A Sharper Image

Who said girls have all the fun? When the Council of Fashion Designers of America debuts men’s fashion week in New York this month, stylish fellows everywhere will finally have an event to call their own. In honor of Boston’s dapper dressers, we asked two local fashion mavens to tell us their must-have pieces for the upcoming season.

men's fashion

Thom Solo

Shoe Designer
thomsolo.com

1. “Dada” suede loafers, $995, Christian Louboutin.

“A man should always have a statement shoe. It should be a classic silhouette but should have an element of surprise. Christian Louboutin is great for that, especially if you want a classic look with an edge.”

2. “Fit 1” jeans, $175, Rag & Bone.

“Every man’s fashion best friend is a great pair of jeans. Don’t just settle; take the time to find a pair that accents your body shape perfectly. Spending a little time and money on a pair of high-quality denim is a good investment. You can also dress them up or down with a good high-top or loafer.”

3. Balenciaga leather moto jacket, $3,750, Barneys New York.

“A man’s wardrobe is not complete without a leather jacket. The way a jacket is sculpted and sewn creates a character and, unlike any other piece in a wardrobe, can make you feel transformed. My personal favorite are Balenciaga jackets because they have structure but beautiful, clean lines.”

men's fashion

photographs courtesy of christian louboutin; rag & Bone; barneys new york


men's fashion

Luke Aaron

Fashion and Bridal Designer
46 Waltham St., Boston, 617-728-2829, lukeaaronboston.com.

1. Jeweled insect pins, $132 each, Patch NYC.

“Many designers are ­encouraging guys to ­embrace their inner ­dandies by showing pins and brooches on tuxedos and blazers. A lapel pin is a fun way to add ­interest to an evening look. I love the irreverent yet glamorous bug brooches from Patch NYC’s collaboration with Miriam Haskell. They would make great conversation starters at a ­cocktail party.”

2. “Paint Splatter” long trench coat, $2,135, Band of Outsiders.

“I look for classic pieces reinterpreted with a unique point of view. A trench coat never goes out of style, and Band of Outsiders [in collaboration with Mackintosh] has given it a fresh spin in denim, with a funky plywood print.”

men's fashion

photographs courtesy of patch nyc; Band of outsiders