What’s the occasion?
MEN are getting more self expressive and braver in their fashion statements. Don Draper and Roger Sterling can certainly take a portion of the credit but it’s also the accessability of well designed, affordable clothes that has revolutionised the way men are now choosing to dress.
The high street and internet has opened up a world of retail like never before. Taking the time to consider your sartorial choices online before purchasing means that you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
Many elements define good mens’ fashion, from style and taste to size and fit. It has never been about re-inventing the wheel but about attention to detail. Whether it’s a subtle tweek on a standard shirt or the addition of a tie-pin to your daily routine, it’s the simple things give you the edge.
Season to season catwalk trends have never featured highly in menswear but they are on the radar and depending on how fashion forward you’d like to be, there’s plenty to choose from. Mods to minimalists, traditional tweed lovers to old fashioned sportwear as seen at David Beckhams bodywear collection for H&M; inspiration is at hand.
Below is a guide on how to dress for varying occasions — from muted weekendwear to colourful college looks and discreet boardroom attire to uber cool clothes for Saturday night, as well as how to bring a dapper edge to a wedding ensemble. Diversity is the single most liberating force in fashion right now so pick and choose as you please.
There is one primary dictator when it comes to student fashion and that is budget. Warmth and how it rates are also high on the list but let’s face it, if it ain’t kind on the pocket, it’s not going in the basket.
Penneys is booming its way through the recession. With a new menswear buyer at the helm this season, they’re upping the ante. Fairisle knits, check shirts, coloured chinos and down filled jackets are the uniform.
Graphic knits are where it’s at this season. Slightly retro with their 70’s ski instructor vibe, pair with coloured chinos for a contemporary feel. Check out Farah Vintage or Joules for the best shape and feel.
As for accessories, Converse still reign supreme. This version from Debenhams also has a herringbone tweed ankle panel.
1. Labels to look to: Farah Vintage, Diesel, Abercrombie & Fitch.
2. Add accents of colour and pattern with camouflage, fairisle, paisley or plaid.
3. If you’re going to work the high street, shop around. For example, Topman doing a roaring trade in skinny jeans but H&M are better for a straight leg cut.
Weekend attire has plenty of variables. You could go down the traditional tweed vibe. Paired with paisleys and foulard prints, no dandy could resist.
However, Robbie Williams’ new fashion brand Farrell says it all when it comes to weekend wear. Easy separates in a muted palette of charcoal, marl grey and deep inky blues give it a laid back vibe.
Think peacoats, grandad collars, soft slouchy tailoring, classic sweatshirts, denim and chunky lace-up boots. The silhouette is loose and unstructured but not overly slouchy and works well with denim but is equally as good with softly tailored trousers.
The classic grey sweatshirt plays a crucial role in this style with every store from American Apparel to Next jumping on the bandwagon. For the final finishing touch, give a nod to James Dean with slicked back hair for that retro feel.
1. Labels to look to: J. Lindeberg, Farrell, Cos.
2. Soft tailoring is key.
3. Keep the palette muted and sedate to nail this look.
Fashion is about self expression and what better opportunity to let loose than under the darkness of a Saturday night. The slick, new interpretation of the Mod look is trend focused and officially cool.
Essential ingredients: skinny leg trousers; a dark shirt; leather of some description and a slimline shoe all in the regulation muted palette of black, burgundy, bottle green, brown and shades of grey. Full leather trousers are the ultimate statement.
For a more accessible alternative, coated denim is the way to go. Finish with a slimline shoe or boot. Your jacket should be biker or bomber inspired in leather or suede with fleece collars and zip detailing adding extra punch.
A tailored blazer is ideal for layering under-neath. Shirts should be slim cut with contrasting collar and cuffs or plain and worn with a same colour narrow tie.
1. Labels to look to: The Kooples, Sandro, Acne.
2. Everything from lapels to legs are slim-fitting so as with all trends, gage if this one is right for you.
3. A rock star glint is not essential but certainly helps.
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