Armani’s Clean Look for Less Would Fit the Bill

Dear Fashion Police: I read about the staging by the Los Angeles Opera of “Rigoletto” and was intrigued by both the idea and the look of the singers. [FP note: In this modern staging, several of the men’s costumes were clothes designed by Giorgio Armani.] Can one look Armani without spending the money? Is it just a combination of color and texture, or is the cut so singular that no working stiff can hope to compete? I’m probably too old to care, but the idea is interesting.

--FAN OF OPERA AND ARMANI

Dear Fan: Too old to care??? Honestly. What, are you 110? Age has nothing to do with wanting to look stylish. Take a look around you. There are lots of 20-somethings who dress like slobs, and plenty of seniors who are quite fashionable.

Anyway, yes, you can get the Armani look without spending the gross national product of a small country. But keep in mind that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to exactly replicate his style. Armani uses extremely high-grade custom wools that give his jackets and pants that signature sensual drape. Jackets highlight the shape of the body without being too tight or too boxy. Pleated pants fall gracefully from the waist. All this is not cheap. An Armani outfit can set you back a few thousand.

So you can approximate the look, but a real Armani nut will know it’s not the real thing.

Brooks Bros. has a couple of three-button wool suits that have classic roots with a modern touch. Also check out the three-button sport coats, which have an updated look--not what you’d expect from this venerable store. Prices for the suits are about $400 to $500.

The Vision label from designer Joseph Abboud is another possibility. This has a slimmer silhouette, with three-button jackets and inverted pleated trousers. Suits run about $700 to $800.

Theory is another label to check out. It’s got that pared-down, minimalist Armani look without being too trendy. You’ll pay about $500 to $600 for a Theory suit.

Most of these jackets and suits are available at major upscale department and better menswear stores. They’re not inexpensive, but they’re still far less than a real Armani. But just think--with the money you save, you can see more opera.

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Dear Fashion Police: I am 19 years old, 5 foot 7, with brown skin, and I am very conscious about what I wear. I am a full-time student, and dressing is a priority. Simplicity and elegance are two virtues I incorporate into my wardrobe. However, I want to enhance my everyday wardrobe. I’m looking for clothes that can be worn at school as well as for going out to dinner. I have always had my own style, yet I need new fashion ideas. Where can I shop for clothes that suit my fashion taste? I like wearing black and shades of gray. What do you suggest I wear for this season that is simple, sexy, classic and modern?

--STUDENT OF STYLE

Dear Student: We are heartened that the youth of America is not only concerned about getting a good education, but also wearing the right clothes while doing so.

Obviously not all students live by jeans alone. (Lest some of you out there think this is all frivolity, looking clean and pulled together will be an asset for this young lady when she begins to go on job interviews. Every advantage helps.)

As for spiffing up your current black and gray wardrobe, we’re assuming you want to keep it somewhat casual--attending classes all day in suits doesn’t sound like much fun. We like the look of trim, flat-front pants, which can be paired with several options: a twin set, an ethnic-inspired top (not too skimpy or see-through) or a hip-length jacket over a T-shirt. For evening, take the same pants and try a beaded sweater or iridescent silk top. Fringed silk shawls are great accessories and can be worn and tied various ways.

Substitute a straight skirt for the pants and you’ll get even more mileage out of those combinations. You can go ankle-length or short, but not too short. You should be able to move and sit without breaking any indecency laws.

Slim-fitting sleeveless, jewel-neck dresses are big this season, and come in cotton, linen, microfiber and blends. Choose long or short, with the hem length guidelines above. Depending on the style, they can be worn with a little beaded or ribbon embroidered cardigan for evening, or a cropped jacket.

We understand your affinity for basic black, but if you truly want to update your wardrobe, color is the way to go now. Turquoise, mandarin orange, spring green, coral, grape and fuchsia are everywhere, and they’ll look great with your skin tone. If you’re not sure about this palette, you can add touches of it--it all goes with black.

Adding a few trendy pieces won’t compromise your style, but it will give your look a little oomph. Try some capris, a skirt with a small ruffle at the hem, some animal print accessories, or chunky sandals or slides.

In terms of where to shop, department stores and smaller boutiques stock most of what we listed. Don’t invest tons of money in the trendy stuff, since those looks will probably be gone by fall. For classic pieces, such as twin sets, invest a little more to get better quality.

And remember--hit the books first, then hit the mall.

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