Men's Fashion: Staying Sharp
The beauty of men’s fashion is that it doesn’t go through upheavals. It changes only incrementally, so a wardrobe makeover is never necessary to remain in style. Here are some clothing options for staying au courant as a sharp-dressed man, with a few pointers from the chief of TV’s Fashion Police.
LATIN INFUSION
Splitting from J. Lo didn’t put a damper on the September debut of Marc Anthony’s new line of menswear for Kohl’s. The Latin singer’s couture-to-casual collection rocks on with everything from suits, separates and sportswear to shoes, dress coats and accessories for the urban-stylish man. Below: Marc Anthony suit separates, $120-$360, dress shirt, $60, skinny silk tie, $40, and Andres oxford dress shoes, $90. Five area Kohl’s locations; kohls.com
Style Points From George
Celebrity stylist George Kotsiopoulos (above), co-host of the series Fashion Police on E! Entertainment, was in town recently to appear at The Mall at Millenia’s Fashion Week. We asked him to offer Orlando men some advice on dressing in style.
OM: What’s in style for Florida men?
GK: A pair of lightweight, slim-fitting chinos (rolled and cuffed for the fashion forward but worn down for the novice) is a must for comfort in the heat along with a plain v-neck tee, a polo or a simple chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Slim- fit, straight-leg jeans in a plain dark wash are best for the cooler months. I was out at night and noticed far too many guys in jeans with elaborate washes and over-embroidered pockets. Not sure where these came from but simple is better, guys, and they can be found at every price point from J Brand, Levi’s and Gap 1969 to H&M.
OM: Is it time to retire the tropical-print camp shirt, aka Tommy Bahama?
GK: Definitely not! You’re either a tropical-print kinda guy or you’re not. This classic look is what makes Florida amazing, so I would never want to stifle that.
OM: What accessories should men add to their wardrobe?
GK: The combat boot has been here a few seasons and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. A man can never have enough ties, dress shirts, pocket squares and tie bars. We are lucky that we can wear the same suit or blazer and change it up with these accessories.
OM: How should a handkerchief be folded in a suit breast pocket? Square or three corners up? And should it match the tie?
GK: I like my white pocket squares to be folded neatly in a square, but everything else I usually just grab in the center and shove it in my pocket. The color of your pocket square does not need to match your tie exactly but should pick up on a color anywhere from the tie to a stripe in your shirt or a color in the weave of your suit. It’s cool to mix patterns as long as the colors work together. I have no problem with a check shirt, stripe tie and polka-dot pocket square, but keep the suit solid to avoid looking over-styled unless that’s your goal. Then go for it!
OM: Name a male celebrity who’s a good role model for dressing fashionably.
GK: Every generation has its version of a “Cary Grant,” from Steve McQueen to Robert Redford, Richard Gere to George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, and now it looks like Ryan Gosling is taking over the throne.
—Mike Boslet
STEP IT UP Marc Anthony Esteban roll-top boots, $120, Javier laceless boots, $110, and Hector cap-toe boots, $120, Kohl’s
Swap the tennies for a great pair of lace-up boots—a must-have staple with jeans or casual pants this season—and festoon dress shirts with geometric or textured ties, tie bars and cufflinks that are fun while being fashionable.
TIE ONE ON Stefano Ricci lavender striped shirt with French cuffs, $600, and paisley silk tie, $215, and Stefano Ricci burgundy striped shirt with white collar and French cuffs, $600, and geometric silk tie, $200, Neiman Marcus, The Mall at Millenia
CHECK IT OUT Armani Collezioni gray glen-plaid wool suit with blue windowpane, $2,145, Neiman Marcus, The Mall at Millenia
For a well-suited style, go for continuity and a cut with broad shoulders, slim waist and a pair of slim trousers.
