Thanks to Drexel University’s Adam Schantz, Cooperative Education Coordinator, for the opportunity to remind his students that borrowing their friend’s suit for an interview may seem like a good idea at the time but presents a risk when they’re banking on making a great first impression in their interviews.

Drexel undergraduate men --- many of them freshmen, anticipating their first co-op interviews --- learn the fundamentals of the interview suit from Les Richards VP Matt Teter, 5.15.12.

Here are Les’s own trend advisories for menswear in Spring 2012:

In a season where designers are redefining the aesthetic of male power and dressing for success, here are some of the key trends for spring ’12:

The Return of the Power Suit

• When looking right means everything today, the dressy suits in Double Breasted, Vested and Modern Styling are de rigueur.  At Les Richards, look for elegant blues, grays and blacks from designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.  The look is fresh, with a trimmer body, flat front pants and interesting lapels.  Don’t forget the wingtip or cap toe shoes, in a variety of shades and leathers.

Color

• Color plays an important role in the coming months.  White will continue to be a dominant color.  Look for white linen jackets and pants from Haspel.  Drawstring pants, camp shirts and driving shoes… all in white.  Pastel gray in linen suits or sport shirts and pants will continue from last spring, from designers like Ben Sherman or English Laundry.  The hottest color of the season will be rust, seen in shoes, accessories and bottoms.

Denim

• Denim has always been a staple in a man’s wardrobe. This spring, see this versatile fabric on blazers, bright colored jeans and shirts.  Les Richards is watching an unlined denim blazer from Haspel.

Suit Yourself Right: The Top Five Tailors In Philadelphia