Chill Out

The days are getting colder, so why shouldn't your wardrobe do the same? Chicago boutique owners give us the lowdown on some of the biggest menswear trends of the season

By Stephanie Soong

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Hermes

A FEW GOOD MEN

Military details are really hitting the mark this season. And we’re not talking about army green or camouflage prints—think less Full Metal Jacket and more An Officer and a Gentleman, with slim coats and form-fitting sweaters and parkas with details such as epaulets, large collars, shiny buttons, and sharp belts. One thing is certain—this look is anything but standard-issue.

“Pea coats are always in style, but this time they’re a little trimmer, in much nicer fabrics,” says Adam Beltzman of Haberdash.

He and manager Phillip Williams are excited about an officer’s jacket for fall from John Varvatos and, from Theory, a military-style vest with sweater sleeves, as well as tailored shirts with epaulets and sweaters with elbow patches.

At Guise, Habansky will carry a military-style olive-green jacket from Guilded Age and will also focus on bomber jackets.

IN YOUR WARDROBE Think about investing in a belted officer’s coat in a fine wool and choose a subtle color like brown, black, olive green, or gray.

To up your gentleman quotient, throw the coat over any outfit with a sharp watch and a pair of polished leather shoes.

Kenneth Cole Reaction

STREET SMARTS

The word “streetwear” used to evoke images
of torn denim and Chuck Taylor high-tops that had seen better days. But times are changing. Although Lindsay McKay, the owner of TK Men in Bucktown, steers clear of giving advice on trends, she has noticed one shift in menswear. “The only trend I’m seeing is that general streetwear is getting cleaner,” she says. “I’m not doing faded, ripped-up jeans anymore.” Back-to-basics denim is making
a comeback, as well as hooded sweatshirts and retro sneakers.

Biker-inspired jewelry for men will also be big, predicts John Jones of George Greene. “It has to be very masculine and extremely well made,” he says.
At TK Men, McKay is carrying Cassette, Endovanera, denim from the Chicago designer BYA, and hooded tops by Combhard made of wet-suit material. “Guys come to me for the funkier stuff,” she says. At George Greene, expect to find pieces from Y-3 and jewelry from Chrome Hearts, while at Haberdash, you’ll see hooded sweatshirts from Theory and retro sneakers from Converse by John Varvatos.

IN YOUR WARDROBE You can’t go wrong with a hooded black sweatshirt under a blazer for a cool, urban look.