Trending looks
Rollneck men’s sweaters and tops are making a bigger appearance as we head into the autumn season this year, with their versatility making them a suitable pairing for suits, in lieu of ties, and can be substituted for formal as well as casual wear. Moving to the formal side of the spectrum, men’s suits are still embracing the quilted look, but the weight is noticeably thinner than we saw last year. Brown suits are resolutely back in the sartorial ascendancy this season as well, with most numbers appearing smart without giving the overarching impression you’ve just left your workplace. Alexander McQueen offers stunning formal two-piece suits that are perfectly styled for the season.
Keeping everything in check
Check pattern suits are still very much atop the style stakes – just look down any of the busiest streets in town and you’ll see them. There are actually many sub-genres of check patterns, and each one is unique, and best used in different pieces. Wearing checks, when done properly, takes fashion to another level.
A metallic sheen on basic colored men’s suits distinguishes them from flat colors. Handsome notch lapel sport coats crafted from fine wool blends give men a sophisticated air, but be warned – the look can be a trickier one to pull off. Printed shirts still make a statement about your fashion, showing that you’re not afraid to be a little different. And just returning to the topic of suits, let’s lose the loose trousers and get back to slim legs.
Orange isn’t in fact the new black
Even with a mix of vibrant hues being championed on the international runway, contrary to some opinion, orange will not be replacing black anytime soon. Other colors are certainly becoming more widely seen, but orange is still not in the public eye too often, other than perhaps in a clever pocket square.
Baseball jackets and biker jackets are still in style for casual wear. For casual blazers, unstructured tailoring is the asthetic to set. The look is soft, with a natural shoulder. It does take more skill in order to fit a natural shoulder, as opposed to a padded shoulder, but the style is still there.
We are also still seeing many military colors in casual wear, though camouflage prints are really too much of an exaggeration of the military look, proving not as popular. The colors of casual you should look out for this autumn are blues, greens, grays and blacks.
The latter colourway is still as popular as ever, in both formal and casual wear. Wearing black from head to toe still makes a sharp statement about your sense of style. Wool shearling and shearling zip jackets are in and we’ve noticed that sporty chic is still in keeping with the newest trends. Christopher Shannon shows some unique looks for fall and winter in casual sportswear.
Accessories maketh the man
Finally, to complete the look – big bags are seemingly the accessories of choice for this season, so don’t be afraid to carry even larger bags than last year. With the technology we have available today, you need something to keep track of your tablet and other gadgets, as well as work related items. Scarves are in again for the coming seasons. Cashmere is still a favorite, being both sporty and eminently comfortable.
As something of a parting shot, or suggestion if you will, lose the beard and go clean-shaven this season, it will give you a more open appeal. Growing a beard is not an achievement, and a clean-shaven look may be just what you need to start the new season.
by Christian Kachacha
For more fashion tips, read his Men in Style blog here: meninstyle.me