The Preppy Handbook

The $55 Billion men's-clothing business was down 8% at the end of last year, but bold colors, preppy brights and a seriously groomed look are poised to give the lackluster market a major boost. At the recent fall 2004 menswear shows in Milan, designers like Ralph Lauren and Jil Sander showed classic pieces that could have walked straight out of an Ivy League yearbook. "It's a very cleaned-up, dressy look," says Michael Macko, director of men's fashion merchandising at Saks Fifth Avenue. "Its roots are in English preppy style."

For his farewell Gucci collection, Tom Ford spiffed up the international playboy look with loafers, ascots and a new "twinset"--a V-neck sweater worn over a turtleneck. Valentino featured Argyle sweaters worn with debonair velvet trousers. Accessories for the after-5 gin-and-tonic set include pocket squares, cuff links and tie bars. And don't leave home without a classic blazer, acceptable dress code at any country club.