I've traveled everywhere--to all 50 states and nearly 50 foreign countries--and the one thing that stays with me, despite all the trends that come and go, is how everyone loves classic American style: the worn-in jeans, T-shirts, the leather jackets, our swagger. That thing we do without even knowing it.
Now, some guys admire the European look. And you should-it's elegant. And some dig the English-cool factor--one part Saville Row, another part punk rocker with a twist of grit. Others maintain their minimalism--black on black with accents of black. Me, I've tried them all (and sometimes it wasn't all that pretty), but I always came back to what is true to myself--what I call Classic. But like a lot of you, I've got my own version, which for me is a navy blazer, a button-down, dogged-up jeans, and the ultimate wingtip shoes, no socks.
Knowing what your defining style is, what works, and how to put it all together sometimes takes a while--and quite frankly, with all the choices out there, it ain't easy. The key is to stay true to yourself but be inspired--without fear.
This year some of my coolest friends can help: Dolce & Gabbana, who mix sex appeal and rock 'n' roll style with fine tailoring; John Varvatos, who marks every inch of his pieces with authenticity and a whiff of vintage (hell, he puts the boots on Bruce Springsteen); and Ralph Lauren, who still takes tradition and refinement and somehow makes it modern and cool every year. Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, and, of course, Giorgio Armani are all here for us, too. Consider these talents, as I do, trustworthy friends in the pursuit of what's right for you no matter how you choose to mix it up.
TOMMY HILFIGER
Tommy Hilfiger Crest Collection York corduroy blazer, $225, and vintage Manchester five-pocket jeans, $85
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JOHN VARVATOS
John Varvatos washed antique-finished motorcycle jacket, $1,995, ribbed cashmere-blend turtleneck, $298; wool fringed scarf, $175, and dark-washed jeans, $245
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RALPH LAUREN
Polo by Ralph Lauren hooded cashmere sweater, $397, and suede fatigue pants, $880
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CALVIN KLEIN
Calvin Klein Collection patent-leather blazer, $1,995, and cashmere-blend crew. $225
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PRADA
Prada cashmere crew-neck sweater, $745, and blue suede pants, $1,085
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PERRY ELLIS
Perry Ellis merino-wool striped sport coat, $185, salt-and-pepper pants, $295, and driving gloves, $115
ARMANI
Armani Jeans leather bomber, $778, and distressed jeans, $238; Giorgio Armani dress shirt, $425, and silk tie
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DOLCE & GABBANA
Dolce & Gabbana herringbone wool blazer with attached zip-up sweater. $2.550, jeans with multicolored paint, $575, and wool tweed newsboy cap, $195