Colour really hit the catwalks big time for spring/summer 2012, with numerous designers featuring striking selections using neon, fluro and candy colours. Colour blocking moves on from autumn/winter with plenty of high voltage neon’s seen on the catwalks and now filtering down onto the highstreet, Republic clothing have a fantastic selection of bright colours as you can see from the picture below. Make sure you add these into your wardrobe and start working your colour blocking.
Designers such as Peter Som, Jason Wu, Rodarte, Ruffian and Nanette Leopre all chose the colour blocking route with their collections, the clothes were also teamed with brighter, than bright coloured accessories, so don’t be afraid to mix and match clashing colours.
It’s not just brights either which are dominating this season, candy colours also proved big on the catwalks. Jill Stuart, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Kurt Geiger are all making the most out of the candy pallet which has also filtered down to the highstreet.
Try mixing bold bright colours with more subdued candy colours for a stand out look, with shoes and accessories perfect to brighten up dreary days.
Colour burst
It is one thing to own a nice suit but it is quite another thing to keep it looking smart. A good suit should not only last a long time but look good for that entire time.
It is important to avoid pulling on the suit as much as possible. This can be done in some very simple ways, for example, avoiding placing belongings in the pockets. Placing belongings in the pockets tugs on the seams of the suit and loosens them up over time. Heavy items, such as keys and loose change, are known to create this type of wear.
Sitting down in a suit also pulls on the suit. This is why it is important for suit wearers to unbutton their suits before sitting. This allows the suit to stretch without being pulled and tugged.
When it comes to storing the suit, a wooden hanger should be used. Wooden hangers made specifically for suits can be purchased. They allow the suit to be hung in a closet without incurring damaged. A breathable garment bag can also be used to protect the suit from the elements.
Menswear tends to be simple in its style, focused and wearable for any occasion, this year mens fashion is all about keeping it simple and classic but with a modern style twist.
On the catwalks we saw different fabrics such as Lurex adding to a sporty look from Prada, Calvin Klein went for a modern Biggles look with updated bomber jackets and wide leg chino trousers and of course the trade mark scarf. Not a look every man can pull off all at once but pieces can be taken from this style and used in other looks. Other designer looks for spring/summer have a slight 90’s look to them Adam Kimmel went for distressed jeans and sweaters whilst Louis Vuitton went for varsity jackets and scruffy denim.
Continuing on from last year the ever popular preppy trend is still continuing into spring summer, make sure you have key pieces such as track tops, sweater and of course the varsity jacket, these work well with chino trousers or Republic jeans for an easy everyday look. Keep it casual taking style tips from Johnny Depp or Robert Pattinson who have both mastered this scruffy sophisticated style.
If your style is less scruffy and more; smart casual then there are other ways you can take the preppy look, swap jeans for corduroy trousers with tidy turn ups and varsity jacket for a blazer and add a fine check shirt and a dandy pocket square. Boat shoes are a classic smart, casual shoe but boots also work well. If you’re going for boat or deck shoes as they are also known, make sure your socks are tidy and match!
Updated classic styles for the modern man
Relaxed, oversized jackets are emerging as a fashion trend so it makes sense that relaxed, oversized trousers follow suit and it is true to say that the tail end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 will be a period of true experimentation with regard to the fit of men’s pants – from the very fitted to the very loose.
While you may consider it an easy task to simply go out and buy oversized trousers, there is much more to making a purchase than you might expect. While relaxed and loose trousers are easy to pick up, you need to look for tailored trousers in particular. This will prevent the trend from looking overly casual. When out shopping for loose trousers, you should look for versions that are loosely tailored throughout both the thighs and the crotch.
Once you have kept these elements in mind, you can drive your fashion status even further by adopting relaxed cut trousers that are the on-trend interpretations of the styles seen at the autumn/winter 2011 menswear catwalk shows. As you may already know, women’s clothing has been hit by the return of the pleat and menswear is not likely to escape this trend either.
Two types of pleats are making their way back onto the catwalk: forward pleats and reverse pleats. If you don’t recognise one type of pleat from another, forward pleats are pleats that open towards the centre of the pants while reverse pleats are pleats that open towards the pockets. Eccentric British designer, Vivienne Westwood, is just one designer who dared to experiment with both casually tailored waist lines and pleats in her autumn/winter 2011 collection.
So it’s the season of the jumper, normally worn as a necessity rather than as a fashion statement, however this season jumpers have come into their own. You know something is going to be hot when designers champion them on the catwalks, the likes of Missoni, Tommy Hilfiger and Givenchy all resurrected the jumper as a fashion statement.
This season you should be rocking bright knits, slouchy sweaters and in your face, patterned jumpers. Power jumpers will keep you snuggly and warm but also make you look hot, hot, hot instead of a throwback from your childhood. Many of the highstreet stores have a huge selection of jumpers, glitzy for the party season or slouchy for casualwear. Clothing from Vila offer a selection sexy jumpers, yes that’s right sexy jumpers!
This season you can easily find jumpers to work with all the trends, for day wear and for evening wear so there is no reason not to add some knitwear to your wardrobe this season.
Why not work boyfriend style slouchy, cable knits big and baggy, opt for leggings or tights and team with boots for a rugged everyday look. For a sexier look try teaming a sequined black jumper with black leather trousers, perfect for a kick-ass evening out. Motifs are also big so why not wear a jumper adorned with a furry friend, just like the celebs have been opt for horses, birds, dogs, rabbits and cats for a on trend cute look. Finally it’s time to embrace pattered jumpers, try Fair Isle or Native American patterns in great natural looking colours.
