The winter season of 2009/ 2010 promises to be a fun and vibrant start to a wonderfully eccentric new year in men's fashion that will certainly push the aesthetic boundaries, especially with regards to colour, form, and patterning.
Wear Designer Jeans With Everything and Everything, Smart Casual
Smart casual has made an enormous comeback in recent years as men across the globe suit up in a fitted pair of designer jeans accompanied by a stylish sport jacket and screen printed tee. Designers such as Marc Ecko and 7 For All Mankind are benefiting a great deal from this trend, as are more fusion designers such as Etro.
In the winter season, smart casual can still be de rigeur! Jeans can be worn throughout the winter climate, though a variation of shade must occur (for example, wearing light-blue “summer” denim is still out of order) though light gray and black remain acceptable. Black dyed denim jeans are somewhat bettered by pinstriped or patterned (say, in a slight chevron pattern) cotton flat-front casual pants, however.
Screen printed t-shirts and band t-shirts have also skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, becoming appropriate attire for teens as well as for adults. Popular retail chains such as Bluenotes, Randy River, Urban Planet, American Eagle, Old Navy, and Aeropostale offer a variety of inexpensive screen printed shirts – the prevailing fashion suggestion being to choose high-contrast colours (black base with neon prints) for wear during the evening or during summer months.
Out With the Old Trends, In With the New Trends (The Return of the Hat)
A few things that come to mind immediately with regard to fashion trends that have outstayed their welcome include the skinny pant or skinny jean, the “Kanye West” slotted shades, large, crunky jewelry (being replaced by sleek, modern looking equivalents), and the extra-long polo shirt.
One item that has become very much in vogue, and will see continued success in 2009 / 2010 is the men's hat – particularly the fedora, newsboy, and Kangol caps. Commonly offered in pinstriped patterns as well as embroidered with various characters such as skulls and script, hats are once again fashionable and can be worn by men from all walks of life – a much needed juxtaposition of traditional sensibilities and modern panache.
Patterned Polka Dot Pocket Squares and Handkerchiefs (and more!)
With regard to a more formal or business casual style, an appeal to personality and flair is certainly evident with recent fashion resurgences in office and formalwear. Commonly relegated to online boutiques, individual artisans, and designer collections – the ostentatiously patterned pocket square has made an emergence in the greater consumer market.
Polka dots, bright and bold stripes, and paisley swirls can be found adorning many popular silk and cotton offerings at major menswear retailers – having finally made the leap from necktie to pocket square or handkerchief.
Whatever the changes the season may bring, it remains of prime importance that men take the care to refresh their wardrobes – retiring the pilled and much-loved contenders of yesteryear in favour of newer, more inspired offerings in a slew of vibrant and daring cuts and colours. Standing resplendent in a sharp, cultivated wardrobe brings a level of confidence that many men can only dream of.
Wear Designer Jeans With Everything and Everything, Smart Casual
Smart casual has made an enormous comeback in recent years as men across the globe suit up in a fitted pair of designer jeans accompanied by a stylish sport jacket and screen printed tee. Designers such as Marc Ecko and 7 For All Mankind are benefiting a great deal from this trend, as are more fusion designers such as Etro.
In the winter season, smart casual can still be de rigeur! Jeans can be worn throughout the winter climate, though a variation of shade must occur (for example, wearing light-blue “summer” denim is still out of order) though light gray and black remain acceptable. Black dyed denim jeans are somewhat bettered by pinstriped or patterned (say, in a slight chevron pattern) cotton flat-front casual pants, however.
Screen printed t-shirts and band t-shirts have also skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, becoming appropriate attire for teens as well as for adults. Popular retail chains such as Bluenotes, Randy River, Urban Planet, American Eagle, Old Navy, and Aeropostale offer a variety of inexpensive screen printed shirts – the prevailing fashion suggestion being to choose high-contrast colours (black base with neon prints) for wear during the evening or during summer months.
Out With the Old Trends, In With the New Trends (The Return of the Hat)
A few things that come to mind immediately with regard to fashion trends that have outstayed their welcome include the skinny pant or skinny jean, the “Kanye West” slotted shades, large, crunky jewelry (being replaced by sleek, modern looking equivalents), and the extra-long polo shirt.
One item that has become very much in vogue, and will see continued success in 2009 / 2010 is the men's hat – particularly the fedora, newsboy, and Kangol caps. Commonly offered in pinstriped patterns as well as embroidered with various characters such as skulls and script, hats are once again fashionable and can be worn by men from all walks of life – a much needed juxtaposition of traditional sensibilities and modern panache.
Patterned Polka Dot Pocket Squares and Handkerchiefs (and more!)
With regard to a more formal or business casual style, an appeal to personality and flair is certainly evident with recent fashion resurgences in office and formalwear. Commonly relegated to online boutiques, individual artisans, and designer collections – the ostentatiously patterned pocket square has made an emergence in the greater consumer market.
Polka dots, bright and bold stripes, and paisley swirls can be found adorning many popular silk and cotton offerings at major menswear retailers – having finally made the leap from necktie to pocket square or handkerchief.
Whatever the changes the season may bring, it remains of prime importance that men take the care to refresh their wardrobes – retiring the pilled and much-loved contenders of yesteryear in favour of newer, more inspired offerings in a slew of vibrant and daring cuts and colours. Standing resplendent in a sharp, cultivated wardrobe brings a level of confidence that many men can only dream of.
