What's in for the gents this 2014? Read some style tips from GQ.com:
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Every few years, men's style makes a dramatic shift, and right now a new breed of more worldly clothes is taking over. The new direction is less all-American prep and more European-refined—and very global in spirit. Which is why we tapped Bradley Cooper to lead our annual spring preview. You know the guy who once made playing jerks look too easy? Well, he's now an international box-office draw and Oscar nominee. (Speaks French, too!) Here, he kicks off our journey through the new world of international style
1. The Olive Suit: Italy's Answer to America's Khaki Fixation
Spring will be here faster than you can say "God, winter blows." And getting your head around how you want to dress in 2014 is the best way to avoid looking the same as last year. For inspiration, let's put down The Official Preppy Handbook and look across the pond. Take this cotton suit: It's got all the advantages of that old American standby, khaki (versatile, lightweight, totally not gray), but with a molto Italiano twist. If khaki is the Budweiser of suits, this is the Barolo.
2. White Jeans: Don't Let an Espresso Stain Stop You
When we say Continental style, we don't mean Euro dudes in rhinestone tees and acid-washed jeans—we mean Europeans who have shown us how to wear jeans and T-shirts smarter and sharper than we ever imagined. How? They start with white jeans, then class them up with buttery loafers and expertly tailored blazers. This is the year we admit that sometimes the Old World does denim better, and rethink our approach.
3. The Polo That Says "My Country Club's in a Whole other Country"
If you're still wearing polo shirts that look like glorified T-shirts with collars, you're missing out. Designers all over the world have taken the easy-to-wear concept, recut it so that aging golf duffers wouldn't recognize it, and refashioned it in slim-fitting cashmere or gradient colors. Other instant upgrades of the "Do the Continental" variety: Swap your chinos for slim slacks and slip into a pair of tassel loafers.
4. The Hottest Trend from Japan Since Sushi
Yes, we're calling this global style moment "Do the Continental," but inspiration is also coming from outside Europe—like the indigo trend from Japan. So what the hell is indigo? It's a warm navy color that looks like somebody spilled a little purple in the dye. The Japanese are addicted to it, dipping jeans and sweaters and bandannas in the stuff. But in the global era, regional trends don't stay regional for long, thanks to the World Wide Web and the time-honored tradition of designers jacking one another's shit. That's why indigo is suddenly in stores around the globe—and why regular ol' blue looks a little flat.
5. This Spring Your Sneakers Have a Higher Calling
In Milan, wearing a jacket and knit tie isn't "dressing up"—it's just getting dressed. So try this: Before going out one night, throw on a shirt, tie, and patterned jacket, but then add a pair of logoless canvas or leather sneakers. You'll be surprised where the look will take you, but we guarantee you'll be appropriately dressed regardless. Hey, any bon vivant worth his passport stamps is ready for anything, anytime—and this look does it all.
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Read more tips on fashion's ins and outs over at my other blog, LouHabash01.livejournal.com.
