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
The basic rule of ties is, no matter what you see in GQ, stay away from extremes: not too skinny, not too wide.
“Breton Stripe” tie, $115 at Gant, 324 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-536-1949, gant.com
The new blazer
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
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.
Thorocraft “The Ross” shoe, $275 at Louis, 60 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617-262-6100, louisboston.com
The new short
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.
“Delacor” shorts, $125 at Ted Baker London, 201 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-450-8339,
The new shirt
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.
Extra-slim shirt, $88 at Brooks Brothers, 46 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-267-2600,
The new jean
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.
Levi’s 511 rinsed playa jeans, $64 at Uniform, 511 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-247-2360,
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The new pomade
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.
Davines “No. 13” pomade, $30 at Stilisti Salon, 138 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-262-2234, stilistiboston.com