Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Frantic,

What a supportive, fashion-conscious sister you are, looking out for your brother's fashion needs! The first step to creating a versatile wardrobe for guys: build with the basics. It's also helpful to group clothing into either casual/sportswear or semi-formal. Think of colors as falling into one of three categories: lights/neutrals, midtones/brights, or deep/dark tones. Unique, stylish looks come from mixing separates from these categories. For casual sportswear, start with several pairs of jeans in different shades of denim, like unwashed dark blue denim, faded/worn denim, and dyed denim, in a color like evergreen or black. Denim is big for menswear right now, showing up mostly in utilitarian styles and dark colors. Next look for a pair of khakis that fall into the lights/neutrals. Then go for a pair of flared, formal trousers in a deep/dark tone, like black or indigo. Finally, for those nights out on the town, a pair of soft leather pants in a neutral brown or black. On top, go for one T-shirt in each of the color categories; maybe white, red, and black. Do the same with three long sleeve, fitted tops, going for varying solid colors. Going into semi-formal, find two or three basic button-down dress shirts, in each of the color groups. Depending on your brothers=E2 style preferences, these can be with or without collars; short or long sleeve. Throw in several fleece, cashmere, or wool sweaters (oversized are in), along with both a heavy, warm coat (if needed) and a lighter windbreaker-type jacket. Uniform-style jackets with labels, pockets, clips, and zippers are popular now. Another good item to have hanging in a guy's closet is a basic two-button single breasted jacket that can function buttoned as formal and unbuttoned as semi-formal. These basic pieces can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Adding some patterned shirts and textural fabrics will expand the possibilities. Mismatched layering is in for menswear. Go shopping with your brothers. If you can inspire them to think in terms of actually putting together a cool wardrobe instead of just haphazardly buying whatever fits, you will teach them the art of style-building! Good luck!

Sincerely,