Swarovski style S161 from Silhouette; suit jacket and pants by Ermenegildo Zegna; pocket square by Italo Ferretti; tie by Richel; shirt by Niformis; socks by Marcoliani; shoes by Roberto da Carrara

The fact that so many "lads" magazines are publishing annual "Best-Dressed Men" lists is testament that even the most manly, chest-beating males are evolving into creatures of style. With more and more men hitting the shopping malls (the International Council of Shopping Centers found that men who do shop actually visit the mall slightly more often than women), the best-dressed man is no longer only found in the glossy pages of
magazines —he's everywhere.

So who exactly is the best-dressed man? EB found there are many categories of this fellow—from the socialite to the business man and the guy with that urban edge. The best-dressed man is one who knows what style works for him.

With all these best-dressed men on the prowl, it's essential that ECPs stock their dispensaries with plenty of men's frames. Rectangular plastics and semi-rimless styles are especially popular, and men are selecting a lot of dark browns and blacks. They are also looking for frames that will be dressy enough for a suit but can easily make the after-work transition.

The best-dressed man doesn't have to be a metrosexual, a big fan of hand creams, or even know that vertical stripes are thinning. What he does have to possess is confidence. The best-dressed man makes his own purchases, has
shopping savvy, and exudes self-assurance.

Sales Man

From top to bottom: Lanvin style LV3114 from L'Amy; Nike style 7000 from Marchon; shirt by Roberto da Carrara

According to a recent Boston Globe article, the increase in mall sales from male shoppers may very well be related to a strategy first implemented by department stores: put any male-related goods near the entrance. This way, the most shop-a-phobic men barely have to enter the store to get what they need. 

In 1985, 70 percent of men's products were bought by women, says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for NPD Group, a New York market-research company. But in 2003 and 2004, 75 percent of men's products were bought by men. There has been a complete reversal. Don't assume men aren't interested in buying.

MAN UP

To find out what stylish men are looking for in eyewear, EB turned to Esque Eyewear, a high-end boutique in Philadelphia that caters to many male clients. Owner Robert Grover runs the store and has been working with a sophisticated men's salon around the corner as a personal eyewear consultant. Grover is also looking to partner with a local men's clothing store. "I want to tie it all together," he says. "Create an environment where men can get the right clothes, hairstyle, and eyewear—it's about the whole look."

Grover tells us that the right atmosphere has a lot to do with the clientele he brings in. "I offer a lounge where my clients can enjoy wine, coffee, and espresso while they wait for their glasses."

Shown left: Starck Eyes style PO618; jacket and shirt by Roberto da Carrara

According to Grover, his male clients seek sophisticated and well-made products. Trendy plastics in rectangular shapes are especially popular, as are laser-cut titanium frames. And don't count men out on buying sunwear. "Men are now interested in chunkier frames when it comes to sunwear," says Grover. "They still like polarization, but are stepping out of the box to wear much trendier frames."

But the biggest change in male shopping habits? Men aren't rushing out of the store, says Grover. "They really take their time and pay attention to what they buy. They're interested in different colors and materials and ask a lot of questions," he says. "Men are looking for that same extra-special attention that originally drew women to enjoy the shopping experience.

Men At Work

When Express, a division of the Limited brands, launched Structure for men, it wasn't a huge success. But when it was relaunched under the Express name, it took off, says Limited spokesman Anthony Hebron. The company's dual-gender stores continue to outperform the remaining single gender stores. One-stop shopping for men and women, who often shop together, is a hit.

NPD Group found that the sector of the male population that holds the most promise for male apparel retailers is men ages 35 through 44. Sales under this demographic continues to rise. The closest group behind this bunch is the 18 to 25 demographic.

From top to bottom: blinde style why alibi? from the Optical Shop of Aspen; Jhane Barnes style Theorem from Kenmark Group; sweater available at Robert's Westpor