Men

Fashion - Men

The start of a new year marks the perfect time to update your wardrobe. Before you get upset about spending a lot, remember that to update your look, you don't need to buy a new wardrobe. Every item in your closet doesn't need to be replaced; in fact, quite the opposite. Take stock of your closet: What items of clothing do you wear the most? What pants and shirts do you have on heavy rotation? Use this as your base for buying a few new pieces that will completely update your look. I've selected three items of clothing that will instantly update your look for less than one hundred dollars each, and these pieces will also carry you straight from winter into spring.

1. End-on-end point collar dress shirt ($65, J.Crew): We've talked before about the importance of a crisp, white shirt, and today let's consider the validity of a blue dress shirt. Generally speaking, this classic blue hue looks great on most complexions. Crisp and smooth (done in J.Crew's extra-fine 120s cotton knit), this J.Crew point collar dress shirt is a shirt that you can wear day to night to weekend. Paired with anything from dress slacks to jeans, this shirt will update your wardrobe in a snap.
2. Vintage straight cotton chinos ($59.50, Banana Republic): Before you let the slim styling scare you off, consider the fact that these chinos are as comfortable as they are fashionable. The dark granite colour will wear well for the rest of the winter, and into the spring and summer months. You can wear these khakis casual or work smart, whether your pair them with a sweater or sport coat.
3. Cotton-cashmere v-neck sweater ($59.50, J.Crew): Nothing brightens up current clothing in your closet like a burst of colour. The vivid green of this J.Crew cotton-cashmere sweater will wear well with both items above, and also with other wardrobe essentials (wool pants, jeans, a white shirt, a basic t-shirt). Because of the cotton-cashmere blend, you'll be safe styling this sweater into spring.

Fashion - Men

Men, you've made it; we've officially reached the end of our Every Man Essentials list. You've got a checklist complete with everything from the classic white shirt to straight-leg jeans. And what finishes off any outfit better than a solid pair of shoes and two leather belts? I understand that not all men have the budget to buy multiple pairs of shoes, and that's OK. If you're on a tight budget, invest in black dress shoes and brown everyday shoes. When you're styling a black or charcoal suit, black shoes work best. You can even use them to dress up jeans and sport jacket. For your more casual looks, — think jeans and a sweater, — opt for rich brown suede slip-on moccasins. They look stylish and wear like slippers.

1. Giorgio Brutini® Slip-On Plain Loafers ($59, Zappos): Looking great doesn't have to cost you a fortune. For less than 100 dollars, you can snag these Giorgio Brutini® loafers. Featuring a polished leather upper and classic cut bicycle toe, these loafers have overlapping leather panels that add some sharp detail. They slip on and have a padded footbed for comfort.

2. Banana Blues Purfect Loafers (sale $67.50, Zappos): These super comfortable suede moccasins are ideal for everyday. Slip-on styling with a soft suede upper, these Banana Blues loafers feature a perforation detail at the vamp. They're lined in leather and have a flexible rubber sole, so you know these shoes are easy to wear.

3. Banana Republic Reversible Plaque Belt ($65, Banana Republic): It's like getting two Italian leather belts for the price of one! You can't go wrong with Banana Republic's reversible plaque belt. One side black, one side deepest brown, this belt has a modern brushed metal plaque buckle.

4. J.Crew Leather Roller-Buckle Belt ($39.50, J.Crew): A casual belt that will wear well with denim, khakis, and even flat-front pants, this J.Crew leather belt has a soft feel and a metal buckle. Available in darkwood brown and black, this belt will fast become one of your favourites.

Fashion - Men

We talked about the importance of the classic white shirt, and the silk tie goes hand in hand with that. Sure, I'm a huge fan of classic plaid, but the Every Man also needs something sleek to amp up his armoire options.

1. Burberry Silk Small-Check Tie ($140, Neiman Marcus): Made in Italy, this tie features Burberry's classic check done in a subtle, silk twill with a tonal small check. Available in red, silver, or black, my recommendation is the red. This rich hue will pop against against your classic white shirt, and it will wear well with a black or grey suit.

2. J.Crew Old-School Stripe Cambridge Tie ($49.50, J.Crew): The look of this J.Crew silk tie is entirely collegiate. The old-school stripe Camb ridge tie is made the U.S. from English woven silk. It's a hand-finished accessory that any guy under 30 can style with sophistication.

3. Gucci Black Solid Silk Elijan Tie ($144, Bluefly): This tie is anything but basic. Made in Italy from the smoothest, lightweight silk, this Gucci tie is completely classy. Perfect for any dressy occasion, I love the look of a black suit, crisp white shirt, and black tie. It makes for a show-off look without any loud or obnoxious colours.

Not prepared to spend more than 50 dollars on a tie? Check your local Winners, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls for fantastic ties priced almost preposterously! I know of no where else (except maybe a New York City street corner) where you can get a bargain on a Gucci tie. Really.

Fashion - Men

We've covered the basics of what to wear, but what about what to wear outside in colder weather? Number eight on my Every Man Essentials list is proper outerwear. Gone are the days of being twelve years old and wearing a track jacket or zip-up windbreaker, and if you're still doing this and think it's acceptable, think again. Real men wear real coats. From the peacoat to the classic topcoat, gentlemen, take note of these overcoat options.

1. J.Crew Authentic Wool Peacoat ($255, J.Crew): Everything about this J.Crew Authentic Peacoat screams 'essential'! From the flip-up collar with a tab-fastening closure to the buttons with an anchor stamp, this coat is one you'll wear every winter. Available in black, navy, and charcoal, this peacoat has a super-warm lining that adds extra warmth to super-soft wool.

2. DH3 Wool Peacoat ($199, Mark's Work Wearhouse): The tab detailing on each sleeve make this basic stand out. A six button closure and angled welt pockets are peacoat staples that every man will appreciate. Available in black, this is a great buy from Mark's, and one you'll wear for multiple winter seasons.

3. *J.Crew Mayfair Wool-Cashmere Topcoat ($375, J.Crew): I love it when J.Crew takes a timeless design and adds a few modern touches. Their Mayfair topcoat has more of a trim fit, cleaner cut lapels, and an exterior ticket pocket. It's available in four colours (check the camel — a classic hue!) and has an absolutely divine cashmere-wool blend. Warm and wearable, this impressive overcoat will complete your look.

4. Boulevard Club®/MD Melton Balmacaan Coat (about $150, Sears): What's a balmacaan coat, you ask? A balmacaan coat is a loose-fitting overcoat with raglan sleeves. It's more of an everyday, wear over your business attire coat. This version from Sears has a cozy wool melton outershell and satin polyester lining. An outerwear basic, this coat has two exterior and two interior pockets.

[*I'm often asked by men if they should buy a car coat or a topcoat, and my preference for the Every Man is a topcoat. For the record, I'm featuring a topcoat as a proper overcoat option because it' s dressier by design and more versatile than a plain car coat. What's the difference is between a topcoat and a car coat? A topcoat always has a hidden button front, button cuffs, and a centre back vent. A car coat has exposed front buttons, plain cuffs, and no back vent. And a car coat can't really be dressed up.]