Fashion Forecast Fall 2012: Trends for Men


The Executive Producer of "Good Afternoon America" got the surprise of a lifetime this week, as stylist and author of "Wear This, Toss That!" Amy E. Goodman gave him a truly unexpected ambush makeover.

Why was Ethan Nelson, as nominated by his fellow co-workers, a candidate for this sneaky style attack? He had fallen into a bit of a fashion rut, clinging to his staples of a plain button-down shirt (typically white or pink) and jeans or khaki pants, occasionally topped with a blazer.

In other wo

rds, predictable.

But news is ever changing, and Ethan should be too. As a leader within the ABC News family, he needs to dress the part.

Goodman freed him from his drab, behind-the-scenes wardrobe and transformed him into a scene-stealing newsmaker. Watch out Ethan, but never fear. We have accessible and affordable pointers for you that viewers at home can learn from and embrace, too.

How To Get Ethan's Look:

Rock and Republic Hoodie Vest - Retail $60, on sale for $39.99; www.kohls.com

Kenneth Cole Reaction Pants - $39.98; www.macys.com

Hugo Boss Shirt - $115; www.macys.com

John Varvatos Leather Detail Boot - Normally $550, in the outlet for $330; Woodbury Common Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com

Ben Sherman Tie - $55; www.macys.com

John Varvatos Weekender Bag - Woodbury Common Premium Outlets; www.premiumoutlets.com

Burberry Frames and Eye Exam - LensCrafters; www.lenscrafters.com

John Varvatos Blue Suede Jacket - Woodbury Common Premium Outlets; www.premiumoutlets.com

Fashion Forecast Fall 2012: Trends for Men

A Spot of England: For men, this season is like the London Olympics of fashion, with plaids, checks, herringbone and tweeds hopping the pond for a stateside splash. The key to really pulling off this look is going crazy with the trend and mixing patterns with one another. For example, a plaid with a stripe or a check with a plaid works well.

All About Hue: Look to embrace a touch of color in your ensemble, whether a purple bow tie, a green-checked shirt, or burnt-orange pants. There's no need to wear head-to-toe color, but color-block if you feel comfortable doing so. A purple and gray striped scarf pairs nicely with a velvety blue-green blazer, for example. You just have to do swaps in front of a mirror to get the color combos right.

Leather Memo: There couldn't possibly be more leather this season, especially in the form of sharp jackets and bags. Always wanted a cool attaché or cross-body messenger? Now is the time to splurge for one (or a huge, leather weekender bag). Wear it slung across your body or planted firmly in one hand and use it as an all-purpose accessory.

Suit Me Up: Three-piece suits are all the rage: coats, trousers and vests. And don't forget the versatility of vests! You can wear them sexily and stylishly alone with a button-down shirt - with or without a tie. Don't forget to roll up those sleeves so you can get to work in the newsroom!

Workplace Blues: Not every day is dress-up day at work, and denim is admittedly so comfortable. It's not something Ethan has to banish entirely, but he should upgrade his style with darker washes and cleaner cuts, and the trend is to cuff them. Yes, you heard me: roll those puppies up!

Lights, Camels, Action! Light pants are kicking up everywhere. Look for trousers, corduroys and cottons in tans, camel-colors, yellow mustards and peanut butter browns. Wear seamlessly with brown oxford shoes or short brown boots.

Oversized Overcoat: While we won't be showing Ethan the finer points of dashing overcoats this season (as you viewers really wouldn't get a peek of all the great separates he's wearing underneath), it IS a time for big coats. Think three-quarters length, double or single breasted with unique details like faux fur trimmed collars (picture Dolce & Gabbana's delicious grey-on-grey long coat).

Scarves: A simple knotted scarf can really add style miles to an outfit, and for those men thinking it's too feminine, think again. (Hey, if it's good enough for Ralph Lauren…) Start with a neutral-toned scarf that picks up on the majority of the color hues of your ensemble (grey, black, brown, army green, etc.) or go bold with a deep purple or blue. It instantly brings attention to your handsome face.

That's a Wrap: It's hard to think about cold weather when it's still sunny and warm, but a button-down shirt with a V-neck sweater or vest, held with suspenders and topped by a quilted coat and a knotted scarf? This is an A-plus look for after hours.