The Look

During a recent live discussion on washingtonpost.com, I received many questions that I didn't have a chance to answer, including this one:

Q I'm a guy, and it's time for some serious wardrobe replenishment. What are some must-haves I should shop for? I need party/dining/date clothes.

A You'll get away with a blazer and jeans in almost any setting, but that combo can look boring -- hey, even the Strokes have moved on. The answer is not to reinvent the wheel (ponchos! kilts!) but to find updated takes on the classics.

Seek out a jacket that really fits at the shoulder and isn't too bulky or long, with interesting details such as screen printing, toggle buttons or elbow patches. Wool and corduroy are perennially in style, but velvet is a little cheesy (as for leather: yikes).

Alternately, ditch the blazer in favor of a track jacket, hoodie or fall fashion's favorite, the cardigan sweater -- best worn while looking slightly disheveled to avoid any Mr. Rogers comparisons. Underneath, try a patterned shirt from Fred Perry, Penguin, et al. If you're a T-shirt guy, look to a Web site such as http://www.threadless.com/ for something more distinctive than what Urban Outfitters has to offer. Those phony "Greetings From Kalamazoo!" tees are unremittingly twee and should be left on the rack.

Experiment with layering all of the above -- T-shirt under collared shirt under cardigan under blazer -- rather than covering up your tee in a too-big coat. (How many men buy everything a size larger than they actually need?)

Pants-wise, save your slacks for work. Dark-rinse jeans are more casual but still versatile, as long as yours don't boast big holes or aggressive whiskering. I'm a fan of straight-leg styles, but stocky types may find boot cuts more flattering. Finally, sneakers will work just about everywhere -- just make sure the pair you jog in and the pair you go out in are not one and the same.

-- Suzanne D'Amato

IF THE SHOE STORE FITS . . .

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Hate buying shoes online? Piperlime.com, a new shoe shop from the folks at Gap Inc., just might change your mind. The easy-to-navigate site offers free standard shipping and returns on all shoes, and its wares are chic, if occasionally pricey. Look for heels, flats and boots from boutique-y brands such as Bettye Muller, Hollywould, Taryn Rose and Delman (whose suede Vamp pump, right, sells for $325). The selection includes options for men and kids, too. It isn't nearly as staggering as Zappos.com (you'll find a mere 100 or so brands here), but Piperlime has a high-style sensibility that's likely to speak to platinum card-toting fashion fiends.

-- S.D.