The Guru
Dear Guru: I'm seeing a lot of fur vests recently, and want to know who's designing the best ones, and how to wear them -- for day and night. -- Helen B., West L.A.
Dear Helen: I'm not even going to front on this one. Hands-down, designer brand J Mendel makes the sweetest fur vest...and it's $8,500. Not in your budget? Shocking. Enter QVC, the home shopping network you never thought you'd have anything to do with. But the channel/website is currently the home of Rachel Zoe's accessory line, which includes none other than, yep, faux-fur vests that don't feel like Aqua Net-matted nylon, and actually look like the real thing. For $80, the "chinchilla" version is super-soft and both plush and substantial.
A fur vest must be the statement piece in any outfit, so go easy on every other element in your ensemble. Skinny or straight dark jeans and a white long sleeve shirt work perfectly as base pieces (see photo below). Don't overdose on too much boho bling (despite what Zoe says), at the risk of looking like you crawled out of your grandma's attic. Accessorize with real-gold baubles -- like a cocktail ring and some stacked bangles.
FAUX FAB: Rachel Zoe's synthetic chinchilla vest for QVC.
Dear Guru: I'm traveling to New York in December, but alas, I don't own a proper topcoat. I've lived in L.A. all my life, just graduated from school, and haven't really needed one. But I don't want to show up for meetings wearing a suit and a puffy North Face jacket. Any suggestions for a topcoat under $800? --Aaron J., Venice
Dear Aaron: Please donate that North Face puffer -- along with your Tevas -- to the nearest Goodwill location. That being said, we forgive you for looking shlubby in college (didn't everyone?). But now that you're in the working world, you've got to look professional, not like you're going for a fro-yo after the big game.
A proper topcoat is something every guy should own. For $800 you have a lot of options, but it's best to stick with the classics: in color and style. Think black, khaki, navy or charcoal wool in some type of military, trench or peacoat-inspired shape.
Personally, I think nothing is cooler than a guy in a standard pea coat. Plus, a pea coat is a little boxy, so there's room to comfortably wear a suit underneath it. Ralph Lauren's $425 "Academy" wool pea coat -- in black, navy or charcoal -- it super-sharp and would only eat up half your budget.
If you're looking for a little more length than the hip-hitting pea coat, John Varvatos makes a military-inspired cashmere overcoat that's longer but a little pricier ($745.) The charcoal-gray coat has more design to it and is a bit less utilitarian than the classic pea coat. But if you're feeling a little indie-nerdy, a toggle coat is a good option. Stellar on 5-year-olds and 25-year-olds alike, the little toggle closures add instant retro appeal. Theory's version is $795 and would look brilliantly collegiate with a pair of tortoise-shell glasses.
PADDINGTON BEAR 2.0: Theory's manly toggle coat.
Dear Guru: I saw a lot of layered knits on the runway for fall, but whenever I try to dress that way I end up looking like a bag lady. What's the secret? --Elise V., Costa Mesa
Dear Elise: Yep, even the Olsens have emerged from beneath the scrap pile and abandoned "bag lady chic." The key to layering cozy knits is to swaddle yourself in body conscious pieces with one (that's one) voluminous item. More than one baggy piece will make you look like you're carrying 20 extra pounds. (The king of the layered-chic is designer Rick Owens. Check out his work to see how lovely layers can really be.)
Here's a basic layering job: Start with a thin cotton tank top that hits about three inches below your hips. Layer a tissue thin long-sleeved scoop-neck top over the tank, then finish with a buttery, fitted leather jacket. A thin muslin scarf with a cool print to tie all the colors in you ensemble together is the perfect accessory to underscore a layered-up look. Each layer peeks out from the others and the cumulative effect is that enviable just-thrown-on-but-fabulous look.
LOADED: The right way to pull of layers.
Dear Guru: I love to wear hats -- I have a bunch of fedoras that I wear all the time (I have long hair that I put in a low ponytail). But I'm starting to feel like they're a little out of style. Is there a cool new hat style that could replace my fedoras? I especially like to wear them at night when I go out. --Danielle M., Silver Lake