Thread Bare

Dear Men,

Why are so many of you afraid to discuss fashion?

Are you afraid that people will make judgments as to your sexual orientation? Why do you loathe to actually admit that you get the teensiest bit of enjoyment out of shopping and putting together a nice outfit?

Even if shopping isn't the first thing on your to-do list, when trying to look sharp, whether it's for a date, your parents or just for the hell of it, there are some things that every man should know.

Number one: ordinary (quality, worthwhile) people will not think you are gay because you have a sense of style.

Number two: plenty of straight men like to shop (it really is time to stop letting mom pick out your underwear).

Number three: it is a pleasure to see a man who takes pride in his appearance (no one likes a smelly, unruly, untamed person of either sex).

Now that you are theoretically enlightened in the wisdom of the "sartorial sages," allow me to spur words into action.

There are several ways that you, as a grown gentleman, can spice up your basic jeans, tee, hoodie and sneakers, and each involve layering.

Blazers: Blazers can be worn over sweatshirts, sweaters, tee shirts and tailored shirts. They should fit across the shoulders and, according to Scott Schuman on style.com, named Top Design Influence in 2007 by "Time Magazine," "If you want to make sure that your jacket looks like it's done right, then make sure you're showing a half inch of cuff." Take liberties with the fabric: corduroy is best for autumn, velvet for winter, linen for summer and cotton for whenever.

Vests: Plaid, denim, corduroy, sweater, pin-striped… these are hot in all circumstances, especially if you add a bow-tie. Think New England prepster, just leave out the school uniform bit and keep it casual with jeans and messy hair.

Cardigans: Recent trend reports indicate that we are seeing a huge resurgence of the seventies. While that means wide-legged pants for women, it means cardigans for men (bonus points for elbow patches). Try vintage cardigans for authenticity and the environment.

Kicks: Invest in some hot sneakers; high top, low top, Chucks, Nikes, Adidas. Just make sure they're comfortable because they are what you will want to wear with almost everything.

Notice how I said almost everything, that's because you really need to get leather shoes. Grown men wear leather, hard-soled shoes.

Bill Cunningham, fashion photographer and writer for the New York Times, recently clued men into brown shoes, calling them "the new black" and paying them homage with an 18-photo street fashion montage.

It is inevitable that you will dress for comfort. Only women are crazy enough to wear corsets and sky-high heels for fashion.

However, comfort does not preclude style. Translate what you find comfortable into a hot look. Not only will chicks crane their necks to stare, your steez (editor's note: style) might actually get you their number!