2010 MEN'S STYLE GUIDE

Admit it: You've got your fair share of oversized, outdated fashion relics gathering dust in the far recesses of your closet. It's time to weed out the old and ring in the new—and this month's Men's Style Guide can help. Our latest installment examines 'The New Standards'—those hard-working essentials that form the backbone of every guy's 21st-century wardrobe. Think your bases are covered? Before assuming you're totally up to date, you'd better measure your ties, check your denim, and take a second look at how your suit fits. We cover all this and more, with in-depth tips on seven style staples for work, weekend and beyond.

While you're there, check out other Men's Style Guide features, too-- that pinpoints your style type and suggests clothes tailored to your taste.

For 2010, resolve to reevaluate your wardrobe. Here are the pieces every new-millennium man needs—plus tips on exactly how they should fit:

DARK KNIGHT. 
Ditch your baggy, dated dad jeans. One clean-cut pair in dark blue will take you to work, weekend and beyond. Want to branch out? Try versatile neutrals like black, grey and white. My favorites: Buffalo by David Bitton, Straight Leg Jeans, Dresdon, $220. (Washed and whiskered for the look and feel of an old favorite, these Buffalo Jeans are a must-have look for a modern guy.)

JACK-ET OF ALL TRADES. 
One coat can keep you dry 24/7—from morning commute, to night out, to busy weekend. Find one that fuses function with fashion, complementing your look rather than covering it up. My favorite: G-Star Raw Outdoor Copeland Quilted Jacket, $160. (Multidirectional quilting emphasizes the slim fit of a stand-collar jacket with long, smooth sleeves. Embroidered logo details the color-blocked shoulders.)

MODERN MAN. 
Your new suit's narrower lapels, shorter jacket and flat-front trousers all work together to make you look taller and slimmer—no matter your shape or size. My favorites: Ralph Lauren Suit, Grey Herringbone, $350. (Expert tailoring and flawless attention to detail makes this well-constructed look from Lauren Ralph Lauren a great addition to your polished wardrobe.)

DRESS SHIRT WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS.
That billowy wad of fabric that balloons out the back of your pants? Put it behind you with shirts that actually fit. Streamlined but not skin-tight, they accentuate the positive on every guy's frame. My favorite: Thomas Pink Slim Fit Dress Shirt, $195. (Pink stripes on a black background distinguish a straight-collar shirt crafted in the tradition of classic British shirt-making. Contoured panels on each side perfect the slim fit.)

NARROW MINDED.

Today's universally accepted neckwear is not too fat, not too skinny, but a happy medium that syncs up nicely with slim suit lapels and smaller shirt collars. My favorite: Burberry Woven Silk Tie, $150. (Oversized check patterns an Italian-crafted tie with a modern, narrow width.)

STRAIGHT FORWARD.
With a new, sleeker fit, cotton khakis are no longer confined to casual Friday. They now look, feel and function more like high-minded jeans you can dress up or down. My favorite: BOSS Black 'Cagan' Flat Front Trouser, $155. (Subtly textured wool trousers cut with a hint of stretch offer a modern aesthetic.)

CASUAL KING.

Show some style initiative—even on the weekend. With a few low-key, fitted shirts on-hand, you'll look effortlessly with-it, whether you're headed to the art museum or the hardware store. My favorite: 7 Diamonds Zip Pocket Plaid Shirt, $99. (A horizontal zipper above one of the snap-flap chest pockets modernizes a spread-collar shirt patterned in classic plaid.)


   
       

THE MEN'S STYLE COMMANDMENTS

Here are several style tips that will help you earn the "best dressed" status symbol. There are some of the "commandments" for men's fashion to achieve this look:

1. Honor thy tailor. According to GQ, even the best suits need altering. In men's fashion this is probably the most important detail that is not always adhered to. Pants need to be shortened, jackets need to be brought in, sleeves need to be narrowed (yes, you can ask your tailor to slim down your sleeves), and buttons need to be realigned with buttonholes (most guys' shoulders aren't entirely even, meaning your jacket often sits a bit askew).

If you're going to buy off the rack, you should always buy your correct size, then have a tailor customize it to your body. GQ says that the chances are you're wearing your suit a size too large. Its shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them). Also, have your tailor size the sleeves so they stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) and to size the pants so they break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels). Having your tailor properly fit your suit is the difference between being appropriately dressed and being stylishly dressed.

Custom tailored suits and even dress shirts are another option. Custom tailoring means that everything will fit right - and if you need to have a lot of alterations done on ready-made clothes, it may be an economical alternative.

