Best store for men's clothing

Anyone can go to J. Crew or Banana Republic and pick up the ubiquitous pair of khakis and stretch-cotton button-down shirt, but why bother? You don't have to be one of those newfangled metrosexuals to savor some haute couture. At Back Bay fashion institution Louis Boston, spending some long dollars will land you a pair of Paper Denim slacks or an Avon Celli turtleneck. And if the latest European labels at Louis Boston don't make you feel like a new man, the personalized service will.

For those in need of a traditional fashion fix, Brooks Brothers, which tied in this category, never fails. Be it your first suit (the blazer and slacks you wore to your cousin's wedding don't count) or something to wear when you meet your significant other's parents (face it, those cargo pants are getting tired), Brooks Brothers will deliver with finely tailored Italian wool and cashmere suits, English silk ties, and cotton-broadcloth dress shirts. A guy could develop a taste for this.

Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, (617) 262-6100. Brooks Brothers, 46 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 267-2600; 75 State Street, Boston, (617) 261-9990.