Every man should have both a blue and a white button-down shirt in his closet, but don’t forget your collar and cuff knowledge: A button-down collar is great for any occasion, and should be paired with a simple barrel cuff (it’s the most common and easiest to style). For more formal events (yes, that includes your buddy’s wedding), opt for a spread collar coupled with special cuff links and French cuffs – it’s a guaranteed show-stealer.

Tips:

• Look for 100% cotton for the best durability and comfort.
• Try Oxford cloth for your day-to-day shirts – it’s a sturdier cotton weave that will stay in tip-top shape longer.
• Not wearing a blazer? Keep your look carefree and casual (but still put-together) by tidily rolling up your sleeves.
• Though blue and white are closet staples, make sure to mix it up with a few bright colors and patterns. Just because you’re buttoned-up doesn’t mean you have to look like a square.

By Christine Mitchell, Staff Writer

What are your menswear tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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Guys, ties are not the only way to add a little pop to your work attire. Socks have been an understated accessory for too long and now that the temperature is dropping, here is your chance to spice things up a bit. They come in a variety of patterns like classic argyle, modern stripes, and eye-catching polka dots, and a plethora of colors. So there is no need to buy those three-packs of black sport socks for work anymore.

So now the question is, how much color or pattern do you want to flaunt?

• If you want your socks to be visible in the workplace as you walk, sit, and stand, wear loafers, like your penny loafers or tasseled loafers.
• For a more visually dramatic impact, wear leather lace-ups, so when you sit down – Pow! – you’ll show them there is a playful side to you without saying a word.
• Outside of work, try rolling up your pant or jean legs (but no higher than your ankle). This will work with your Chuck Taylor, buck, or even Sperry Top-Sider shoes.

You’ll be surprised how much fun it’ll be to add this extra detail to your wardrobe – especially with the colder months ahead.

The key to a great-fitting jean is striking a balance between comfortably loose and appealingly hugging. But most importantly, it’s finding the best fit for your body type. Here are some easy tips for looking great (and being comfortable!) in your denim.

Tips:

• A general rule of thumb: stick with a straight or slim cut in a dark wash, since they are easiest to dress up and down.
• Athletic Build: Try jeans with a lower rise that will lengthen out your proportions. But steer clear from cuts that are too low – no one wants to be a victim on the list of plumber’s casualties.
• Long and Lean Build: Experiment a bit with hues. Opt for a lighter wash (but avoid acid wash, for obvious reasons) or colored denim to add some dimension to your look. Lucky for you, your build makes colored pants look edgy and classic, all at once.
• Shorter Build: Do yourself a favor and keep it straight, simple, and fitted. Stay away from looser cuts – you don’t want to add heft to a shorter frame with baggy jeans.
• Avoid super-slim, tapered, or bootcut styles, as these can cause odd proportions and fit. This applies to all body types.
• Regardless of what cut you decide to rock, make sure the hems graze the tops of your shoes, but still cover your socks. This is crucial. Too-short pants are not a good look.
• Cuff as needed: A tidy rolled cuff is very acceptable these days and allows you to adjust your hem based on your footwear.

By Christine Mitchell, Staff Writer 

What are your menswear tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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Let’s be honest. Not only do square-toed shoes look funny, but they’re also a bit dated (and don’t plan on them coming back anytime soon). Instead, steer clear of this type of short-lived trend and choose a couple of pairs of classic lace-ups, like an Oxford or desert boot for every day and a brogue for those occasions that call for a little something extra.

Tips:

• Brown leather or suede is the best neutral to start off your collection.
• Try a rich chestnut as well as a lighter brown to add variety.
• Pair with all shades of denim and pants – these are versatile and go with almost anything.

By Christine Mitchell, Staff Writer 

What are your menswear tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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Guys, contrary to what you may think, you don’t need to keep up with trends or empty your wallet to look good. Rule number one? You should have at least one blazer in your closet that fits you perfectly. A classic navy is casual enough for dinner dates and smart enough for more formal occasions. And don’t rule out tweeds for fear of looking outdated – the key is a tailored fit and a subtle tweed or check.

Tips:

• Find a blazer that speaks to you from off the rack. Stick to neutral hues, such as brown, navy, or grey.
• Bring it to your local tailor to get it fitted. Trust me, they’ll make some small adjustments (for little cost) and you’ll walk away looking like a million bucks.
• Pair with anything from jeans to dress pants (sans pleats… always).

By Christine Mitchell, Staff Writer 

What are your menswear tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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The DNA of DKNY‘s Fall 2012 collection is great-fitting pieces in black and white. The above looks show how to add a more personal touch by rolling up the jeans or putting on a tie to bring it up a notch and still keep it cool. Cap-toe leather boots are a must-have for any guy, and you’ll love them more and more as they get older and more broken in. Also, a great coat like a peacoat is a wise investment; the peacoat is always in style. Separately, these pieces can be considered basics. But together they’ll have you looking sharp and ready for fall.

Dressing for the dating scene isn’t always easy. Actually, let’s be honest, it’s downright frightening. And this doesn’t just apply to the ladies – whether it’s a first, second, or third date, the pressure is on for guys, too.

