Day 8: Buying + Styling For Men

For Day 8 of Gift Guides: Buying + Styling for Men; I am thrilled to have Jon Johnson an expert in the field, guest blogging. Jon offers stylish solutions to finding a sharp gift for the men in your life. I am a sucker for a velvet blazer and absolutely agree that nothing really compares to a made-to-measure dress shirt. With such a great selection of clothes for the stylish man, Moda Man is in a class of its own.

Styling men for the holidays By Jon Johnson of Moda Man Holidays are a time when everyone wants to spruce up a bit and look their best for festive gatherings and parties. However, I find that doing so can be a bit challenging or intimidating for men, who often like to stay in their comfort zone when it comes to fashion. However, with just a handful of on-trend winter clothing items guys can look a little different and give themselves some edge for those holiday soirees. 2012 holiday fashion must-haves for men:

• A velvet blazer: this unique look is a take on the classic blazer, but with an inviting and cozy fabric that is perfect for winter. Velvet blazers can be dressed up or down, perfectly suitable over trousers or jeans. I recommend blazers from Ross Graison or Jack Victor.
• Vests: Very big this season, vests are no longer just used as part of a 3-piece suit. Now they are considered outerwear on their own. Made in fabrics including wool, cotton and silk, vests offer guys a nice yet simple add-on piece to dress up their look. I recommend Luchiano Visconti�s woven and acrylic vests.
• Jean-style trouser: Instead of the usual denim, guys should try some of the new pants that are cut like a traditional 5-pocket jean but actually made out of polyester and other fabrics, and come in a variety of colors. These pants are terrific because they travel well, are easy to wash and look great right out of the dryer. Select a style in a slim cut, which looks great paired with a sport coat, sweater or cardigan. Our number one selling pants are this style � from Alberto in ceramica fabric.
• Made-to-measure dress shirt: Unlike a store-bought, off the rack dress shirt, a made-to-measure shirt will be measured to account for every detail of your specific shoulders, arms and torso. Additionally, ordering custom shirts allows men to select their own fabrics as well as collar and cuff styles. Nothing looks better than the crisp and clean appearance of a perfectly tailored shirt on a man. Moda is one of the only boutiques in Colorado offering made-to-measure menswear.
• Scarves: Men should not be afraid to wear scarves! They are no longer just for women, and they add a fashionable complement that can really complete a look. Select a lightweight scarf that is intended as a fashion element, versus a bulky scarf used to bundle up. Our Luchiano Visconti scarves sell like hotcakes.

Jon Johnson, co-owner of Moda Man, offers impressive menswear credibility to Denver: he came from upper management of menswear with Nordstrom, and has worked for esteemed fashion houses including Hugo Boss and celebrity favorite Ziedler and Ziedler.