Shopping New York

New York is a hotbed for men's style. The average guy is well turned-out, even if he isn't working in fashion or creative industries.  Perhaps it's the energy of the city (or maybe all the clothing options available), but there's an element of risk in the air that men in other towns don't channel with their outfits. 

These stores are the tops of the top in the city. Not pictured: C 'H 'C 'M, because I was too busy buying clothes there.  For a mix of fashion-forward fledgling labels and traditional makers (like Drake's), there's no better place to shop for outfits both practical and whimsical. 

Leffot: Carries all the shoes a man needs, from Alden to Saint Crispin's to Edward Green. A few left-field choices (like these Norman Vilalta shoes) create a selection both refined and well-rounded.  

The Armoury: A one-stop haberdashery for the modern man. The Armoury specializes in high-end suits and trousers with traditional fits (think longer jackets and high-rise pleated trousers) and modern cuts, without going too slim. 

J. Crew Liquor Store: A good one-stop shop for basics. The selection is two notches above the average J. Crew store, with an emphasis on their Wallace & Barnes line and third party brands. Bonus points for the slimmed-down Lacoste polos they offer. 

Paul Stuart: Paul Stuart is where you shop when you're ridiculously rich, or if you want to look wealthy and don't mind depleting your bank account. Known for their rich patterns and colors, it's one of the few stores where garments can toe the line between Uptown elegance and Downtown subversiveness.  

Ralph Lauren Rhinelander Mansion: Whoever styled Ralph Lauren's flagship store in the Rhinelander Mansion deserves a pat on the back (and a large bonus). Each of the four floors features different brands, which flow together seamlessly because of their shared design language. Here, the American Dream is still alive.