Let's face it, not every guy is born with a remarkable sense of style. For every man who fashions himself the embodiment of GQ, there's another who thinks a hoodie and sweat pants are acceptable attire for everyday life. A new year is right around the corner, and it's time to dress like the grown-up you are now. Regardless of the occasion or your personal style, there are plenty of men's clothing stores around New Orleans that can outfit you with apparel fit for the boardroom, a casual night out at your favorite watering hole, and everything in between.
Friend
Where: 600 Carondelet St. (in Ace Hotel); friendneworleans.com
What: Friend's slogan is "Never-Ending Good Times" and their clothing reflects that mentality. Offering a range of relaxed basic apparel that can be dressed up or down for work or leisure as well as fun pieces that are a little left of center, Friend breaks out from the familiar archetypes of men's shopping with different cuts, bold prints and uncommon textures.
Signature Item(s): Artist collaborations. Every quarter, Friend teams up with local artistes for limited-edition collections ranging from typical male clothing to hand-dyed scarves, sculptural paperweights and even skin-care lines.
Unique Aspect: Friend is a culture-driven space, represented by the functioning 1970s Rhodes electric piano inside that's operational around the clock. Local and national musicians routinely pass through the store to treat customers to exclusive performances.
Iron Horse Clothier
Where: 523 Metairie Rd.; facebook.com/IronHorseClothier
What: Iron Horse is the new kid on the block in the New Orleans men's apparel scene, but the upstart is making a name for itself with excellent customer service and a variety of fine clothing, gifts and accessories from brands such as Bobby Jones, Maui Jim, Peter Millar and Cole Haan.
Signature Item(s): The largest selection of Peter Millar clothing in the New Orleans area.
Unique Aspect: Iron Horse offers a unique shopping experience in a vintage, rustic atmosphere with exclusive items not found at other men's retail stores.
Luca Falcone
Where: 2049 Magazine St.; lfsuits.com
What: Luca Falcone is an old world tailoring experience for the modern man. Enjoy a cocktail and cigar at their in-house bar and lounge in the courtyard while waiting to be fitted with one of their exquisite custom suits. Luca Falcone is not a retail store but a design house, helping customize the finest tuxedos, suits, blazers and upscale apparel for clientele around the globe.
Signature Item(s): Custom suits, shirts and shoes.
Unique Aspect: Luca Falcone specializes in personalizing the experience for each individual client. They strive to get to know each person, in order to discern the most stylish and appropriate outfit for whatever occasion is in mind. Every item is made from scratch with hand-selected fabrics.
NOLA Couture
Where: 2928 Magazine St. & 528 St. Peter St.; nolacouture.com
What: NOLA Couture is the epitome of New Orleans-inspired preppy accessories. All prints are designed in-house, including a wide range of ties, bow ties, pocket squares and belts.
Signature Item(s): Men's ties, both silk and seersucker, especially the fleur de lis and Gulf oyster prints.
Unique Aspect: NOLA Couture products are locally designed and they do custom prints for weddings, business events and all other special occasions.
Perlis
Where: 6070 Magazine St., 600 Decatur St. & 1281 N Causeway Blvd. (Mandeville); perlis.com
What: Perlis is the quintessential New Orleans family-owned, family clothing store. They tailor and supply fine clothing for men, women and boys. Perlis carries lines such as Peter Millar, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Smathers & Branson and TASC to outfit every clothing and accessory need you might encounter.
Signature Item(s): The crawfish logo apparel, especially the iconic Mardi Gras rugby striped shirt.
Unique Aspect: Perlis services the apparel they sell in-house and will do it for as long as you own the garment.
Rubensteins
Where: 102 St. Charles Ave.; rubensteinsneworleans.com
What: From head to toe, Rubensteins is the ultimate men's clothing shopping experience. Since 1924, Rubensteins has been providing the men of New Orleans with the right fit, customized for each individual customer. If you want to be recognized as a good dresser, Rubensteins is the place to shop.
Signature Item(s): Rubensteins carries the finest products in the Crescent City, from suits and sports coats to dress shirts and every accessory imaginable. At Rubensteins, you'll encounter exquisite brands, such as Brioni, Canali and Haspel, to name a few.
Unique Aspect: The expertise of the in-house staff and tailors is second to none. Three generations of Rubensteins have crafted this men's clothing store to be defined by upscale sophistication and elegance.
Vegas
Where: 1924 Magazine St.; vegasneworleans.com
What: Vegas offers an eclectic, contemporary style for a variety of male age ranges, but they specialize in surf and skate "west coast" apparel for a more mature clientele. If you've retired from kickflips and ollies, they've got the shirts, pants and accessories to help transition you to life after the half-pipe.
Signature Item(s): Long sleeve wovens (button-down shirts)
Unique Aspect: Vegas offers clothing to be worn day-to-night, a more casual garb for a more casual man.
