There are few things gayer than velvet. Spandex and lace come to mind. But get all your preconceived notions about velvet out of your head. It is not just for prom dresses anymore.

A velvet blazer is a great closet staple and has surprising versatility. It can be dressed up and dressed down. It is appropriate with a shirt and tie equally as it is when paired with a turtleneck and jeans. Every designer has shown velvet jackets recently. Whether Michael Kors or H&M, the velvet blazer is a trend that looks like it's staying.

Choosing the right color is the most important decision. Choose black, chocolate, or red if you make the holiday party circuit. These colors appear a little more sophisticated. If you want less flash and something more casual we say go for camel, browns, greens, or mustard yellow. These earth tones don't appear too dressy and look great with a new pair of boots and classic Levi's.

The Gap has a great velvet cord jacket, in black or brown, for only $88. If you can drop a few more bucks then check out Neiman Marcus. They have a large selection of designer velvet jackets, from Etro and Juicy Couture, in bold colors. And as always thrift shops and eBay are perfect places to find vintage pieces.

You could also opt for velvet trousers, but that might be too gay. Even for us.

One item every man should have in his closet is a tuxedo. Even if you do not live a life where you are constantly dressed to the nines, it is a staple that will last a lifetime. Think of all the weddings and parties you have attended in the past. Think of all you (hopefully) will be invited to in the future.

Tuxedos can range drastically in price. Find a price you are comfortable with and go from there. We suggest staying with classic black. White jackets can be very fashion forward, but don’t always work with every event. eBay and thrift stores can be a great way to find vintage pieces at amazing prices. Just be sure to check the seams, seam allowances (if you need to have it taken in), and fabric carefully. And take the time to have them tailored to your body. We found a 35 pound grey velvet tux in London this summer. So great deals are out there.

Every man looks great in a tux and rented tuxes can be spotted a mile away. After renting a few times you could have purchased your own.

In San Francisco, discount fashion store Jeremy’s always has a great selection of Armanis deeply discounted. If you have the cash to blow check out Bergdorf Goodman, where you can mix and match many evening options including “Etro velvet pants, dinner jackets from Cantarelli and Boglioli, and a denim tuxedo from Tourist.”

Once you invest in a tux stay clear of tacky vests and clip-on ties. Learn to tie a real bowtie and go for a cummerbund. Even if you spent $100 you will look like a million bucks.

While at dinner last week at Baltimore's very glam Pazo my best friend from childhood recalled my middle school obsession with Miami Vice and how I so desperately wanted to be Don Johnson. It is true. I lived for pale pink and blue blazers back then.

Although we need to get through Fall/Winter 2005 first (think black on black) next spring sees my childhood obsession come into full bloom. The pastel blazer is back and will be a must have for every man, gay or straight, this coming spring.

Valentino showed a pale rose skinny suit that was smart with shiny loafers and ribbon belt. Donatella toned down Versace's usual eurotrash colors for soft yellow, Prada went baby blue with shirts and shorts, and Paul Smith paired his with gray pinstripes and blue shoes.

The best showing was Italian house Etro's periwinkle suit with wide legs. It did Crockett and Tubbs proud. If a pastel suit is too much or too gay (is there such a thing?) we recommend pairing the blazer with jeans, khakis, or beige shorts and a crisp white shirt. More photos after the jump.

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