Pin-stripe suit jackets, worn for years only as formal wear, are appearing around town topping logo T-shirts, sweaters and button-down shirts.
Casual blazers - in an array of materials that include velvet, wool or corduroy - are emerging from moth-balled trunks and attics but can also be purchased at a number of stores and thrift outlets (American Eagle velvet, $78; thrift stores $5 to $15).
And along with them, making a strong appearance for the second season, are shearling jackets. The popularity of the sheep-lined coats, either real or faux, comes with one small alteration - this season's coats are cut squarely at the waist line instead of the mid-thigh version from 2004. Denim, suede or corduroy will all fit the bill (American Eagle, $78; BKE from Buckle, $69.50; Hollister, $128; Abercrombie and Fitch, $128).
But be careful gentlemen: leave the corduroy on top - pants should be tucked away to await another revival.
Buckle saleswoman Chelsie Burke described this year's look as versatile, vintage and jagged - T-shirts over long-sleeve thermals, tears and holes built in - mixed with items that have a more traditional design.
"So you can go for the jagged or bad-boy look or you can go for a clean look," Burke said.
Shirts are dressy for 2005, tucked with a coat or loose on their own. Stripes and plaids introduce a retro feel. (Buckle $69-$89; Express, $59; Banana Republic, $59-$129; Abercrombie and Fitch, $39-$69)
The money saved from enlisting your Sunday suit or hijacking that corduroy sport coat from dad's closet is best spent on pants, glasses and shoes.
Like the pin-stripe jacket, pants hosting the vertical lines can dress up what might otherwise be a dull or casual outfit. Don't be afraid to mix with striped and plaid shirts - anything goes if the end result is a dressy look (Express, $98).
"It doesn't matter what you go with - navy with gray pinstripes, gray with brown pinstripes, or black with any color of pinstripe, they are all good," wrote Darrin Bittle of mensfashion.com.
Though Gentleman's Quarterly suggested square-cut denim folded inside-out at the bottom this fall, most men will stick with a tight-fitting boot cut.
Jeans are heavily faded and many styles include holes or tears. Prices range from $29 at Old Navy and Gap to $220 for Diesel at Nordstrom.
Perhaps the most distinct fashion of the season for men can be found in shoes. Designers such as Diesel and Steve Madden are a step ahead of the pack with stylish, snug and colorful offerings - many of which have been compared to the styles traditionally seen at the bowling alley - ranging from $89 to $189. Don't forget to check Nordstrom Rack for brand-name discounts.
mwestley@sltrib.com
