The menswear outlook this season is all about being bold and creative. The idea is to lose style inhibitions and ignore the cold stares that men may invite by donning something "different".
The general assumption is that men stick to basics when it comes to high fashion but it's not so.
No two ways about the fact that men want to look great and are
becoming bolder in accepting fashion choices that may not be considered
menswear mainstream.
Consider that men are opting to wear shortest of shorts and brightest of colors (Neons?), a lot of sheer and flora and fauna this summer!
This summer is all about pushing boundaries of fashion.
Menswear today is stepping up big time and thankfully, so are men!
Menswear is the new global lingua franca of the world of fashion. Even womenswear is taking inspiration from it.
Men rejoice!
The trends seem to be twirling between -
Chic and Gentlemanly(classic),
Military and Grunge,
Tailored and Masculine,
Victorian(vintage) and Contemporary,
Effortless and Minimalist,
Street and Urban
Monochromatic and Colorful
Frankly, all this twirling leaves men dazed!
I speak a lot of guys on their style queries and often tell them and tell them NOT TO GET CONFUSED.
All trends do not have to be followed. Follow the ones you are comfortable with. Period.
Fashion gurus around the world come up with the best fashion advice and wisdom for men. So the best way is to stick to your guru and follow the source of his or her inspiration.
I, particularly write for metrosexual men. Men who love the 3 S - Sports, Sex and Shopping (I prefer the order the Ss appear in :))
Ok! Now about some real stuff -
Here are some of my personal favorites I am trying out this summer -
Whimsical Motifs
It all happened when I picked up these Greyhound (the fashion label) Khaki (color) Chinos (fabric) in Bangkok early this year. Since then I have been hooked onto whimsical motifs that add an extra touch of "statement" to your otherwise boring and drab bottoms -
Checkout a few more options -
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| Picture from Pinterest |
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| Picture from Pinterest |
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| Picture from Pinterest |
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| Nautica Spring Summer 2012 Menswear Collection. Picture - stykerumor dot com |
Motifs necessarily don't have to be limited just to bottoms! You can find them on bow-ties, ties, shirts - possibly anywhere! They look neat! That's just it!
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| Picture from Pinterest |
High Contrast - Bright something on a Dull anything (ensemble)!
Yes, high contrast - This summer is a good example of that proclivity! And, the contrast has to be of a unique kind! Make a statement wearing a colorful pair of socks giving your outfit an edgy look this summer. Btw, this look is called TinTin inspired. The socks need to be quite visible to get the right look! Watch n' learn -
Pair your outfit with a contrasting bright, standing-out, statement-making socks. You can go for plain, ostentatious patterns etc. Pick them up off the rack from leading brands - most are selling statement socks!
Don't just (yet again :)) limit to bright socks. Use contrast in your overall outfit! The idea is to use Unexpected Color Combos!
Different? This is Different!
After indulging in sporadic flashes of high contrast, unexpected color combos taking Color Blocking to extremes, TinTin inspired style and whimsical motifs - it's now turn in understanding what's different?
These are different -
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| Doublju Mens slim Fit two button point Shirts, Picture - Pinterest |
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| The Faceless Watch, Picture - TheFancy.com |
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| Au Naturale Wooden Watches by WeWood Jupiter Watch, Picture - Cool Material.com |
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| Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Brogue Shoe T-Bar Cufflinks, Picture - MrPorter.com |
The idea of looking different this summer is to keep an eye on "different" stuff - from style, colors to products and accessories that are trending especially on these awesome websites that dole out amazing fashion dope. I'm hooked and a lot of my inspiration is coming from fashionable men around the globe who are maintaining and sharing their style files, boards and portfolios here (On "The Fancy" and "Pinterest"; However, "Cool Material" offers interesting insights and the option to shop the most amazing gadgets, products and accessories) -
1. The Fancy
2. Pinterest
and,
3. Cool Material
Checkout ->
http://coolmaterial.com/
COOL TIP: Bored with done-to-death white soles? How about wearing some color this summer -
Colored soles and two-tone shoes are are in, so grab an awesome pair while you can and automatically upgrade your wardrobe for the summer -
These are my fav -
Atchoo...Atchoo...Atchoo...God bless me! Can't seem to think of anything else other than sneezing right now.
Will catch up later and share some more interesting stuff!
Right now, I'm gonna make myself a hot cup of masala tea with a high dose of ginger and honey!
Updated on 15th May 2012 ->
Follow the current crop of Hollywood hunks and their latest hairstyles ->
Cya!
Amit Anand