What better way to get the rundown on what’s good for 2011 than by asking a few industry insiders? Throw in the always dapper R&B star, Trey Songz, and we have some great input you may want for your fashion files.

Check out what Trey, celebrity stylist Luke Storey, blogger Marcus Troy and Jason Jacobs of Coat of Arms NYC have to say about upcoming trends, designers to watch out for and what you should be wearing.

Trey Songz

Trey released his most recent album, Passion, Pleasure & Pain, late last year. “I’ve had three albums before this, but only one was really a hit,” he has said. “This album will show that I’m not going anywhere.” Well he’s right—you can expect to see much more from Trey Songz from his upcoming tour dates to his spring 2011 Rocawear ad campaign.

How has your style changed over recent years?
“My style has definitely evolved since I began working in this industry. I appreciate the constant progression that Hip-Hop/R&B style has taken, from over-sized gear to more tailored clothing, which allows for more individual expression.”

Currently, what’s your favorite pair of shoes?
“When I’m working or hanging out, my favorite pair are my black Gucci boots. They’re subtle—not screaming “Gucci!”—and they’re comfortable too. I like to dress up, but when I have time off I chill. I have more pairs of Jordans than I can count…my new black and silver J’s are favorites too.”

Tell us what you would wear on a typical night out.
“If I’m going out to a dinner or a club, I usually have a fly leather jacket, designer jeans and some fresh kicks or boots. I prefer classic looks to something trendy that everyone else might be seen in.”

What are some of your favorite colors this season?
“I don’t pay much attention to which colors are ‘in’ for a particular season. Red and black are my favorite colors and are always hot, so you can usually catch me wearing those.”

Can you give our male readers a style tip for 2011?
“Wear what you’re comfortable in. If you don’t like it, it’s not going to look or feel good.”

TreySongz.com

Twitter.com/TreySongz

Jason Jacobs

Jason is co-owner of the Coat of Arms boutique, a must-stop shop for everything from vintage snapback caps to brand new Supra sneakers and much more. He is also co-founder of the COA Agency—a full service sales and marketing agency representing brands like Good Wood NYC, Cadillac Footwear and Members Only. Having impeccable personal style, and being in the business for over 10 years, I figure Jason knows a thing or two about fashion.

What prominent menswear trends do you see going into 2011?
“One of my predictions for this spring/summer 2011 is sleeveless shirts. I think you’re going to see it in all forms across the market from streetwear to premium. From tank tops to razor backs, muscle shirts, sleeveless denim jackets, wovens and knits without sleeves—you name it.

“Another trend is the bow tie. They are going to come in all shapes sizes, prints and materials. Believe it or not, we just launched a wooden bow tie with our great friends over at Good Wood NYC.”

Good Wood NYC

How do you think shopping habits have changed in the past year?
“I think that more people are shopping online then in stores. Consumers knows what they want and can usually find the best deal on that product without having to leave their home.”

What are a couple of the hottest pieces you’re selling in COA right now?
“I would say this crazy brown vintage Ralph Lauren leather bomber Jacket from the 70s that has been worn-in perfectly, the vintage Ralph Lauren RRL Tobacco washed jeans that our homie Pooch Hall wore in your Psyberia winter 2011 shoot and last but not least, we have some ill Japanese North Face jackets.”

Pooch Hall (right) in Ralph Lauren RRL Tobacco washed jeans

Any notable celebs who have dropped by recently? Can you recall what they bought?
“We’ve had a lot of celebs come in recently from rappers like Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, and Cormega, to La La Vazquez, Pooch Hall and the legendary Tommy Hilfger. One recent visitor who sticks out in my mind is Santigold. For those who don’t know, she’s an ill artist best known for her vocals on Jay-Z‘s track, ‘Brooklyn (We Go Hard).’ She bought some great vintage pieces from a fur-lined Gucci jacket from 1990 to a beautiful red Gucci weekender suitcase from the early 70s, a North Face jacket from the 80s and some Good Wood NYC pieces. It was just before Christmas; she said they were gifts.”

CoatofArmsNYC.com

Luke Storey

Luke is a wardrobe stylist currently based in Los Angeles. Over the past 12 years, he’s worked with a diverse range of artists from Marilyn Manson to Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Luke has also appeared on hit television shows The Hills, America’s Most Smartest Model, and Glam God. In 2008 Luke started School Of Style, a school for aspiring stylists at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles and the Ace Hotel in New York City.

