The Well-Dressed Bostonian: Male Edition

132 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

More often seen in the U.K., this Boston outpost of the chain purveys dark, sleek, man-on-a-sexy-mission thin sweaters, trim pants and incidentally chic leather attaches. Slightly less expensive than designer labels, with a European sheen.

511 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Look casually put-together without the pretense of looking like you tried. Brands such as Modern Amusement, Scotch & Soda and Freitag are comfy, yet city-slick, in this menswear wonderland constructed by owner Gary Ritacco. Spritz yourself with a bottle of Comme des Garcons for extra sweet sniffability.

34 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Haute meets rock-n-roll with designer threads from the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Raf Simons and Lanvin. Friendly, low-key crew helps you seek the best jacket or shoe for the job. It's the most posh service you'll experience while buying a scarf studded with skulls.

230 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116 (map)

An inspired streetwear boutique for the cool kids who grew up, ring-led by John Nichols and Joey Kramer (yes, Aerosmith's drummer). Old-school Vans sit by Supra hi-tops, with racks of cred-worthy jeans, hoodies, tees and an array of artists' skate decks.

100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

The monstrously cool department store with effortlessly hip lines (Thom Browne suits, Jil Sander shoes, Frederic Malle fragrances) delivers style with ease. Luxury goes lighthearted, as the curated selections are framed within the store's infectiously humorous meta-slap on consumerism.

334 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

Independent and conceptual shop proffers cult brands like Rogan, Robert Geller and Nom de Guerre for understated, yet high-brow, fashion for the discerning dresser. Owners Jon Callahan, Tina Burgos and David Nauyokas (plus resident pooch Oonagh) make shoppers feel right at home.

6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

Discovering where the real goods are stashed is a satisfying step in itself. But once you crack the code, scores of coveted sneakers and streetwear duds await to clad you in undeniable coolness.

234 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Bastion of Boston's quirky fashion-forwardness, Louis continues to raise the bar when it comes to style in the city. The institution fosters two strong men's departments--dress suiting, with on-site meticulous tailor, and contemporary men's, including Neil Barrett and Marni--catering to discriminating clients, corporate and playboy alike.

116 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Denim whores, attention: Premium labels, full-service specialists and exclusive lines are all here. But look beyond for high-concept pieces by big-time designers like Junya Watanabe, D-Squared and Martin Margiela. Prepare to spend.

283 Summer St, Boston, MA 02110 (map)

Skedaddle across the Fort Point Channel for a hidden avant-garde gem. Arranged artfully within translucent wardrobes are tops by Rogues Gallery, Nudie jeans and preppy-fop pieces by Band of Outsiders. Also: Free Wii for the playing!