It’s a really exciting time to be a fashionable man. There are far fewer rules on how a man should dress, and the options in colour, print and style just seem to get bigger and better as more men look for something beyond a suit and tie.

I chose three stores with unique points of view on menswear (and they provided staff to model the clothes).

Style can be easy to find at the European chains, but the chance of running into another gay wearing the same printed shirt or murse are big. I urge you to check out these stores (or any local men’s boutique) and go treasure hunting. The more support we give them the more they will be able to offer us. Get to know the salespeople —they could probably tell a story about every item they carry, and more importantly, they will treat you like gold.

Woodlawn 

(1491 Dundas St W)
Dundas West has become a neighbourhood where you can spend the afternoon shopping, have a great dinner, then drink and dance all night long. Woodlawn is a great little spot at Dundas and Dufferin where you’ll find brands like General Assembly, Reigning Champ, Folk and Woolrich. Their selection defines cool and casual.
KEEP: Anything chambray.
DITCH: Studs.
BUY: The Reigning Champ
parka (pictured on Tommie).

Pretty Freedom (pictured up top)

(165 Augusta Ave)
This mostly vintage store at Augusta and Dundas in Kensington Market opened two years ago. Their amazingly priced vintage men’s selection is inspired by the closets of Joey Russo, The Marlboro Man and Johnny Depp. They have also introduced LaTrE Man, a line of reworked unisex military garments, and have teamed up with a handful of local accessory designers to make vintage look almost new.
KEEP: Cocoa butter (it’s getting dry out).
DITCH: Flannel.
BUY: Any piece of LaTrE Man
(jacket pictured on owner Jodee).

Jonathan+Olivia

(49 Ossington Ave)
This unisex shop, which started in Vancouver before moving to Toronto, was one of the first to set up shop on the now shiny and new(er) Ossington strip. It’s for the guy who’s “fashion conscious without being overly fashion.” With lines like Alexander Wang, Acne, Saturdays Surf NYC and Toronto’s own Creep Clothing, you are guaranteed to turn heads, even if you’re wearing something as easy as a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
KEEP: Black is back.
DITCH: Nothing . . . everything comes back in due time.
BUY: Acne wool and leather biker jacket (pictured on Kyle).