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For 2010, resolve to reevaluate your wardrobe. Here are the pieces every new-millennium man needs—plus tips on exactly how they should fit:
1. Dark Jeans
2. All-Purpose Jacket
3. Modern Suit
4. Trim Dress Shirt
5. Narrow Tie
6. Flat-Front Pants
7. Casual Button-Up
GET STARTED
Ditch your baggy, dated dad jeans. One clean-cut pair in dark blue will take you to work, weekend and beyond. Want to branch out? Try versatile neutrals like black, grey and white.SHOP JEANS
ON THE RISE
"Rise" is how far up jeans go on your torso. Low and mid rises hang comfortably on the hip, and look best on most guys. Check any jean's details page for info on its rise.
GET IT STRAIGHT
If the phrase "skinny jeans" makes you cringe, consider slim or straight. They achieve the streamlined look, but still leave room to maneuver. Learn more in our Jeans Fit Guide.
DON'T DRAG
Keep your jeans pristine. To avoid dirt and damage, the hem should stop short of the floor in back. If they're too long, visit your nearest Nordstrom for on-site alterations.
One coat can keep you dry 24/7—from morning commute, to night out, to busy weekend. Find one that fuses function with fashion, complementing your look rather than covering it up.SHOP COATS & JACKETS
THE RIGHT FIT
Like all your clothes, a jacket should be trim-fitting—see where the shoulder seams hit on this guy? When the clothes underneath fit well, too, layering up is a snap.
HIGHLY ADAPTABLE
The right jacket reacts to any situation. Neutral colors and subdued details work in and out of the office, while a medium weight keeps you warm and dry without overheating.
Your new suit's narrower lapels, shorter jacket and flat-front trousers all work together to make you look taller and slimmer—no matter your shape or size.SHOP MODERN SUITS
BOLD SHOULDER
A suit jacket should hug your shoulders. If the seam hangs past the edge of your shoulder, size down 'til you get it right. Check our Suit Fit Guide for more tips.
ALL IN THE WRIST
Failing to show cuff is a flagrant fashion foul, so make sure your suit sleeve leaves 1/4" to 1/2" of shirt sleeve exposed. Our on-site alterations team can help.
BREAK IT DOWN
"Break" is where your pant leg hits your shoe. A bunched-up break looks sloppy, so ask your Nordstrom tailor for a "slight break"—or "no break," as shown here.
That billowy wad of fabric that balloons out the back of your pants? Put it behind you with shirts that actually fit. Streamlined but not skin-tight, they accentuate the positive on every guy's frame.SHOP TRIM DRESS SHIRTS
COLLAR ID
Point collars (shown) and spread collars are dressier than button-down collars (which strike a hip, old-school Americana vibe). Both are entirely office-appropriate.
TRICKS UP YOUR SLEEVE
A higher armhole is key to this cleaned-up fit. As always, the sleeve should hit at the hinge of your wrist (when rolled down). Check our Suit Fit Guide for help getting the right size.
TUCK AND ROLL
Trim shirts are a breeze to tuck in—and you'll look just as sharp with your jacket on or off. For a truly personalized fit, try our Made-To-Order Dress Shirts.
Today's universally accepted neckwear is not too fat, not too skinny, but a happy medium that syncs up nicely with slim suit lapels and smaller shirt collars.SHOP NARROW TIES
DAPPER DIMPLE
A dimple at the top of your tie shows you know what’s up. Form it with your finger as you tighten the knot. (With ties as thin as this one, it's not possible—or necessary.)
HOW WIDE?
Well, 2" to 3" at its widest point, to be precise. But a good rule of thumb is to watch the ratio: The widths of your suit lapel, shirt collar and tie should roughly coincide.
GREAT LENGTHS
Don't let your tie hit below the belt. You have it right when the tip of your tie reaches the waistband of your pants. If you come up short (or long)...untie and try again.
With a new, sleeker fit, cotton khakis are no longer confined to casual Friday. They now look, feel and function more like high-minded jeans you can dress up or down.SHOP FLAT-FRONT PANTS
DELETE THE PLEAT
Pleats are those little folds of fabric under the waistband. Designed to give you more room, they also add bulk. Flat-fronts are slimming, and just as comfortable.
IF THE SHOE FITS
The slimmer fit gives you more options below the ankle. Pair your flat-fronts with loafers or dress shoes at the office, then wear the same pair with sneakers on the weekend.
Show some style initiative—even on the weekend. With a few low-key, fitted shirts on-hand, you'll look effortlessly with-it, whether you're headed to the art museum or the hardware store.SHOP LONG-SLEEVE SHIRTS
NOTICE A PATTERN
Solids are fine, but patterns are more fun. They add a nice shot of color under your basic sweaters and jackets. No need to go overboard—a classic plaid does the trick.
LEAN AND MEAN
These shirts should be fitted, but not tight, through the arms and torso. Oversized shirts only add bulk—so lose the extra fabric and look ten pounds lighter.
TOUGH DECISIONS
Tucked or untucked? Buttoned-up or open-collar? How far to roll the sleeves? The truth is you can't go wrong, so wear it a different way every time.