Kim Kardashian, styled by Luke Storey

Who is someone you haven’t worked with yet but that you’d love to style this year?
“There are so many amazing artists I would love to work with, but I’d have to say Lenny Kravitz. He’s just always been so on point with such great taste. He is so versatile musically, and I think that really carries over into his fashion sensibility. He’s one of the few artists you can’t really trace back and clown for a ‘wack period’. Lenny’s style has evolved over the years, but its always been top notch and ignorant of trends. His vibe is earthy yet chic, which is easier said than done.”

What is one trend you think will really take off this year in menswear?
“Judging by fall 2011 menswear collections, it’s all about black. Its been years since we’ve seen so many runways with prominently black looks. This is good news for us stylists who tend to work with a lot of rock bands. Usually we have Dior Homme, Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester to pick from, but this season I’m seeing even more typically conservative brands like Costume National, Louis Vuitton, and Jil Sander showing very dark and edgy looks. This is not only good for my clients like Marilyn Manson, but for my own personal shopping! I bought a purple Marc Jacobs shirt the other day, and it will probably take me a year or two to figure out how to wear it.”

Can you describe the perfect outfit for a guy to wear on a Valentine’s Day dinner date?
“It’s a special occasion (to your date at least), so you don’t want to show up in your gym clothes. But its not the prom either, so lets meet somewhere in the middle:

A fitted black two-button blazer over a charcoal v-neck t-shirt or button down and fitted (not too skinny) jeans. For shoes, stick to plain all leather sneakers in one color—preferable black or grey all over.”

TIPS:

- Make sure the sneaks are clean and new. I’m not talking about your old-ass New Balance running shoes. John Varvatos Converse are a nice choice. Dress shoes are too dressy.

- Avoid any logos or Jersey Shore-ish ornamentation on the t-shirt. Don’t go too deep on the v-neck. If you chose a button down, simple white is probably the best bet, and lose the tie as it’s too stuffy and might c-block the romance factor.

- Go for dark wash jeans. Skip the sandblasting and whiskers unless you work construction or happen to be a cat. Never wear your jeans too short. Its always best to keep them a little long, so they don’t flood when you’re seated.

- Do not wear sunglasses at night or if you are indoors. The only exceptions to this rule are if your legal name happens to be Jack Nicholson or Stevie Wonder. Nothing says douche bag like trying too hard to be cool.

Who do you currently think is the most fashionable man?
“I can’t pick one. Kanye West is at the top of my list at the moment. He sort of just came out and did his own thing, which takes a lot of courage in the hip-hop world where it’s easy to get dismissed for not being ‘real.” Russell Brand has great style as well. He pulls off the rock star look and makes it believable even though he’s not in a band. When most actors try this it goes as badly as when they try to be a musician.”

Kanye West, styled by Luke Storey

What is your favorite spring 2011 collection?
“I really liked Paul Smith‘s collection. Very versatile and wearable. Loose fitting with beautiful dark colors. In the editorial world there is more room to get creative and play dress up. As a celebrity stylist, its all about brands that a client will be able to pull of in real life. Paul Smith and John Varvatos are two great men’s designers in this respect. They are also great for men with a wide range of style, which is also something important to a stylist. I like to find a happy medium between edgy and easy.”

Paul Smith

Three staple pieces men should have in their wardrobe for spring/summer 2011?
“You can find them all in the photo of me (main image): A classic motorcyle jacket (mine is by Rick Owens), a nice fedora (mine by Rodney Keenan) and fitted black jeans (mine by Acne).”

TheSchoolofStyle.com
Facebook.com/SchoolofStyle

Marcus Troy

When it comes to bloggers you need to know, the name Marcus Troy should be in the top of your list. As it’s simply stated on this Montreal native’s Website, he is “a lifestyle blogger and a curator of thoughts and ideas.” Most recently, Marcus teamed up with Nike for the “Mavericks Project,” a microsite and mobile application where his audience can share defining moments and stories of mavericks from around the globe.

What is your general consensus on menswear going into 2011?
“I think this year more guys will feel comfortable dressing up everyday. Ties, blazers and bow ties will become a part of the everyday uniform.”

Designers we should look out for this year?
Spurr by Simon Spurr, Creep by Hiroshi Awai

Spurr by Simon Spurr

What is your favorite accessory for spring 2011?
“Spring is going to be all about my yellow rain coat; I am trying to have less accessories in 2011.”

You favorite city to shop in?
“Tokyo, Japan.”

The best watch you’ve spotted for this season?
“Every guy has to invest in a man‘s watch, and you can’t go wrong with a classic ROLEX or a more affordable Breitling. In terms of watches that peek my curiosity, I have to go with Meister. They are doing some cool things over there.”

MarcusTroy.com
Twitter.com/MarcusTroy

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