While "Parsnip tart with quinoa, hazelnuts, and bok choy" might prove delicious, all you really want is a glowing bowl of mac & cheese. For gear that combines the refinement of the former with the familiarity of the latter, try Five Four's new line.

Launched by two USC grads, 5/4's understated yet compelling basics have attracted followers from Don Cheadle to Larry King, who actually customized the company's jeans with suspenders (indicating he's now looking for a girl 2/7th's his age). Button-ups come in simple workingman's plaids, while the sturdy selvage (each thread's woven 64 times) is made by Kaihara -- Japan's oldest denim manufacturer, formerly known as "Kaihara-Strauss". Meanwhile, outerwear ranges from the tweed "Oxford" pea coat, to a New Yorkish wool zip-up, to "The Vandal" -- a military-inpsired jacket w/ removable lining, patches, and a heavy wash finish for a rugged look only undermined by the presence of you within it.

As a bonus, Five Four's having a Dec 8-9 sample sale at their headquarters -- from which you'll emerge looking so refined, everyone at your next dinner will hail the Return of the Mac.

Here's the sale; click FiveFourClothing.com to see more