Fashion commentary for the queer guy

Gay men always need new clothes: It is part of our being. The desire is in our blood. Well, at least for me. People might be surprised that I am not necessarily a shop-a-holic. Frankly, because of my busy schedule, I barely find time to sleep, much less shop. Most days now, I shop online or when I am away on business. Nevertheless, when I do shop, I am always on the lookout for that special something that I may think I need or that I want, that will make my already overflowing closet complete.

It is winter and we are beginning the New Year and recently, a lot of my friends (and strangers on the street) are asking me the same question: “What do I need to have for fall/winter, right now, right this second?” Besides a hot muscle daddy, a precious little Daschund puppy and a house in the Los Feliz hills, there are, in fact, three things you should have in your closet right now.

Whether you are the fashion conscious or the fashionably challenged gay male, you should have a cardigan, a trench or pea coat, and a woolen or knit scarf. Let’s start with the cardigan. ‘Tis the season to vibe your best “Mr. Rodgers” look. Cardigans are the new zip-up track jacket. I own three from Marc Jacobs. A colorful striped one, a solid daytime version as well as a darker style. Yes, I realize I went a bit overboard with the cardigans, but all you really need is one. Theory is a brand that makes nice conservative yet stylish ones. I am also in love with one by Phillip Lim 3.1. It’s double breasted and features epaulets—very military inspired. This last one is definitely an “item piece.” It can double as a jacket for sure! Now, if your budget is more Urban Outfitters, I am sure you will find plenty of lower-priced, “non-designer” brands.

The pea coat as well as the trench coat is a must-have for this chilly season. Even for Los Angeles. I own both. Again, you don’t have to. What’s the difference? Usually, a pea coat is shorter, made of thicker fabrication and hits at mid-thigh and is not belted. Trench Coats are usually longer, in a lighter fabric, and are belted. My pea coat is a cheap one, from Forever 21 Men’s and I have several trench coats, from Burberry and Zara, two of the best menswear brands out there. If you take a look at the CoOp Barneys website and click on “outerwear,” you will find lots of choices, from a fabulous belted style, to a reasonably-priced Alexander McQueen. I would stray away from color. Black or khaki are my suggestions. They pretty much coordinate with everything.

Finish off your shopping with a woolen or knit scarf. I found two colorful pashmina scarves at the Ceasar’s Las Vegas Forum Shops, of all places—the kind that every woman and their teenage daughter were wearing years ago. While they are yesterday’s accessories for women, they suddenly look fresh on men. Ben Adler makes the coolest striped scarves. They are made in Scotland and come in tons of conversation starting designs. If you must wear all black for a party or an event, just throw on one of these scarves in a multistripe pattern and people will not think you are as boring as your monochromatic ensemble. I would definitely come up to you and say, “I love your scarf!”

So now you know what you need for your closet-fulfilling shopping list. Just get that Comme des Garcons wallet with your credit cards, fill up the gas tank in your car, and grab a Starbucks cinnamon dolce skim latte to go and venture where no straight man will venture without their girlfriends: The Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store…or Bloomingdales…and you might be lucky, because this is also the season for sales!

For more on fashion designer Nick Verreos, visit www.nickverreos.com.