GQ’s Jim Moore wrote up on what you can—and should—learn from the Milan & Paris runway shows. I condensed the list of 13 styles to 7 of my choices.
The Short Shearling
Remember those long, heavy, overly-fancy shearlings of a few years back? Now forget them. Shearlings get hipper—and hip-lengthed—for Fall 2010, thanks to designers who understand a shorter proportion that is still long on style. Look for military bomber shapes and new shades like all-black, as well as army-issued hues. These shearling jackets are lightweight, yet expensive, so find a classic style that will last you more than just a few seasons.
Left: Burberry Prorsum
Nordic Knit
Call it folkloric, Peruvian, or reindeer-ready, these graphic sweaters are based on ethnic repeat patterns that look bold and masculine. Wear one on your next ski trip, or to look like you just got back from one. This sweater makes a strong statement, so keep the pairing sparing by putting it with jeans and alpine hikers, goggles not included.
Left: D&G
The Versatile Turtle A fine-gauge merino wool (or cashmere) turtleneck sweater will rock your fall wardrobe-world. It’s elegant and understated while still making a statement. Think Robert Evans or Redford as classically cool icons who wore this classically cool iconic sweater. Try a pale gray or stone-colored one under a jacket, suit, or shearling and you gain instant style status, without even wearing a tie. The fit should be snug and the neck high; and mocks need not apply.
Left: Gucci
The Shadow-Plaid Suit
A strong plaid suit, often considered dandyish and too difficult to marry with shirts and ties, may be a tough thing for most guys to pull off. But fall’s new breed of plaid suits are muted and shadowed, and in some cases feature a shot of deep color in the form of a windowpane pattern. These plaids suggest a quiet confidence and team up perfectly with natty or subdued shirts and ties. This is modern traditionalism at its best.
Left: Dunhill
The Alpine Hiker Based on the authentic Swiss ski-trail boot from the 1950s, and recently made popular by the American footwear company Merrill, these hiking boots hit the Fall 2010 runway in high-fashion stride. Seen in black or brown leather, they feature hooks and grommets which make lacing easy and give the boot an authentic outdoorsy vibe. Pull them on with heavy wool pants or plaid lined khakis and you re sure to look plush in the slush.
Left: Dunhill
In any fall palette there exists an army of dark hues, sometimes as gloomy as the weather. But relief has come in the form of a bright (sometimes shockingly bright) wooly sweater. These pops of color look best worn under a jacket, as an accent. And while we love this hot-pink crewneck from Prada, other great styles exist, like a cardigan in scarlet merino or a V-neck in grass-green cashmere.
Your need for tweed revved up last fall with the rebirth of cool tweed sports jackets at every price point. For next fall, check out a topcoat version in dark donegal or nubby herringbone. You can throw one on over a flannel suit or pair it with jeans. It’s versatile and stylish, and it’ll remind you of your grandfather—without the mothball smell.
Left: Louis Vuitton
BY JIM MOORE
