1. The Favorite Pair A newly acquired pair of corduroys ($78), to replace my aging navy chinos, very carefully chosen. They are a rich sapphire hue (though not as bright as the image implies), which is not a glaring departure from navy but it adds a touch more interest. Corduroy may seem a queer choice, but a dark color and a fine rib keeps it from frumpiness, and it is still more polished than jeans. And the wide-leg cut, closer to a trouser than the boot cut, is more forgiving on those of us with indifferent legs.


2. The Workhorse Basic Grey chinos, pure and simple. I rarely wear black, never wear brown, white stains too easily to suffice as a workaday bottom, but grey I think is a perfect neutral. Not much to say about them, they're so basic.


3. The Tailored Trouser I could do without, but it makes a pleasant addition. Mine is a stone-colored wool check with a green thread running through it, and it is hemmed for heels, which inhibits wear, but preserves the effects of drycleaning and an iron longer, though it very warm in the winter with boots. It is useful for more formal occasions, of course, but also menswear-inspired outfits.

Labels: closet confidential, j crew