Middle America and chic have never quite co-existed in the same sentence. It seems difficult to turn burly shearling leather coats, rugged blues, lumberjack plaids, fishing vests and rubber boots into something that can blend into that chi-chi new restaurant designed by Philip Starck. Sure, plaid shirts and American sports coats may still have a deserving space in the country club, but appropriate doesn’t exactly translate into chic either. Well, not until Scott Sternberg showed up in 2004 and decided to give the great Americana sartorial traditions a makeover. Then, magically, preppy looks and American classics are updated to timely proportions. Suits are well tailored and at times shrunken, shirts are cut slim, and knits are given a new boyish appeal. Here is the brand who has brought the term hipster to live with refashioned vintage looks meticulously crafted with hand-sewn seams and sleek proportions. This season, Band of Outsiders continues on its journey of making everything casual and comfortable chic, while urging all to go outside and cave in to the inner child.

The Fall/Winter 2010 Look Book is displayed in polaroid format, giving off a dreamy, washed out look that is reminiscent of the phrase “good old days”. Climb some trees in Mt. Baldy, California, in striped polo short-sleeved shirts with contrasting collars and fitted cotton chinos; stay prepared for unforseen showers with an anorak. Explore with a fluffy shearing toggle coat and waxed canvas chukkahs, then meet up with your lady in a fitted navy school boy blazer over an oxford shirt with a wool tie. One other thing to note about this collection is the resurrection of materials we have seen, lived and loved– suits are remade in corduroy and tuxedos are warm in wool. Sure, Band of Outsiders may not be able stunning the crowd with brand new silhouettes or shapes or colors and prints for its men, but it aims to be a little more timeless and nostalgic. It aims to be familiar with relevance, and it is designed to be loved for season after season. Check out the feel-good look book, and see if you concur.