Trendy young guys pull from the past to create posh looks

Tag: Woven Tie
Dress like Dad in golf shirt and khakis? Not likely, if you're a trendy young guy.But borrow a few items from Granddad's closet -- an ascot, vest or pocket square? Now you're talking.For trendy young guys -- TYGs -- everything old is new again, says Scott Apgar, director of merchandising for Tandy Brands, a company that supplies private-label menswear to stores ranging from Wal-Mart to Nordstrom.This spring, TYGs are swapping their T-shirts, sweats and baseball caps for dress shirts, blazers and derbys. They also are discovering ties -- preferably narrow and patterned with stripes, plaids or neat geometrics. They may even add a tie bar, scrounged from Granddad's dresser drawer or the local vintage shop.And if not a tie, then the season's hottest accessory, a "summer scarf" -- a light, loosely-woven scarf, long or square, that is draped casually around the neck or tucked inside a shirt collar, ascot-style.TYGs never knot their ties tightly at the throat, however. Nor do they fasten the top button of their dress shirts. They probably don't iron their shirts either."They're taking the tailored look and making it more comfortable. They're doing a mix of tailored and sportswear," says Apgar.Naturally, the sportswear includes jeans -- either designer bluejeans or this spring's stylin' white jeans. Khaki cargo shorts and Madras-plaid Bermuda shorts are other top choices.But shorts with a dress shirt, tie and suit jacket? Sure thing. If Justin Timberlake can do it, or American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, or the cool dudes on The CW's hot Gossip Girl -- why not all TYGs?As for footwear, a lot of guys are sticking with sneakers or flip-flops. But the truly trendy favor the preppier look of boat shoes, fisherman's sandals or driving mocs.And here's a tip for all of you not-so-trendy guys: If you don't have the fashion savvy to pair your sport coat with Bermuda shorts, or can't quite picture how to team a dress shirt with a casual vest and summer scarf, take a trip to the mall and check out the displays in trendy stores. Notice how elements are combined and how they're styled -- with sleeves rolled, collars popped and jeans hems turned up once.Or pick up a celebrity-focused magazine such as InStyle and study the outfits of trendsetters such as Jeremy Piven, David Beckham, Jake Gyllenhaal, Johnny Depp and Hayden Christensen.Or take a few pointers from the two Orlando TYGs featured here.Jean Patteson can be reached at jpatteson@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5158.- Pocket squares.Tuck one casually into the breast pocket of a blazer, sport coat or suit jacket. Never match the pattern exactly to your tie or ascot. Instead, choose complementary or contrasting colors and designs. Never fold a pocket square into stiff points.- Driving mocs.As comfortable as regular moccasins, but the distinctive ridged or pebbled tread and wraparound heel flap make driving mocs so much cooler. Available in leather, suede or trendy patent leather. Or try boat shoes or leather sandals.- Derby hat.In cloth or straw, a derby with its narrow, rolled brim gives street cred to even a preppy outfit. A driving cap adds the air of a country gent, while a wide-brim Panama hat evokes the dash and romance of the tropics.