Menswear: Play it close to the vest

Finally, we're over weeklong casual Fridays!

Spring's three-piece suits and sleeveless sweaters echo sartorially smooth '30s star Clark Gable and TV's Boardwalk Empire. But dressing up is not just for old guys. Teen idol Justin Bieber and twentysomething rocker Bruno Mars also play it close to the vest.

What draws today's dashing dandies to vests are price — less than sport coats or Savile Row suits — with greater panache than pullovers.

“Vests are hip, young and versatile,” says Perry Ellis creative director John Crocco. “They sell better than matching slacks and jackets. So clearly, guys wear them other ways.”

J. Crew pairs vests with skinny ties, rolled-up sleeves and jeans.

You also can loosen your collar or completely unfasten a vest over a T-shirt — just not at work.

“Casual doesn't mean untucked shirttails,” Crocco says; nor should ties hang farther than partly buttoned vests. “That's sloppy.”

Otherwise, Crocco says, “Anything works if you wear it with confidence.”