2. Thou shalt learn when to cuff 'em. If you're wearing a trim, modern suit with flat-front pants—the kind often shown in men's fashion magazines—you should not cuff your pants. However, if you're a guy who likes a classic suit with a single pleat, go for a cuff—but not more than one and a half inches deep.

3. Thou shalt match your socks with your suit. Another must in men's fashion. When choosing socks, the basic rule is to consider the suit instead of the shoe—in other words, if you're wearing a navy suit with black shoes, reach for navy socks. And when wearing a light suit, make sure the socks are darker than the suit but a shade or so lighter than the shoes.

4. Thou shalt not wear a tie that is too slim. Unless you're a hard-core men's fashion guy who favors a superskinny tie, stick with one that measures about three inches at its widest point. It will be narrower than traditional ties, but not by too much. Tie one on and you'll look modern and sophisticated. We assume that's the look you want to achieve!

5. Remember thy undershirt. This one's an interesting and tricky men's fashion tip. If you're wearing a conventional white broadcloth dress shirt (which means it's fairly see-through), you have two options: Skip the undershirt and you'll look clean and stylish. Or, if you're a hairy guy who perspires a lot and you feel safer in an undershirt, wear a crewneck. The lines of a V-neck or tank top will be visible beneath your shirt and tie and you'll look cheesy. GQ suggest that if you prefer a V-neck or tank top, you might consider other dress shirts. Go for ones with checks or stripes, which make an undershirt less visible. Or opt for hardier fabrics, like an oxford cloth, which make undershirts all but invisible.

6. Thou shalt put your wallet on a diet. Your wallet should not be as fat as a burrito. In fact, GQ says that you should get rid of your wallet and you should trash all the receipts, video cards, that's stuffed into it. Buy an elegant, slim leather credit card holder and stock it with your essential cards. Then, fold your cash in a money clip. All that other nonsense can go in your desk drawer. You don't need it.

7. Thou shalt wear brown shoes—with nearly everything. Black dress shoes are easy—they're understated and tasteful. In men's fashion, the GQ experts say that brown dress shoes up the style factor. People notice them. They go best with gray, khaki, or navy. Dark brown shoes are easier to pull off than light brown ones.

Other men's fashion tips worth noting are: • Buy a two-button suit. It will give you a slimmer, more streamlined look, and it will better show off your shirt and tie. According to the fashion experts, the days of three-button dominance are over.

• Put toe taps on your leather-soled dress shoes. They will significantly increase the shoes' life span.

• If you're going to own one sweater, make it a charcoal gray v-neck. It goes perfectly with a dark suit in fall or winter and with jeans or cords in spring.

• A black J.M. Weston belt works with khakis, jeans, suits, everything. It is the one belt every man should own.

• A dark, slim tie will instantly give any ensemble a younger, cooler feel. And unlike wider ties, it looks as good with a jean jacket as with a suit jacket.

• And, the last men's fashion tip is: Invest in a classic one- or two-button tuxedo with peak or notch lapels. It makes no sense (stylistically or fiscally) to rent a tuxedo each time you attend a black-tie event.

MEN: TOP 10 SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS

Hey guys, check out these 10 Fashion Trends that will have you hot this summer!

1. You Must "Zip it". With the fluctuation of the climate from winter to spring, a zip-up is an essential layer to every man's ensemble. And a twill jacket is a simple solution! The thin fabric will keep warm on those chilly nights. Turn up the heat in your spring wardrobe with style!

2. Plaid, Plaid Boy! Get over your Catholic or private school days, this is more about the surf influence than Sunday school. Plaid shorts are a must-have staple this spring/summer and are great for the surfer dude or the preppy prepster!

3. Graphic Novel. Freedom of speech is not only a right but an expression of individuality. So, speak your mind on your favorite tee. Whether you are preaching "Peace & Love" or supporting your favorite band, just express yourself!

4. C.E.O. stands for Cute. Executive. Officer of Style. This spring your wardrobe is Boardroom Bound! First order of business: Must Have Classic & Tailored pieces that are timeless---fitted suit, great dress shirts, and bold ties! These items will have you in control of your closet and take you beyond 9 to 5!

5. Check mate! Keep cool and play it smart in checkered prints and gingham. Make a wise move and go for brighter colors. This classic pattern is versatile enough to rock under a suit or with your favorite jeans!

6. Grey's Anatomy. Enhance your denim palette with shades of grey! This season blue denim is out. Dark forces have taken over the jean world and are slowly fading your favorite denim into ranges of greys and even white!

