There’s nothing wrong with having a go-to restaurant, a favorite shampoo, or comfortable chair. But when it comes to wardrobe, getting too cozy with the same-old look is just boring. This spring, ditch the artifacts clogging your closet and update a few essentials.
The new tie
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The basic rule of ties is, no matter what you see in GQ, stay away from extremes: not too skinny, not too wide.
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“Breton Stripe” tie, $115 at Gant, 324 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-536-1949, gant.com
The new blazer
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Don’t throw out your navy blue jacket, but pale gray just looks fresh right now. So does a cut with two buttons, double vents, and a narrow lapel.
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Oxford cloth jacket, $328 at Ludlow Shop, Copley Place, Boston, 617-375-1032, jcrew.com
The new casual shoe
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Dad sneakers are not acceptable at the office (or at the gym), and those square-toe brown shoes are not doing your feet any favors. Instead try a hybrid sneaker-oxford, the best of both worlds in a single shoe.
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Thorocraft “The Ross” shoe, $275 at Louis, 60 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617-262-6100, louisboston.com
The new short
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With all the running and working out you’re doing, there’s no need to cover up so much. Bring the inseam up above your knee and show off a little.
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“Delacor” shorts, $125 at Ted Baker London, 201 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-450-8339,
The new shirt
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Think narrow. A shirt that fits you well can eliminate the curse of fabric love handles for good. Bonus: This one’s no-iron but doesn’t look or feel like it.
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Extra-slim shirt, $88 at Brooks Brothers, 46 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-267-2600,
The new jean
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Many men, afraid of skinny jeans, seem to run in the opposite direction to double-wides — they don’t look any better. Compromise with a narrow jean in a dark rinse.
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Levi’s 511 rinsed playa jeans, $64 at Uniform, 511 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-247-2360,
The new pomade
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It’s great that you have enough hair to pull off a messy look, but do you want to look both messy and greasy? You need the hold of pomade, but with a matte finish.
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Davines “No. 13” pomade, $30 at Stilisti Salon, 138 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-262-2234, stilistiboston.com