Men's Fashion: The Final Frontier

Men’s fashion eludes me. It’s out there – don’t get me wrong. The skinny pants with rolled-up cuffs and no-socks loafers, the bow ties and beards, the slim fitting suits and wild-colored, patterned shirts, the obnoxiously creative socks and ridiculously expensive watches – I get it, gentlemen have as much style as ladies. But, when all is said and done, the average man has little in the way of real fashion options. Sure, if you live and work in the creative worlds of NYC, LA or San Fran, you can probably get away with wearing neon green pants and a seersucker blazer, but in the rest of America, it’s all about the button-downs, khakis and loafers. However, that’s not to say a little color and texture can’t be a part of every man’s style – it just takes a little effort and perhaps some risk-taking

With fall approaching, it's the perfect time for some risky fashion action. Go for some texture this season – a flannel or knit blazer or maybe even a knit tie. Or, introduce some new colors to your look – orange (it is the new black), eggplant (dark purple for you straight men) and green. And perhaps add a little twist, whimsy and uniqueness to your look, whether it’s playing with patterns – paisley, stripes, checks (just not all at once) – or adding some unexpected accessories – suspenders, bowtie, pocket squares, scarves, or even gloves. Whatever you do, just have fun with it. Fashion doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be crazy, either. Just find what works for you, personalize it a bit, and viola – you’ve got a look!

Inspiration: Orange & multi-patterned suite & tie. Casual textured leather and jean.

Color: Merino Cable Elbow-Patch Sweater, J.Crew, $98

Texture: Heritage Houndstooth Knit Blazer, Banana Republic, $198

Pattern: Garrick Shirt, Boden, $84

Accessorize (clockwise): Italian Wool Knit Tie, J.Crew, $69.50; Party Bow Tie, Scotch & Soda, $19; Striped Scarf, Scotch & Soda, $65