^Don we now our gay apparel
Style, Fashion and the Everyman
by Daniel Stroupe guest contributor
Every morning — and on those afternoons before eve
nings out on the town—we dress ourselves and we make a
presentation for the world to see. Shall this presentation be of
style and grace or a "oh honey, no" sort of situation? Of course
some guys think they don't know how to be fashionable and
stylish; or they have convinced themselves they don't have the
'gay gene" with clothes. That's okay, darling. This is where I
come in.
First things first, though: There is a difference between
fashion and style. Fashion and style are generally confused
with one another, but for me there is a marked difference
between the two.
Fashion is reflective of what is going on right now and
deals with trends and the looks of the moment. Trends are the
playthings of fashion and the industry that thrives on what is in
and what is out Fashion is important, though. It keeps things
alive and moving and can challenge us with how we think
about dressing. That's a good thing. Trends can come and go.
so that bad idea five years ago may be a hot new ticket next
year—you never know! Having a few "trendy" pieces is a
good thing but I suggest you fill your wardrobe with timeless
pieces that will last you for a good few years. These pieces are
the building blocks to developing your personal style.
Style is one's basic manner of dress. It is ingrained through
practice and self examination. Style is almost like a feeling
— a natural instinct—a guttural aura that one exudes that is
truly unique. It can be as simple as favoritism toward a color
or shape or an elaborate scheme like a pension for pattern
mixing. A major element of your personal style is knowing your
body type and what flatters you. We all can have it whether
w6 know it or not and, most importantly, your personal style
best reflects how clothing serves you and how you would like
to be perceived.
Getting down to the basics is important—a black suit, navy
blazer, perfect-fitting oxford shirt, classic shoes and the like.
But also consider a list of "New Basics" — the dark wash jean.
basic white tee and aviator glasses. Once you have your base,
start to customize your collection and make it really reflect you.
Mixing in the basics of style with hints of the trends keeps
one looking relevant and new. I look to the runways for patterns
in things like color selection and silhouette and then take those
ideas and translate them to things you already own and a
couple new items to refresh your wardrobe.
I'm offering you some looks that start with the basic building
blocks of style and mixes in this season's trends. As a basic
rule: Explore items from all price ranges and genres. Mix vin
tage, new, designer and thrift shop finds to create a personal
look. Basics can always be bought at Target and discount
clothiers. When you go cheap take it as an opportunity to have
things tailored so your fit is perfect. What something looks like
on you is far more important than who made it.::
Photography: Day\d Lari
Model and Styling: Daniel Stroupe
Trends:
Forthe winter months
we are beating the
cold with bright colors
against neutral tones.
This is most definitely
the most sartorially fun
time of year. Now is the
time to experiment with
layers and rich fabrics.
Basics:
Always have a grey
Woo! suit
You can wear it year
round and can be the
mo^ functional piece
in your closet
Shirt Express; Tie: Dion
Vintage Sweater and
Belt Pants: Banana
Republic; Glasses:
Dolce and Gabbana
Trends:
Slim fitting suits with narrow
lapels are still going strong into
next years'trends.
Basics:
The New Basics staple — dark
wash jeans makes a fabulous
appearance here. Paired with
a trusty grey suit jacket we are
good to gol
Jacket Kenneth Cole; Shirt
French Connection; Vintage
Belt; Jeans: Rockabilly; Robot
Necklace: Custom Shop
Trends:
Retro kick backs! Following the slim-fit
trends with luxe details like this Prada
cashmere sweater and fun detail like this
vintage slim belt.
Basics:
The navy blazer is an absolute must for
the Everyman!
Sweater: Prada; Vintage Blazer
and Belt Jeans: Levis; Shoes: Calvin Klein
Trends:
Color! Reds, purples in vivid
viscosity are huge this year paired
’ with blacks, tans, grays and other
neutrals.
Basics:
A good military jacket is as
timeless of the pea coat and trench.
Choose wisely and it can last you
forever.
Jacket Ben Sherman; Shirt
Burberry; Vintage Crocodile Belt
Pants: H&M
Trends: ^ ■
AH about the
accessory!
Focusing your look on
a fabulous acessory
can make your look
pep out of the crowd.
Battics:
Know and Joye.^ck
and whatiti^Mq^r.
you,Asfmp1$jbl^V
silhouettft^ande ;'
li
Dec. 10-23.2011 qnotes 11