MIDTOWN. M. Penner carries European suits with sex appeal and Continental style ­ conservative clothing with European flair. Brands include Pierre Cardin, Canali, Vestimenta, and Brioni. Offers Fumigali and Ferragamo neckwear and does an impressive made-to-measure business in the Ermenegildo Zegna line. Upstairs, find European sportswear like linen trousers, fine-gauge knit T-shirts, and woven sport shirts geared more towards going out to dinner than playing golf.

UPPER KIRBY DISTRICT. Norton Ditto details, through fine menswear, the story of two men who made friends of customers and customers of friends. The exclusive shop carries brands like Oxford and Hickey-Freeman, along with stylish European imports. Through the years, it has clothed everyone from local businessmen to presidents.