Editorial Report | GQ Designers of the Year

+J wool-cashmere topcoat, $150. +J shirt, $40. Wool pants, $50; Uniqlo

Joseph Gordon-Levitt models the Designers of the Year for GQ, those with affordable prices that got us through the recession without so much of a lesser-style abundance. From H&M and Topman to Uniqlo, Gap and much more--they presented us with garbs that revealed our love of country with American classics, nostalgia with UK statesman styles and a new-found love of suiting pieces, and fulfilled out need for menswear basics.

Wool fair isle sweater, $118. Pants, $128; French Connection

Leather jacket, $348. Shirt, $45. Jeans, $88; Gap.

Plaid wool-blend suit, $400. Boots, $130; Topman

Tweed sports jacket, $129. Wool pants, $70; H&M

Gray wool suit, $498. Shirt, $89; Club Monaco

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Footwear Report | Bass Penny Loafers

While the 09/10 runways showed favoritism to boat shoes and slippers, penny loafers were given the stiff arm and it looks like things will remain that way for another season or two. That doesn't mean they have to be on the outskirts of your wardrobe. Their a nice alternative to the boat shoe, a timeless classic, and are reason enough to upgrade you sock options! These Bass loafers are reasonably priced and reminiscent of those my father would wear back-in-the-day. Though their located waaay over the pond, thanks to online shopping they are also just a click away. Available via Edwards of Manchester.

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Style Report | How to Wear a Tux

Thanksgiving is long gone now--although the extra 5lbs you gained is still intact--so that means the Christmas season is officially upon us. In DC that's code for Christmas party after Christmas party. The good thing about that is tons of free food, open bars, eggnog, Christmas bonuses, and perhaps a couple of gifts as well. On the other hand, that means a few black tie events. Don't get me wrong, I love black tie events and the whole pomp of wearing a tuxedo. Unfortunately, most men aren't me; either they just don't know the proper way to wear a tux or they could care less. In any affect, Ive got the low-down on How to Wear a Tux, because after a lifetime of living in DC its become clear that the my gender needs all the help we can get. Here are a few tips to keep at hand:
-If you have yet to make the conclusion that it is smarter to buy a tux than to rent one that expires in the New Year...what the hell are you waiting for!?! But to get the most out of your purchase, buy a timeless tux. You want a peak-lapel jacket with either one or two buttons, they always remain classic. Stay away from anything overly-slim or flared, not only do they become ill-fitting, they usually are trends as well. And if your tuxedo is well-tailored, it should last you for years to come!
-What truly makes a tux is its lapels. While a peak-lapel is the most classic, in modern times a notch-lapel has become the standard. I, however, prefer a shawl-lapel (above). Its still an old-time classic yet sets you apart from the crowd.
-As for collars, steer clear of wings. A wing collar alludes a rental, whereas a conventional one symbols ownership.
-As for a cummerbund, dont even go there. Unless your going to the prom opt for suspenders instead.
-As for accessories, ditch those shiny tux shoes and go for a pair of well-polished black lace-ups instead. For your timepiece and cuff links, size matters! Go with something as slim and classic as your tux.
-In modern days, you can opt for a Little Black Suit instead of a tux. Just make sure its right - head over to Little Black Suit for some help with that.
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Outerwear Report | Marc by Marc Jacobs Parka

Although I have been clear about my opinion of "parkas" as a use of outerwear, I must admit that they are the best for tough weather. The fact that I haven't seen too many designer parkas might have something to do with it, but the honest fact is, I tend to go with a more proper prospective when it comes to outerwear. But this Marc Jacobs (yes, Marc Jacobs!) parka is set apart from the usual mode of the casual outerwear and includes features that make it more "proper" than most. And lets be real, we all need at least one parka in our wardrobe...make it this Marc Jacobs choice. It may not be cheap, but it isn't what I would consider expensive on the outerwear front. At £385, this is a respectable choice. Available now via Matches.
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Video | Patrik Ervell Spring/Summer 2010

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Editorial Report | Fantastic Streets

Style shouldn't be an inconvenience, and I guess photographer Andrea Spotorno sought out to invoke just that in the Fall/Winter issue of Fantastic Man. Playing on the notion that style is a mode of living, Alex Hudson and Jamie Johnson stroll the night time streets without so much as a worry of staining the lightly colored suits. This is menswear in its truest form: "A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them."

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Style Report | The Little Black Suit

David Beckham, Will Smith, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt all have one thing in common - they look their best while wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. Its a timeless combo that is the closest relative you have to the incontestable, always in vogue LBDs that your mothers, sisters, and girlfriends have in their closet. Just think about it, would Men in Black had been such a smash hit if Will Smith had worn a navy jacket and khakis? And what about Jake and Elwood Blues, their whole livelihood was dedicated to the Little Black Suit, and their visual impact would fall flat without their uniform.
The glory and blame of the Little Black Suit goes to Quentin Tarantino - who, some 16 years ago, made violence stylish. His many films—Men in Black, The Trans­porter, The Day the Earth Stood Still—all reprised the look, and without surprise a crisp white shirt paired with a well-tailor black suit is still in the moment.
"A black suit gives a man strength and anonymity," says Betsy Heimann, the costume designer who worked with the casts of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. "At the same time, it also calls your attention to him, because it's so stark—you're only looking at him, his eyes and his face." And no need to fret over the 'cool characters' who once, and still, find the Little Black Suit their uniform of choice; to pull it off you don't need to be cool, the suit will take care of that for you.

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