One of the great things about menswear is that while trends come and go, like the ’70s polyester suit and ’80s punk style, it always seems to return to a clean, masculine style. 2011 has definitely brought a huge revival of this classic look. In both couture and catalogs, you’ll see men dressed in flattering styles and natural fabrics. The ’90s grunge look is out, and the clean, well-groomed look of an earlier era is back. In that vein, here are 3 of my favorite menswear trends for fall 2011.
colored denim – We have a tendency to always think of denim as “blue jeans”. But colored denim is a big trend for fall and a great way to dress up your normal denim look. It is now accepted that you can wear white jeans, even after Labor Day. Just rock them with darker pieces, like gray or brown shoes and belt, and a navy sport jacket. Gray jeans are a great look for fall. You can pair them with other cool hues like a blue and white striped shirt, camel suede shoes, and a blue jean jacket for a nice, laid-back look. Or for something a little more daring, try golden yellow denim pants. Just remember that this is a bright color, and the rest of your outfit should stay neutral, like tans or navy blues.
Fashion inspired by “Mad Men”- Ever since the TV show “Mad Men” became outrageously popular, several different clothing companies have introduced tailored and form-fitting lines inspired by the pre-hippie era of the early 1960s. Personally, I look forward to looking forward to Banana Republic’s “Mad Men”-inspired menswear line coming this fall. The reason this particular line works so well is that it offers an updated twist on the classic, retro look. This is the key to looking appropriate, not like you’re wearing a costume, by emulating vintage fashion. The key pieces to achieving the “Mad Men”-inspired look are slim-fit suits, shawl-collar sweaters, slim-fit pants, vests and high-waisted coats. If you’re attending a formal event, a classic black silk bow tie is key, and for everyday wear, a nice silk tie with tie accessories is appropriate.
smart casual looks What do I mean by “elegant causal”? Well, it differs from what you think is purely elegant. For a casual and elegant look, start with a casual base. This could be a pair of relaxed chinos and a polo shirt or screen-printed cotton t-shirt. Then add an item you’d normally only consider dressy, like a well-fitting sports jacket. For another smart casual look, try a pair of dark wash jeans and a button down shirt with the vest from your three piece suit. Or, black jeans with a plain white t-shirt and a tuxedo jacket. You can also dress up any casual outfit with an interesting accessory, like a vintage pocket watch or a nice pair of leather oxfords. Celebrities who regularly and successfully rock the smart casual look include Kanye West, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake and Pharell Williams. Just never mix a blazer or sports jacket with shorts when going for a smart casual look.