So, to help my fellow daters out, I’ve pulled together a little dating dress code. The best part? These outfits go from the office to the restaurant, because as we all know, in the corporate world, there isn’t always time to run home and change before the big night out.

For the Ladies:
Keep things polished and simple. For a first date, an LBD is always a great choice. But, to amp things up, try a little red dress in a classic shift silhouette. It’s daring but still demure and sophisticated. As for the shoes? Stick to heels – or “man-bait” as shoe legend Christian Louboutin calls them. A simple pump in nude is a great way to elongate the leg.

For the gents:
Remember: A suit isn’t necessary. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go all out to impress a gal. A crisp collared shirt in classic black or white with khakis will do just fine – better than fine. What’s important are the details: polished loafers, a sleek leather belt, and a slick wristwatch (not to mention being on time) take a simple office outfit to debonair date attire.

Looking for work-to-date attire? Find it in our Calvin Klein Boutique, opening Thursday, September 13 at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Years ago, a friend told me something that stuck: “All you need is a nice suit and a perfectly tailored button-down, and you can fool your way into anything.” 

Now, I’m not certain if his intentions were pure (cue: a scene from Wedding Crashers) but, regardless, I beg to differ. With every male on earth donning the same “nice” getup (dark suit, white shirt, check!) how on earth are you supposed to charm your way into anything?

So, I challenge you: This fall, imbue a bit of personality into your buttoned-up wardrobe with pops of unexpected, vibrant color. Here’s how:

Pink: Traditionally, pink means compassion. But on a man I think it means I’m confident. Try a bright pink tie paired with a white shirt and grey suit and prepare to look sharp, not silly.

Yellow: In fall, I like to call it marigold or mustard. Worn in touches – a stripe on a shirt here, a pattern on a tie there – it’s awesomely rich next to navy.

Blue: Okay, blue’s a standard. But striped with purple or checked with red, it can be loads of fun – and still comfort-zone safe.

Orange: I love a good orange – and there’s no better way to add that little punch of it than a pocket square. They’re big this fall – for men and women. Simply follow this guide to folding and tuck into a tweed blazer or sharp navy suit jacket.

Ready to work color into your wardrobe? Check out the high-quality tailored wear from our Turnbull & Asser Boutique, opening Wednesday, September 5, at 11AM ET.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

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My rule for style is simple: My girlfriend tells me what to do. She knows trends, fabrics, patterns, and, more importantly, she’s not slightly colorblind. But she cannot tie a tie. Thankfully, I’ve known my way around a half-Windsor for a while now. That’s time enough to know that even an accessory as simple as a tie brings with it a list of rules almost too long to take seriously (case in point: this book).

Here’s my personal cheat sheet:

Learn a knot and tie it well. My go-to knot is the half-Windsor. I can tie it in less than 10 seconds, and it complements my neck and face shape. Find one that works for you, and add to your repertoire once you’ve mastered it.

Make sure your tie ends at your belt. Not before it, not after it. I’m 6’4”, so I use extra-long ties to help me get there, especially if I use a bulkier knot. If you need some leeway, buy a thick belt.

Unbutton your top button if you go sans tie. This could fly at a casual office, post-work drinks, or on an unseasonably hot day. Two buttons is fine, but stop if you reveal chest hair or undershirt.

Make sure your tie has a dimple beneath the knot. Why? Because style is in the details, because it’s fancy, because my dad said so. And dimples are adorable.

But, of course, this could all change tomorrow. With vintage accessories being all the rage, short ties (from eras of high waistlines) are on their way back.

By Marcus Miller, Staff Writer

Have your own tie tips? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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My way of holding on to summer is exploring nearby neighborhoods. Fortunately, I live ten minutes away from Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA. There you’ll find a fair with a roller coaster all year round, cool shops, and great food all along the boardwalk.

WHAT TO WEAR
So, what should you wear on a day trip like this? You have to be ready for anything because the temperature can drop 10–15 degrees at night. These are my essentials: white short-sleeve button-down shirt by Club Monaco, H&M striped t-shirt, Ralph Lauren khaki shorts, and if it gets cold in the evening, a J.Crew cotton-cashmere cardigan. As for footwear, Jack Purcells are classic, they’ll always look great. And a Filson bag is a great choice to put your other essentials in.

WHERE TO SHOP
Drive down Garnett Ave. and you’ll hit the heart of Pacific Beach’s shops and restaurants. Check out Pangea Outpost, a bazaar by the beach. Take time to walk around the store to see all the trinkets, clothes, paintings, and everything in between.

WHERE TO EAT
Pangea is only a few blocks away from the beach and from local restaurant and institution Kono’s Surf Club Cafe. Do not be dismayed if there’s a line, it’s worth the wait, and the food comes out as quickly as you order it. They only serve breakfast (and lots of it), so come hungry.

WHAT TO SEE
The pier is stone’s throw away. Go take a stroll and you’ll see surfers to your left and right, waiting to catch the next wave, plus the beautiful coastline.

Just these couple of places made my day trip a departure from my normal routine and let me feel that spirit of summer and adventure.