7. Stay Neutral. Play it cool, calm, and collected by staying neutral. When in doubt or fear of color, this is the best remedy. Linens and textures, and accessories- oh my! From apparel to accessories-- GO BEIGE!

8. Sneaker Appeal. Step in spring in style with a comfy sneaker. Make a prim and proper outfit ultra hip with a funky tennis shoe. Even a white suit can have a whole new personality with the right kicks!

9. The Aviator. Retro shades are back in a big way! Classic brands, such as, Ray-Ban brought back the wayfarer in '08, and have done it again with the aviator. Steal a fashion trend from a pilot in '09. Round, square, and wrap arounds, all of the shapes are sooo fly!

10. Easy Strider. Slip into Spring/Summer fashion with a loafer. Dressed up or dressed down, these look perfect with a suit or a pair of cargos! Keep the neutral palette in mind for this trend because it will go with everything with ease!

RECESSIONISTA: WOMEN- BASIC BLACK BLAZER

Every recessionista needs to learn about "trans-fashion". Trans-fashion is the ability to take one standard piece that is typically found in every woman's closet and transition it into more than one outfit. Let's start with the ladies, . . .Suit, Suit, riot? Hardly. The basic black blazer can be transformed easier than you think. The fitted blazer is an important piece of the "Boyfriend" trend, where women are influenced by men's fashion. This little jacket doesn't have to always be paired with a black slack, unless you are a stubborn New Yorker going to an important interview. But for the "laid back, hip" west coasters take note. Dust off the basic black blazer and try these 5 different outfit options.

Below are 5 outfit options, all of them when paired under a fitted blazer come to together beautifully, so go ahead and experiment! These looks can flatter any age range. Fashion is meant to be fun, so if you are brave enough, I challenge you to try all 5 options, your friends will wonder where you had the funds to get 5 new outfits, but it will be our lil secret that you just needed a stylist's help and your own confidence to rock a whole new you!




1. THE SEX KITTEN. Take a note from actress Amanda Bynes, pair a blazer over a sexy dress to make any outfit a lil more polished and adds just the right amount of sophistication. Don't be afraid to try an animal print or a silky chiffon sundress. Blazers definitely help to transition from winter to spring. Think date night or red carpet, because you will definitely have heads turning. If you have gorgeous gams like Ms. Bynes, try going high fashion, by rockin' ankle booties with this look. Young Hollywood has embraced this trend with open arms and it has suited them quite well. Celebs who love this look: Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear

2. GEO-METRY GODDESS. Try a bold print or geometric pattern over black opaque tights. The contrast is pure genius. Keep the accessories in a pewter shade, keys being: large shades, textured belt, and flat suede boots. The dark colored tights give the illusion of length and a knee-high boot draws the eyes down to the floor. The cardigan keeps the femininity and by adding the blazer, creates the perfect symmetry of structure! Celebs who love this look: Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Jessica Alba

3. ROCK 'N ROLLER. Inside every good girl is an inner bad girl, this outfit lets you expose that Joan Jett, Pat Benetar that is dying to be unleashed! The best part of this look--- its sooo simple and chic that you have these items in your closet!! Black cami/tank, lighter denim (even a faded grey works) To vamp up this vixen-look, add patent leather kitten heels if you are to shopping on Robertson, but if you have a date at the House of Blues later, opt for a sensational studded stiletto. The blazer need not be boring ladies, try a leather blazer that is fitted to your sexy shape! Add some pizazz with a fun handbag.

Celebs who love this look: Duffy, Rachel Bilson, and Miley Cyrus

4. UPTOWN GIRL. What happens when you take your favorite blue tunic and your favorite dark skinny jeans and pair it with a blazer? You get the new uptown girl. East or west-- this can work for you! Turn up the color in the tunic- try primary colors-- red, yellow, and blue! Spice up the look by incorporating a key trend in

'09- FRINGE. The fringe should always be subtle and in an accessory, so why not a fringed handbag? To bring an urban flavor, add a beanie cap for those chilly spring days shopping in SoHo or running errands in the Village. Keep the boot basic to tie the look together. Celebs who love this look: Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Audrina Patridge

5. DELIGHTFUL DARLING. Sweet meets chic. Basic t-shirt,

comfy cardigan, your favorite jean, plus a tailored blazer equals delightful darling. Its great for day to day, from office to play date. Even mommy's need a re-charge in their wardrobe and this playful ensemble is a perfect combination. Remember, accessories can make or break an outfit. Sometimes you can base a whole outfit on just the floral headband or colored sweater. It's about being creative, this outfit can even be Boho with the right scarf and statement jewelry--- big colorful beads or a few strainds of thin gold chains. Celebs that love this look: Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift