Holiday Dressing: For the Boys

By Chris Frey
December 14, 2011

At The Inside Source we devote a lot of time to highlighting the hottest women’s runway trends to help you dress for the holidays (and beyond). But guys go to Christmas parties, too—and at least a few of them want to look good in the process. Here, the key pieces guys can turn to for a look that goes beyond the suit-and-tie standard. Forward this to the men in your life. And take note: clever gift ideas about in our list, too.

Double-Breasted Coats and Jackets

Every man needs a go-to jacket and/or coat in his wardrobe and the double-breasted style, while never totally out of fashion, is certainly having a moment. From everyday car coats to long wool trenches to standard suiting, the double-breasted style not only provides double the warmth when buttoned up, but also adds a dash of regal to even the most casual of looks.

DOUBLE BREASTED COAT AND JACKETS

Fall 2011 Runway: John Richmond (photo by Oliver Morin/AFP/Getty Images), Burberry Prorsum (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Perry Ellis (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for IMG)

Roll over items for details

New Gray Pea Coat

(buy it now price, $88)

Loden Wool Trench Over Coat

(buy it now price, $325)

YSL Double Breasted Jacket

(buy it now price, $180)

Three Important Apparel Trends: The Varsity Sweater, Plaid and Brown

Some of our favorite apparel trends from the men’s fall collections were simply reminders that the most classic colors and patterns reoccur in fashion for a reason.

Lettermen (or varsity) sweaters and jackets feel a little retro but are really very modern. Paired with a ties or jacket, the look can be elevated to grown-up prep school status. Even the simplest sporty stripe can breathe life into a tired “grandpa” cardigan.

Plaid is a classic menswear staple, but we suggest leaving the flannel shirts at home in favor of refined prints for coats, scarves and other accessories.

Brown was a huge hit this season. But rather than a predictable deep chocolate brown, try a warm cocoa tone instead.

THE VARSITY SWEATER, PLAID AND BROWN

Fall 2011: D&G (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Burberry Prorsum (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Raf Simons (photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images)

New Stripe Cardigan Sweater

(buy it now price, $38.69)

Ralph Lauren Buffalo Wool Coat

(buy it now price, $149)

New Adidas Sweater

(buy it now price, $33.99)

Sherpa-Lined and Shearling Coats

Shearling and sherpa-lined coats aren’t just for Marlboro Men anymore. The look can certainly be rugged, but there are plenty of refined options, too. Gray, black and dark brown update the classic neutral tan style as does a longer hemline or a more tailored lining. Any silhouette you choose, from aviator to duster, invokes a sense of the outdoorsy adventurer and will, most importantly, keep any guy warm and cozy.

SHERPA LINED AND SHEARLING COATS

Fall 2011: Gucci (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Perry Ellis (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz), Gucci (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Saks Shearling Coat

(buy it now price, $899)

Strong & Fisher Shealing Ranch Coat

(buy it now price, $324.99)

Milano Shearling Hooded Coat

(buy it now price, $112.50)

Three Accessories of the Moment: The Blue-Faced Watch, Rugged Wingtips and Briefcases

One key accessory can elevate a look in an instant, and these three runway trends will do just the trick.

Slick, high maintenance men’s footwear has given way to more utilitarian shoes and boots. This season saw a winning combination of both in the form of wingtips with substantial soles or in less fussy materials like suede and nubuck.

Blue-faced watches and square bezels both made headlines this season and we couldn’t resist mixing both.

Backpacks have crept back into style, but briefcases were everywhere this season, from casual canvas to elegant leather.

THE BLUE FACED WATCH, RUGGED WINGTIPS AND BRIEFCASES

Fall 2011: Marc by Marc Jacobs (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), TAG Heuer Link watch at TAG Heuer store opening (Photo by Steven Lawton/FilmMagic), Gucci Fall 2011 Runway (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)