September 2004

The Professionals

by Keith Dorsett

It has been said that one can follow the economy by watching the rise and fall of hemlines. This is true in the women’s fashion world but a similar, if more subtle, phenomenon happens in men’s fashion as well. By reading the headlines we learn more about what motivates the way we dress and the fashions this fall certainly reflect the current climate. The move toward a more upscale dress in the work place indicates how competitive it has become in both the national and global arena.

Professional dress, however, does not have to convey rigidity or imply that we cannot be approached. Men's fashion this Fall offers elegance for the young gentleman and the gentlemen who are serious about their clothes. Casual attire remains, but on a slightly dressed-up scale, which includes a lux item;i.e. a cashmere sport coat.

Gentlemen, it is time to dress up from toe to head. Quality footwear for the professional is key to the entire outfit, be it a suit, slacks, or shirt and sport coat. Perforated toe shoes are tweaked by Dolce & Gabbanna in both oxfords and loafers. They can be worn with a suit for a professional but not stuffy, look. No age requirement. For those with narrow feet, try Salvatore Ferragamo's footwear. The lines are clean and with a gloss finish. The look, not the feel, is one of a quality stainless steel knife,sharp without effort. Prada and Via Spiga offerings are quite versatile with the latter fitting all budgets. Look for a slightly pointed toe box for a more updated look. Dark brown and cordovan should be used this Fall. Black should be in a high gloss for polishing. A good shoe should never have to be "broken in".

Tailored clothing for autumn is strong with the suit being at the forefront. Models range from three-button to two-button, either of which can be single vent, side vent or ventless. The key to the suit this Fall is in the waist of the coat. Some suits are made with the waist shaped, creating a more sartorial look. If at all possible, have the waist of your suit coat tailored to fit. Key purchase for the professional this season is the navy or gray pinstripe or chalk stripe suit. For a more modern look, a smaller lapel and skinny tie. The more traditional look is shown with bolder shirt and tie combinations. Best suit to add on: Michael Kors black two-button side vent with flat front pants. Rent the movie "The Great Gatsby" for the best visual of this category.

For those in cooler climates, layering comes into play. Think corduroy sport coat with zip-front, thin sweater and woven or knit shirt. The black velvet sport coat offeredby a variety of vendors, Ralph Lauren, John Varvatos, Armani, Kenneth Cole, Paul Smith and Dolce & Gabbanna to name a few, can be worn with jeans. Scarves add color to basic brown, tan and black. The color for the season is dark berry.

Look forward to a wonderful collection for Fall. The clothes are upscale and simply luxurious.

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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