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Rutendo Chidawanyika
WOMEN spend a lot of time studying style trends and determining which looks work for them. They do their research from magazines, TV shows and the internet (styling apps). Men? Not so much. In general, guys don’t put nearly as much time and energy into figuring out what works for them. And unless a fashion-guru woman in their lives takes on the role of image advisor, their “look” often comes together by chance.
However, men have come a long way in the world of fashion, they seem to follow trends and pay attention to what’s hot and not these days. More men are taking risks with bright colours, bold patterns and prints in their day-to-day outfits. But with a constant drip of new-ins and new-outs, it can be hard on both your wallet and your wardrobe to be constantly playing catch up on the latest fashion items.
Luckily for the men I have selected this summers’ MUST HAVES:
Vertical Stripes
Much like checks, it’s hard to remember a time when stripes weren’t an in thing. Offering an alternative to the classic Breton stripe, the fashion of stripes has changed in both colour and size. Vertical stripes are still applicable to everything from t-shirts to tailoring.
Stripes have always been a menswear staple, particularly over the last few seasons. Their popularity comes from their versatility; they really can work for any style, bold or subtle. A classic crew neck t-shirt works under a casual blazer, or for a bolder look try a multi-coloured stripe.
Printed T-Shirts
It isn’t just with sportswear pieces that we’re heading back in time. Printed tees have been around for the past couple of years and they don’t look like they are going anywhere. Printed tees have managed to stay this long on runways, stores and people’s wardrobes. So wearing them is still a safe bet.
Slogan tees can stay, but keep it fresh by combining them with smarter attire, such as unstructured tailoring or fitted chinos, rather than layering underneath flannel shirts and ripped denim jackets.
There’s a strong rave theme emerging in menswear at the moment, which will really begin to take hold later in the summer season. If you want to try a bold print but you’re not quite ready, go for something poppy and graphic in a simple grey, white or navy colour.
Sportswear
Unless you’ve been living under a rock you will already know that sportswear has been one of the biggest risers in menswear over the past couple of seasons.
Key pieces include matching two-piece tracksuits, zip-up nylon sweaters and drawstring trousers (joggers), as well as burnt orange or tobacco brown chevron (zigzag pattern) prints, in luxury fabrics with careful attention to detail. Top this look off with a vintage leather bomber for the ultimate 1970s look.
Neutrals
Neutrals have long been adopted by men as a way of adding other, more vibrant pieces. However, 2016 was the year we learned to go head-to-toe with quieter shades. Which means your wardrobe should already be fully stocked with the pieces you need to pull off this key summer look.
Don’t just carry on doing the same old outfits, though. Learn to layer in different ways and use new styling tricks, such as tucking in a polo shirt or mixing the trend with another, like wide-leg trousers. To keep neutrals modern, incorporate a more relaxed fit and use of different fabrications.
Colours have now shifted to earthier tones.
Checks
Checks have been a constant part of the male wardrobe for centuries. Although a plaid shirt or Prince of Wales check blazer will always be a sound investment, the upcoming seasons will see designers apply checks to everything from knitwear and t-shirts to trousers and bomber jackets. So if you went big in 2016, great. Even better if what you have is in a muted grey or neutral shade.
Checks started off as quite chilled and have moved on to be bolder as guys have become more confident when wearing them. On suits, the trend for a classic Prince of Wales check has now developed to a tonal windowpane.
Cuban Collars
If there was one piece we couldn’t do without, it was the Cuban collar shirt. Hawaiian prints might have calmed down, but if you picked up a toned down print or plain Cuban collar shirt, keep hold of it. This summer, combine with a leather jacket and some slim-fit jeans for an update of an old-school classic. (on a chilly night out)
Cuban collars are here to stay for a few summers because they’re practical. The best of these shirts come in cotton or linen, so light and airy on a hot day — and flattering.
Refined Athleisure
It’s safe to say the menswear world has been under attack from sportswear for countless years, and with each season, key casual pieces have become more acceptable in all situations.
Take your sports knit or sweat and tuck it into your trousers — this subtle styling tool has been seen across the menswear shows and street style snaps.
Or go modern with a classic suit by wearing a track top underneath. New styling techniques can modernise your look without the need for a wardrobe overhaul.
Wide-Leg Trousers
For the past few seasons, looser cuts and shapes — whether that’s on coats, hoodies or, indeed, trousers have been working their way from the runways to the mainstream. The more relaxed way of dressing, which started to be picked up by brands and retailers in 2016, is set to reach a peak over the next 12 months according the predictions of style experts.
Although the look has been turning up at a very low pace, if you snapped up a more relaxed fit last year, keep hold of it — the shape has serious staying power. The easiest entry into the world of wider fits is with denim. No need to go full Slim Shady though, a straight leg is a good first step. Try a rugged black jean with a chunky turn-up and brogue boots.
For something smarter, it’s wise to wear something with weight like a wool-mix. This will gather nicely on your shoe rather than just looking like you’ve got your dad’s trousers on. -Additional information from Online
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