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1. A suit is never complete without a well-matched tie.

2. Our leading men wouldn’t know how to dress without GQ‘s incredible sartorial influence.

3. Men at their best? They look something like this.

4. Behold, the plight of the fashionisto.

5. An inspiring roundup of personal men’s style.

Can’t get enough Pinterest inspiration? Check out past boards that caught our eye.  

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When it comes to men’s fashion, there are a few things that remain timeless: bow ties (yes, there will always be someone awesome rocking one), dapper loafers, and polo shirts, to name three. But what is it about the polo in particular that seems to translate to all types of style? From athletes to punk rockers to Nantucket-bound prepsters, you can find them all rocking this casually comfy staple, and here’s why:

1. The Collar: Whether popped or laying classically flat, this is possibly the most important part of the polo’s anatomy. Ever since the dawn of time (a little dramatic, but close enough), it’s been debated whether or not this staple should be popped or not – Esquire investigates.

2. Casual yet Dressy: It’s almost as if casual Friday was invented with polos in mind. For those occasions where you’re unsure of the dress code, for first dates, for meeting the parents, for a night out with the guys… the list goes on. And don’t get me started on the layering abilities.

3. Versatility: These toppers can be worn paired with just about any bottom. From jeans to khakis (even shorts can be coupled in here), there’s no limit to your pairing options. As for suit pants? Stick with a buttoned-up number.

4. Golf: As long as business meetings, resorts, and movies like Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore are around, so will this beloved game and its not-so-secret uniform. Most country club dress codes even require you to wear a polo in order to play a round.

5. History: Originating from the sport of polo in the 18oos (only with long sleeves), the polo shirt didn’t take off in the fashion industry until 1926 when Rene Lacoste first donned a short-sleeved version at the U.S. Open Championship.

Refresh your collection in our Tailorbyrd Boutique opening Saturday, January 19, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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6AM: Early morning run. Resolutions aren’t so hard to keep when the music (literally) plays to your own beat.

7AM: Choose a room-commanding power suit (just follow GQ’s tips for each body type) and remember to add accessories. Cuff links and accent socks go a long way.

8AM: Grab a cup of coffee and get to the office early to crush it.

9:30AM: Client meetings all morning. Although this is run-of-the-mill, don’t forget to brush up on your meeting skills to keep things running smoothly.

12PM: Conduct a meeting with senior management. Just don’t forget the fundamentals of business.

1PM: Lunch with the guys. Get away from the office for a quick bite, a walk, anything to help you clear your mind for an hour or so. Studies show that leaving your cube helps you think outside the box.

2PM: Take a client call and work on proposals and paperwork. This time also usually includes tweeting. That’s right – businessmen tweet, too.

6PM: Happy hour with coworkers and dinner on the town. Swap your office attire for a more casual button-down before heading out (yes, this requires planning ahead). Go for something with a fun, printed cuff to stand out from the sea of suits.

Our Workplace Warriors: Men’s Suiting Essentials Boutique opens Saturday, January 12, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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From Versace to Valentino, take a peek behind the labels that have defined men’s formalwear. Through trial, tribulation, unexpected deaths, and iconic on-screen moments, these luxury houses continue to rule the fashion roost.

Brioni
Founded in Rome, 1945

Classic cuts made for the ever-confident guy, charismatic businessman, and bona fide bad boy. Brioni is known as the official suit of James Bond (worn by actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig) and was made infamous by New York crime boss John Gotti of the Gambino family – who earned his nickname, “Dapper Don,” thanks to his extensive wardrobe of custom Brioni suits. These timeless pieces were also favorites of handsome Hollywood hall-of-famers Clark Gable and Cary Grant, and can be seen on today’s red carpets on the likes of Al Pacino, Kirk Douglas, and Donald Trump.

Versace
Founded in Milan, 1978

Contemporary, one-of-a-kind, stand-out-from-the-crowd pieces, these suits are for the man who likes to make an entrance. Worn famously by rap stars and musicians alike, the distinguished Versace name is associated with glamour and over-the-top chic. Elton John dons Versace duds encrusted with diamonds or crystals. Versace designs were also favorites of the late rap star Tupac Shakur and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.

Yves Saint Laurent
Founded in Paris, 1962

YSL defined Parisian fashion for decades and made ready-to-wear clothing as covetable as couture. After the death of the founding designer (and namesake) in 2008, the former Dior Homme creative director took the helm and unexpectedly announced in June, 2012, that the fashion house would be renamed Saint Laurent Paris. Still, the late designer’s legacy will forever be honored and revered. The YSL guy? Chivalrous and refined.

Valentino
Founded in Rome, 1959 (first menswear shop, 1971)

By the mid-1960s, founder Valentino Garavani was considered the virtuoso of Italian couture. After receiving the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967, his designs were worn frequently by royalty and political magnates alike. Ultra masculine, suave, and a tad playful, the Valentino man loves culture, tradition, and leisure.

His Luxe Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna & More opens Thursday, December 13, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Our favorite aspect of classic style is that you’re never roped into wearing it just one way. Truly timely pieces are versatile and polished enough to go from occasion to occasion and season to season. Lord & Taylor’s menswear masterpiece, Black Brown 1826, is the perfect example of this. It’s a combination of country wisdom and street smarts that we can mix and match to feel right for almost any occasion. Here, we check in with the style experts of Black Brown 1826 for their tricks on transitioning three sophisticated staples from day to night.

1. The Classic Cashmere Sweater
For day: Go for a V-neck sweater over a great T-shirt and pair it with your best jeans. Wear with either sneakers for a real relaxed feel, or a pair of ankle boots for a casual but polished look.
For evening: Make the look pop with a crisp white shirt and narrow tie. Then bring it all together with a nice pair of dressy dark grey narrow trousers.

2. The Plaid Flannel Shirt
For day: Find a great pair of comfy lived-in jeans and a henley T-shirt (or a thermal for the colder weather that’s on its way) to wear under the plaid flannel shirt. Roll up the sleeves for the full effect.
For evening: A great solid wool tie will bring out the underlying color in the plaid. Pull the look together with a tweed jacket or navy blazer.

3. The Argyle Merino Wool Sweater
For day: Pair the printed sweater with a clean pair of jeans or nicely pressed khakis. And for underneath, try a washed oxford button-down to tie the look together.
For evening: Make it a tailored look with a blazer and grey flannel trousers. A solid knit tie or a wool tie will finish off the ensemble.

Our Black Brown 1826 Boutique opens Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 11AM ET.