Jan
3
2011
Style At Large
Menswear veteran and Valet's Editor at Large, Michael Macko, presents an insider's take on what's new and noteworthy in the world of style.
 

A 2011 Forecast

In the spirit of Valet's "31 Days," I thought I'd start out 2011 with recommendations on what a guy should have in his wardrobe in the coming year. Using the old trick to remember which buttons to fasten on a three-button jacket ("sometimes, always, never"), we're suggesting new items you can work into your daily wear, the classic items you should already have and the ones you should get rid of.

Jeans
 
Sometimes

White jeans, like old school white sneakers, can be worn all year round and will always make you look good. $65, by Gap

 
Always

A dark pair of classic straight legs (think a 501 fit).

 
Never

Skinny jeans that your girlfriend can fit into or a boot cut (unless you're a cowboy).

Suits
 
Sometimes

A double breasted suit. Keep it simple in a medium shade of grey and wear the jacket separately, with crisp jeans or tailored khakis and you'll look super sharp. Brunello Cucinelli suit, $2,316 at Bluefly

 
Always

Navy, grey and black.

 
Never

Too skinny a suit. You shouldn't look like you're wearing your kid brother's hand-me-ups.

Shoes
 
Sometimes

A suede double monk strap. Mark McNairy monk straps, $350 at Unionmade

 
Always

Any of the classics: wing tips, loafers and lace-ups.

 
Never

Square toes and those sneaker/shoe hybrids suffering from an identity crisis.

Shirts
 
Sometimes

A small pattern. Camouflage isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Camo button down, $225 by Hamilton 1883

 
Always

Plaid, bengal stripes and light colored solids.

 
Never

Those multi-colored, multi-width 'going out' shirts from a few years back.

Ties
 
Sometimes

A bat wing style bow tie. $115, by David Hart

 
Always

Knit ties and patterns like repp stripes and plaids.

 
Never

Super skinny ties. Use them as shoelaces instead.

T-Shirts
 
Sometimes

A short-sleeved henley. It's a T-shirt with a good personality. Pima cotton henley, $58 by Vince

 
Always

V-Necks in white, grey and navy.

 
Never

Anything with studs, rhinestones or metallics.

Jewelry
 
Sometimes

A tie bar. $15, at The Tie Bar

 
Always

A watch.

 
Never

Diamonds (even if they're black. That doesn't make them any more rugged or masculine).

Want more tips for 2011? Valet's 3rd annual "31 Days" series.

 

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