Men, Dress Smartly Without Losing Your Shirt
Sears’ expanded men’s departments offer a money-saving way to get a suit that’s a custom fit. By selling the jackets and trousers separately, men can eliminate costly and time-consuming tailoring. Even hemming is unnecessary because trousers are sold by length and waist.
Paisley ties are yesterday’s news. This year, geometric prints are hot. But if you’re feeling all tied up, wear a suit without a tie for your next dress-down Friday or Saturday dinner date. Wear a polo shirt under your suit jacket or a button-front shirt worn open or buttoned to the top. Another popular look is the buttoned-up, banded collar shirt under a jacket, but this is best avoided by large men as it will only make them look larger.
The suspenders in the Dress For Less version are a real find, beautifully made and at less than half the price of designer-version braces. Suspenders can make a stylish statement; just don’t wear them when wearing a belt.
Complete a corporate look with a fake lambskin briefcase from the Sharper Image catalog. It’s as close in appearance to the real thing as I’ve seen and a real bargain at $69.
Designer version (left)
Year-round wool houndstooth suit by Hugo Boss ($750)
Cotton dress shirt by Valentino Uomo ($75)
Adjustable braces with leather details by Saks Fifth Avenue ($40)
Abstract diamond-patterned silk tie by Ermenegildo Zegna ($98)
Black leather briefcase by Dilana Executive Series ($129.90)
Bench-made wing-tip black leather shoes by Cole Haan ($285)
TOTAL: $1,377.90
Dress For Less version
Polyester and wool-blend blazer by Executive Collection ($110)
Matching pleated and cuffed trousers ($50)
Items above available at Sears Black leather wing-tip shoes by Florsheim ($79.95)
Blue pima cotton shirt by Traditional Briar Apparel ($25)
Adjustable braces with leather details ($18)
Abstract silk tie by Bella ($15)
Above items from Kuppenheimer stores or by mail-order
Black faux lambskin briefcase by Accent from Sharper Image catalog ($69.95)
Total: $367.90
MEMO: The Dress For Less column is new to The Spokesman-Review. Fashion information featured here also is available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. For information about the catalogs mentioned today send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the same address.