We did it for the girls, now let's hear it for the boys; boys' fashion, that is. Milwaukee's men's shops have got just the thing for guys to express themselves this fall ... fashionably, of course.
Laura Lutter Cole
owner, Aala Reed
1320 E. Brady St.
(414) 226-2252
What they carry
"Really, a man's wardrobe from dress to casual," explains Lutter Cole. Whether it's denim, a sport coat, dress shirt or tie, a gent can find it here. Their core collections include Hugo Boss, Ted Baker of London and Gant, all of which are exclusively carried at Aala Reed.
Fall forecast
Classic English style. British men have the cutest accents-so why not dress like one too, guys? Just kidding, but Lutter Cole names a Chesterfield coat, glen plaid and the pocket square as tenets of classic English style. The Charles Bailey Chesterfield coat they'll be carrying is a fitted, three-quarters car coat complete with a velvet collar. Or get decked out in a glen plaid sport coat or trousers from Hugo Boss, which will last for seasons to come. Add a little flash with a pocket square, which, according to Lutter Cole, is "the new necktie." Charles Bailey Chesterfield coat, $525. Hugo Boss glen plaid trousers $185, and sport coats, $495-$525. Dion pocket squares, $42/each.
Turn of the century old West. A cowboy's attitude is something to envy: they're tough, know how to shoot a gun and always get the gal. Reflect a bit of that rough-and-tumble attitude with suede, denim and even fitted vests. "You think of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," she explains. Check out the flat-front Coppley tweed trouser with its tailored fit and lovely feel, and for more casual wear, Robins Jeans with their signature embroidered wings logo stitched across the back. Add interest to an ensemble with the button-front, light wool English Laundry vest. Coppley tweed trousers, $195. Robins Jeans, $295. English Landry vest, $69.
Preppy. "It hasn't gone away-it's still here," says Lutter Cole. It's an eighties revival with a twist: colors and patterns are unexpected, from argyle striping trim on a collar to bright colors like violet, orange and sky blue. Wear a classic plaid shirt with a knit tie (!), or add some softness with a cashmere sweater worn over a dress shirt or layered under a sport coat. Cotton Reel plaid shirt, $75. Tailorbyrd cashmere sweaters, $125-$225.
What she's picking up (for her husband)
Charles Bailey Chesterfield coat. "That's the piece I'm most excited about," she says. "If a man approaches you wearing that coat, he's a fashionable, confident man." $525.
Pocket squares by Dion. "You can buy two or three of them and add a whole new look to a suit." $42/each.
Cufflinks by Robert Charles. Add some flash without resorting to jewelry. A man can further personalize his look with cufflinks sporting olives, animal logos and florals. $60/pair.
Eric Kuester
manager, Moda3
320 E. Buffalo St.
(414) 273-3333
W307N1497 Golf Rd., Delafield
(262) 432-1709
What they carry
Exclusivity is what you'll find at this "lifestyle store with an urban twist," explains Kuester. They're known for carrying the latest in snowboarding and skateboarding gear, as well as an elite sneaker collection with limited-edition sneakers from brands like Adidas, Puma, Vans and Nike. They've also got a vast selection of cool T-shirts, denim, hoodies, hats and more.
Fall forecast
Colors from the '80s. From the decade well-known for its acid brights, Moda's got you covered with gear like an electric-blue tee by Obey and the DC "A Train" zip hoodie with zigzagging, shockingly vivid lines of a train map on it. Obey T-shirts, $30. DC "A Train" zip hoodie, $64.
Affordable denim. "More affordability trending away from a Euro style that we really can't afford," says Kuester. That means-yes folks-quality denim for under $100. Volcom "Ergo" jeans, $68.
Sneakers and watches as accessories. Add what you can afford to your outfit, whether it's the Vans "Vault" sneaker in various patterns starting at $50 (they're the only shop in the state that stocks the Vans Vault), or the Nixon "Banks" watch for $300.
What he's picking up
Vans Sk8-Hi. The Vans classic in a high-top version. $60-$80.
Analog "Operator" jean. $64.95.
Moda3 private label T-shirts. Get the shop's logo on a classic T-shirt, the old-school Brewers logo (albeit backwards) or simply, a sneaker. $15-$20.
men's buyer, Ma Jolie
2583 N. Downer Ave.
(414) 961-8200
Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Ste. B120
(414) 961-8210
What they carry
Casual, fashion-forward lines like Buffalo and Diesel, preppy basics by Penguin, plus outerwear, denim, hoodies and more. Silberman notes the shop's look is especially for Milwaukee customers without "going overboard on price or bringing in something Midwesterners aren't ready for."
Fall forecast
Outerwear. Try out a military style jacket or a more traditionally cut jacket. Diesel and triple 5 soul are two of the shop's best-selling brands, both of which offer stepped-up versions of casual outerwear. Spiewak and Diesel are two other hot brands that will offer some great options, says Silberman. $100-$220.
Layering. Hoodies, track jackets, cardigans-take your pick, guys. It'll be easy to add depth and interest to an outfit by layering any of these pieces over a T-shirt or casual dress shirt, or under a blazer. New this season will be rich colors and innovative patterns. "They all feel great on, not the itchy sweater your aunt gave you." $65-$150.
T-shirts. When is a T-shirt not in? Forget a boring old white tee and add personality with any of the shop's graphic tees-eighties themes and streetwear logos will do the trick. FUN, Heavy Rotation, Kindred and Diesel T-shirts, $26-$60.
What he's picking up
Shades of Greige navy peacoat. One of the new lines the shop will be carrying, Silberman will be sporting a timeless classic. $175.
A T-shirt or accessory from FUN. "[It's] a network of artists from around the world based out of California. They offer wallets, Ts and belt buckles." $26.
Diesel "Zatiny" jean. This slim-fitting bootcut jean with a slightly distressed dark wash has an enduring look. "It's a bit smaller than the Zathan cut that Diesel customers have been buying for years," says Silberman. $180.
