Men's Fall Fashion 2007

School is back in September, and it's time once again for us to come together, share stories of our summer vacations, become more educated in our worldly ways and freaking show off our new duds! If only the newspaper was more interactive and three-dimensional so that I could ask anyone who didn't go shopping for new clothes to raise their hands. Since we exist only in print and press I'll have to make an uneducated, non-factual and heavily biased assumption that no one has yet, and you all waited patiently for this article to hit up Macy's.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and it's about time you slipped into a cottony, comfortable, cool, and chic cardigan. This one sweater could be one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe, since you can wear it with just about anything. T-shirt and jeans? Check. Oxford and corduroys? Check. Wool pants, bifocal glasses and a Frank Sinatra record? Maybe next time grandpa.

Fortunately the dress code for us guys is a little bit more relaxed and our possibilities are a little more applicable to everyday fashion. Vertically striped shirts are another staple to every man's closet, especially in the fall. They can go underneath a sweater, be paired with a tie, go with a suit or just go solo; all will look just as good. Very narrow stripes can be hard on the eyes and do not photograph well, and very wide stripes look unflattering on most body types. Vertical stripes make the wearer look taller and broader, and are more easily matched with other accessories. Horizontal stripes are usually less pleasing on the eyes, although can be paired with a cardigan sweater for a great effect.

Color can make or utterly demolish an outfit, so unless you want your fashion creditability to pull a Berlin Wall and come crashing down, pay careful attention. Do not mix contrasting colors! There is a color wheel that displays every color in the spectrum, just like The Wheel of Fortune. Red, for example, is directly across from green. Never mix these two, as they will clash horribly. (Ever notice how people never wear Christmas sweaters any more than they have to?)

This fall looks bright for fashion, with Ralph Lauren's Polo collection coming into its 40^th year, and many other designers receiving rave reviews at their fashion shows. Simply put guys, take my advice and you'll be just like the guy in the Axe commercial. Without the obnoxious bow-chick-a-wow-wow.