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5 easy pieces: want to look hip this season without gutting your entire closet? Just add these five items to your wardrobe

Men's Fitness, May, 2005 by Andrew McLeod

LEATHER JACKET: The days when leather jackets were available only in black and brown are long gone, leaving in their place an array of hides ranging in color from blue and green to camel and gray--perfect for adding a bit of edge to almost any ordinary outfit. Take this natural clay-colored leather: It's ideal for spring and looks great when paired with khakis or pinstripe dress pants.

John Varvatos leather jacket, $2,295; Etro striped crew-neck sweater $295

For shopping information, see page 143.

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WINGTIP SHOES: These shoes are only old-fashioned if you choose an out-of-date style. Check for 2005 details like a rounded--not boxy--shape and contrast stitching, which mixes well with casual pieces. Pair them with your favorite jeans and a vintage T-shirt for a hint of cool sophistication.

CREASED JEANS: Get the look of wear-and-tear in all the right places--around the ankles, behind the knees, in the front pocket area--without having to spend months breaking in your jeans. Stick with darker shades and you get the best of both worlds--a formal, dressy look mixed with the fit and feel of a second skin. Paired with a button-down shirt, they're perfect for a first date.

Born Footwear Devon wingtip, $130; Touchbase jeans, $128; Pantherella for the British Apparel Collection Sea Island cotton socks, $35

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THE CHECKED SHIRT: While typically considered a very traditional pattern--particularly for dress shirts--today's checked shirts have a vibrant and contemporary feel thanks to their bright colors and unusual details, like the red stitching at the collar and on the cuff of this shirt. Small touches like these help you to stand out (in a good way), and definitely make for great conversation starters.

Marc Ecko "Cut & Sew" gingham shirt, $70; Kenneth Cole New York watch, $150

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THE WHITE BLAZER: It's not just for fried-chicken tycoons anymore; the white blazer is one of the biggest fashion trends for spring. The key to wearing it well is to think outside the box when pairing it with other pieces. Throw it over a comfortable henley in a neutral shade and a pair of distressed jeans with an earthy rinse. Rugged, warmer-toned items will help to soften the crispness and newness of the white.

Claiborne Casual sport coat, $125; Ben Sherman Bamber henley T-shirt, $49; Earnest Sewn Filson jean in Maz dark wash, $198; Hollywood Trading Company buckle, $75, and strap, $213; Kenneth Cole New York Missing Link shoes, $185

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5 easy pieces: want to look hip this season without gutting your entire closet? Just add these five items to your wardrobe

Men's Fitness, May, 2005 by Andrew McLeod

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