceptions. (Yep,…

A new job comes with new opportunities, challenges and, most likely, a new dress code. A friend asked me this week “I need new clothes for my new job, but I have no idea what to wear.” There are a lot of pressures about starting a new position and your wardrobe should not be one of them. Guys, here are a few guidelines to help you look your best in your new job. (I’m linking each main point to some of my previous Fashion Friday post of relevance for more in depth information).   Ask. Don’t interpret. Business, business casual, casual, Friday casual, west coast casual, east coast casual are all subjective to interpretation down to the part of town you’ll be working. I have seen branches of the same company in the same city have different dress codes because of the area of town they were located. So don’t…

One of the most conservative men’s clothing brands is selling some of the most outrageous slacks in the marketplace. We all expect leather pants from Dolce and Gabbana or skinny jeans from Diesel, but these pants are coming from Brooks Brothers. Who knew?! What’s your take on the embroidered pants? Guys would you wear them? Ladies, would you buy them for your guy?