RUNWAY TO REALITY : Going to Pieces
What to Wear: Since men’s fashion doesn’t change completely every season the way women’s does, a quick way to update an outfit is by simply adding a twist. For example, take the classic sweater vest. Rather than button it, try casually wrapping it at the waist.
How to Do It Big: New York designer Donna Karan became famous for dressing women softly for success. Now she’s doing it for men. This single-breasted, two-button “waffle weave” jacket is half silk, half viscose--easier to care for than pure silk but not much easier on the wallet. It’s $685 at Bernini, citywide, and Fred Segal, Santa Monica. The washed linen, box-pleated sport trousers are $275 at I. Magnin, Beverly Hills, and Ron Ross, Tarzana. Combed cotton T-shirt is $65 at Barneys New York, Costa Mesa, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The designer’s gold, cotton knit waistcoat-style vest--which makes the look new--is $250 at I. Magnin and Barneys. TOTAL: $1,275.
How to Do It Budget: Try shopping for classic menswear at the discount chains. This casual, soft-fitting jacket is designed by Maurice Sasson for KIKIT. We found the two-button, single-breasted jacket in linen and cotton at Ross Dress for Less for $69.99. The triple-pleated trousers by John Weitz, made of a polyester-wool blend, are $14.99 at Ross. The essential 100% cotton T-shirt, this one by Woolrich, is cheap enough, at $5.99, to buy by the dozen. At T.J. Maxx, citywide. The gold cotton sweater vest is $49 at Structure, citywide. TOTAL: $139.97.
