It's not anything revolutionary or particularly groundbreaking, but if you are a guy, you can never go wrong with a good neutral-based outfit. Fashion for guys is a little harder to navigate these days – female fashion trends are big, bold and so chic, while men's fashion is understated and subdued. In fact, at least on this college campus, I find that there are so many guys wearing jeans and tees that all it takes to stand out is a little sophistication. That's why neutrals, like gray and tan, look so darn good on guys!
So gentlemen, please take note! This Fashionisto's outfit may seem muted, however there are a lot of classic menswear ideas in his clothing choices. The mix of tan, white and brown plays really well with the coral pop-color (something every Fashionista and Fashionisto should internalize–the importance of pop-colors). The slightly worn boat shoes add a nice bit of character to the look, in that same way an old leather bag would enhance a fashionable on-the-go ensemble. Check out these wool Sperrys! The white pant – daring after Labor Day, yes – gives the eye a good break from the warmer tones of the brown shoes, tan jacket and coral tee. Note the fit of the pant: guys, ditch the baggy jeans and cargos and try a straight or slim fit pant. You'll look taller, sharper and surprisingly feel a lot more comfortable. These days clothing stores separate their pants by fit and color, so don't be afraid to change it up–you won't have to look too hard! Check out these Scotch & Soda rough cotton chinos for some inspiration!
Let's look at the jacket next, which is something I think every guy should have. Not only is this a really great fall-weight jacket, it's a borderline barracuda-cut style that's been making a solid comeback. Check out the diagonal chest-seaming – seams near the shoulders will make you look broader. And I love the motorcycle jacket detail on the collar. Here are some sporty jackets to appease any barracuda appetite: GAP has a simple raglan-sleeve coat, while the über-cool Swedish company Ance makes a classic statement with their wool jacket.
Finally we have our Fashionisto's coral tee. Coral is a great pop-color to use all year round. In the colder months, the muted and orange aspects of coral are played up, while the playful red-ness adds a fun twist to a warm-weather outfit. Instead of just looking for a basic pop-color like red, blue or green, try looking for unexpected colors like mint, eggplant and turquoise. A different shade of a basic color can add a lot of visual interest to a plain tee. Places like J.Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Urban Outfitters all have interesting colored tees for any budget.
In short guys, instead of slipping into those comfy sweats, why not try a chic chino?
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