1. I will embrace the new
New styles, new colors, new options: A little bit of new keeps things interesting. To wit: Dockers has reinvented its classic cotton chino with a brand-new contemporary fit. With 12 shades to choose from, you can even add a new color or two to your closet.
2. I will restock my basics
Remove your most roughed-up shirts from rotation and replace them with new ones. It won't cost a fortune — try this Black Brown 1826 shirt from designer Joseph Abboud — and you'll have fresh basics for the rest of 2010.
Shirt ($59) and tie ($49) by Black Brown 1826.
. I will upgrade my weekend wear
And who better to provide smart-looking, casual upgrades than David Chu, the founder of Nautica and the man behind Lincs?
Peacoat ($295), polo shirt ($65), and trousers ($85) by Lincs David Chu; leather-and-suede sneakers ($98) by Fossil.
4. I will buy a third pair of dress shoes
Because a man can't survive on two pairs of dress shoes alone, and with a pair of dapper yet functional monk-strap shoes, you'll give yourself 50 percent more options for daily wear.
Derby shoes ($1,660) by John Lobb.
5. I will in a made-to-measure suit
It fits better, feels great, and, in the case of Prada's MTM program, gives you more than 250 cloth options. The brand also offers MTM shirts in vintage Prada prints.
Suit (from $2,625), vest (from $895), shirt (from $445), and leather shoes ($595) by Prada.
6. I will look into Saks
Because Saks Fifth Avenue has revamped its house line, and for essentials, e.g., good cashmere, that don't break the bank, make it your first stop.
Cashmere sweaters (clockwise from left, $295, $285, $325) by Saks Fifth Avenue Men's collection.
7. I will look into black
Black watches, that is. From shiny black steel to carbon fiber, a black watch is both more distinctive and more discreet than gold or silver.
Chronograph ($3,100) by U-boat.
8. I will travel with more style
And with Tumi's new travel guides, packed with inside dirt on eight global destinations, you'll know exactly where to go.
Boxed set of travel guides ($125) by Tumi.
9. I will wear a tie when I don't have to
Because when you pair it with casual staples like Banana Republic's sharp tweed blazer and cords, you can up your style quotient with minimal effort.
Blazer ($325), shirt ($125), silk tie ($70), corduroy trousers ($60), and shoes ($140) by Banana Republic.
10. And I'll try to make it a seven-fold tie
No stiff liner, no cheap backing fabric, nothing to make it lie awkwardly on the chest: A seven-fold tie is the best kind of tie, and you should consider it an exclamation point to whatever you're wearing.
Silk tie ($195) by Dolcepunta.
(Esquire magazine)
Good stuff!
