A quick style guide for men

When it comes to men's style in Seattle, most fellas pledge allegiance to one of two camps: the outdoorsy-fleece camp or the Belltown-based camp whose uniform consists of an untucked white button-down shirt over jeans.

While we applaud anything that keeps the gents out of the plaid flannel and Birkenstocks that flooded the city in the 1990s, we do think local men could benefit from a bit more variety.

But how many guys want to spend their weekends in search of the perfect outfit? We're guessing very few, which is why we asked Seattle native and Gen Art fashion director Lee Trimble to create a fall shopping list that's light on shopping.

A nonprofit organization that supports and promotes emerging talent in fashion, Gen Art has helped to launch designers Zac Posen, Julie Chaiken and Louis Verdad, to name just a few. So there's no doubt that Trimble knows style.

Take her advice and work these five items into your wardrobe. At most local shops, you'll find all five -- or at least two or three -- under the same roof, thereby minimizing your total shopping time. And if you already have one, lucky you, that's one less trip to the store.

JAMES PERSE

Supersoft T-shirts
Labels to look for: James Perse and Loomstate, both available at Oslo's and Marqsmen; Diesel, available at Macy's. Trimble recommends that you upgrade this staple by investing (yes, we said "investing" in reference to a T-shirt) in supersoft T-shirts from designers such as the king of preshrunk cotton, James Perse. "The fabrics are high quality and you can get a ton of wear out of them," she says. Classic fall shades such as chocolate brown and gray are your best bets, but don't be afraid of oranges and greens for a punch of color. If you prefer to work the walking billboard look, opt for tees emblazoned with animals or band logos (the more obscure, the better) instead of the ubiquitous pithy phrase or revolutionary visage.

MARQSMEN

Two-button blazer
Labels to look for: Rag & Bone, available at Marqsmen; DKNY and Hugo Boss, both available at Nordstrom. A well-tailored blazer can dress up the aforementioned jeans and T's, making it the perfect look for a first date, a last date or any event at which you might be asked to discuss art and modern literature. Navy is the most universally appropriate color (because it will also go with your khakis or gray dress slacks). Pinstripes are popular now, and -- as women already know -- vertical stripes are flattering, so they're a good choice if you want to appear a smidge taller or thinner.

Dark denim
Labels to look for: Earnest Sewn, available at Marqsmen; Cheap Monday, available at Riveted. It's rare to see a man out on the Seattle scene who isn't wearing denim, so it's likely that even without this guide you would be picking up a pair of jeans this season. Allow us to provide two suggestions: the darker, the better; and tailor, tailor, tailor. (If you believe that women miraculously find jeans that fit like a glove, we'll let you behind the curtain: We take advantage of the tailoring services at department stores such as Macy's and Nordstrom, or we visit our favorite local seamstress at City Custom Tailors.) Look for a dark-wash denim that fits slim through the thigh and breaks just at the top of your shoelaces.

RETRO-LEAGUE

Track jacket
Labels to look for: Le Coq Sportif and Ben Sherman, both available at Nordstrom; Adidas, available at Macy's. A fitted track jacket is a stylish alternative to fleece. (Take note: This is the only time we will recommend wearing attire with a team logo.) Soccer teams around the world have mastered the fitted track jacket, applying color combos and logo designs that are more fashionable than most found in the states. If you don't already have an allegiance to Manchester United, try one of the South American teams: That Argentine track jacket would look divine underneath your new...

ROBERT COMSTOCK

Peacoat
Labels to look for: Robert Comstock and Alpha Industries, both available at Nordstrom. Seattle's cool fall climate dictates practicality in dressing, Trimble says. The peacoat, the classic uniform of sailors, provides the perfect combination of weatherproofing and style. If you're feeling thrifty, purchase one at the Army/Navy surplus store. But if you have some bucks to chuck, opt for a more modern interpretation, such as a single-breasted coat in a blend of cashmere and wool.