Guys dont wear wolf pelts anymore, but not much else has changed in the world of mens clothes: the right suit, or tie, or shirt, or shoes still projects mystery, erotic potential, and power. And to negotiate these hurdles with style and confidence, Mens Style is indispensable---a valuable source of practical advice for how to dress in a world of conflicting fashion imperatives, and a witty guide to the history, trends, codes, and conventions of mens attire.

In chapters and amusing sidebars on shoes, suits, shirts and ties, formal and casual wear, underwear and swimsuits, cufflinks and watches, coats, hats, and scarves, Russell Smith steers a confident course between the twin hazards of blandness and vulgarity to articulate a philosophy of dress that can take you anywhere.

Here youll find the rules for looking the part at the office, a formal function, or the hippest party---and learn when you can toss those rules aside. And youll find level answers to all of your questions. What color suit should a man buy first? Should socks match the belt, pants, or shoes? What tuxedos are always in, and which arent ever? And whats required of ambiguous social situations like “dress casual” and “black-tie optional”? The answers are here, in a book thats full of trivia, history, and guidance---finally, the perfect guide for brothers, fathers, sons, and selves.

 Praise for Mens Style:

A Globe and Mail Best Book

“His restless intellectualism, his muscular prose, and his signature wit make him the auteur de mode for the club crowd and fashion literati alike. Mens Style abounds with captivating and original insights. Both a practical guide for the elegant man and a cultural survey of fashion and trends. It is even more entertaining as a collection of Smiths seductive prose and his often hilarious observations about the urban landscape.”--The Globe and Mail

“Flippantly brilliant.”--Flare “A lively, witty yet sensible primer.”--Vancouver Sun “Personal, knowledgeable, and full of tasteful advice.”--Weekly Scoop

Guys dont wear wolf pelts anymore, but not much else has changed in the world of mens clothes: the right suit, or tie, or shirt, or shoes still projects mystery, erotic potential, and power. And to negotiate these hurdles with style and confidence, Mens Style is indispensable---a valuable source of practical advice for how to dress in a world of conflicting fashion imperatives, and a witty guide to the history, trends, codes, and conventions of mens attire.

In chapters and amusing sidebars on shoes, suits, shirts and ties, formal and casual wear, underwear and swimsuits, cufflinks and watches, coats, hats, and scarves, Russell Smith steers a confident course between the twin hazards of blandness and vulgarity to articulate a philosophy of dress that can take you anywhere.

Here youll find the rules for looking the part at the office, a formal function, or the hippest party---and learn when you can toss those rules aside. And youll find level answers to all of your questions. What color suit should a man buy first? Should socks match the belt, pants, or shoes? What tuxedos are always in, and which arent ever? And whats required of ambiguous social situations like “dress casual” and “black-tie optional”? The answers are here, in a book thats full of trivia, history, and guidance---finally, the perfect guide for brothers, fathers, sons, and selves.

Russell Smith writes weekly columns on both fashion and the media in Torontos Globe and Mail. He has written for publications including the New York Review of Books, Details, and Travel and Leisure.