Music is always in fashion, indeed fashion and music go together. Band motif T-shirts and sweatshirts make an effortless style statement and give a simple essence of retro cool to any outfit.
Bands and genres define generations and set trends that are never forgotten. A motif T-shirt in tribute to a beloved artist such as The Beatles, The Stone Roses, Athlete or Snow Patrol is the music-lover’s ideal staple to complete an individual, casual look. This has not been lost on designers and retailers, and now there is no need to go to a gig to pick up a T-shirt.
These T-shirts and sweatshirts are generally not designed to look smart, so keep the rest of the look fairly crisp to give it the right balance. Straight-leg jeans in dark blue denim, worn with a dark blazer will work well. Finish with a scarf with neutral colours to give a stylish, casual look without looking scruffy. For smart, lace-up trainers, check out the range by Converse.
Rockin style!
If you are a keen follower of fashion, you will already be aware of the snood. The snood is like marmite – people either love it or hate. If you already bought one last year, the good news is, this accessory is sticking around for a little longer yet. The snood is loved for its versatility; it is easy to wear and can be teamed up with a smart tailored suit or a simple, everyday outfit. Some consider the snood to be unsightly in appearance and less elegant in comparison to a traditional scarf. Yet the snood holds the added advantage of lacking in bulky knots and lumps and so contributes to a sleek image.
The snood comes in many different colours. You can either opt for a daring, coloured snood or a classic, no fuss snood. If your wardrobe consists of bold statement outfits, a neutral snood would be your best bet. Conversely, if you lack courage when it comes to wearing colour, a bold snood would brighten up your day and your outfit in one fell swoop. Snoods are available in an array of patterns and materials so you will be sure to at least one to suit your preferences. For effortless, signature style, snap up a snood.
The denim jacket, one of the most popular forms of clothing in the 80′s, has recently been making a comeback in the world of men’s fashion. In recent years the denim jacket has been making appearances in both the catwalk and on high streets. Partly responsible for this recent fashion trend are Doctor Who actor, Matt Smith and Kills’ guitarist, Jamie Hince, both of whom have been spotted wearing stone washed denim jackets.
Wearing a Denim Jacket
The best way to wear a denim jacket is with a retro t-shirt and a pair of shorts or chinos. Contrast is obviously a very important aspect of the denim look. It is recommended that you try to avoid the double-denim style, unless you are sporting two very different washes. Usually dark trousers will work better with light denim and vice versa. You can either go for a full casual look with a printed tee or opt for a smarter style with Republic shirts, which would be ideal for a night out.
Another great way to wear denim is to go for the all white look. This can be great if you have a beige or cream jacket and trousers. The added edition of sunglasses and black shoes makes for a great combination and is sure to make you stand out in a crowd. It’s good to have a selection of jackets and coats in your wardrobe and a denim jacket makes for a nice change especially when you’re not wearing jeans.
Denim Jackets
Designers continued to go retro this season by pushing the high-waist pants trend onto the runways for their autumn/winter collections. Impeccably chic and very seventies, the high-waist pants are both loved and hated, but can definitely not be ignored as they hit the ramps this season.
Retro-Style
High-waist pants, hitting the highs of one’s figure and flattering the waist, bring a sleek new look to one’s wardrobe. For an absolutely stunning look, combine high-waist flares with the same coloured turtleneck blouse to give the impression of really long legs, then accessorize with a tiny belt.
Trend-setting designers experimented with pinstripes and flares, combining the high-waist pants with silk blouses and technicolour shirts to create figure-flattering outfits that are kind to even not-so-slim waists. These pants are great for women with small tummies, as well-tailored high-waist pants serve as amazing tummy-cinchers. Dressed up with chunky heeled shoes, the high-waist pants create a sleek, sophisticated look.
A tip for the winter season is to pair these pants with woollens rather than silk and ultra-soft fabrics. Also consider wearing the high-waist pants with a jacket as these pants tend to make hips look wider than they actually are. For women with more athletic figures, however, the high-waist can be worn with a tucked-in top minus the jacket.
While choosing a pair of high-waist pants, make sure your pair fits perfectly. The key is to have the waistband sit snugly against your middle. This makes for the tailored fit that truly flatters the figure and creates an hourglass impression.
The high-waist has always been a controversial style, but fashion experts are praising the trend as one to be embraced this year. High-waist denims are also seeing a surge in retail stores with jeans manufacturers stocking stores with the seventies inspired flares. Complimented perfectly with a tank top or a peasant blouse, the high-waist denims create a flawless retro look. The style is about tucking the top in so as to appear taller and thinner, so choose your blouse or top carefully. Accessorize with bangles and rings and a pair of sunglasses for a look that is pure chic.
High Waisted jeans
Paisley prints, traditionally associated with class and style are currently seeing resurgence this autumn and winter. Paisley‘s popularity among designers has seen this pretty pink appear on everything from dresses to accessories like bags and scarves, making it one of the coolest looks of the season.
Distinctive Prints
The paisley print looks good and fits nicely this autumn and winter season with combinations like jeans, dressy pants, skinny jeans, leggings and even corduroy. Paisley prints are versatile enough to lend themselves to a variety of outfit styles. Drape a paisley scarf around a neutral shade dress and achieve instant style, or combine a paisley print dress with high-heeled sandals and a monochrome bag to get a super chic look. Paisley adds a generous dose of class to any wardrobe.
From colourful, florid to elegant coloured patterns, paisley stoles and scarves stand out with their patterns. Popular this season is the Kashmiri paisley print, most notably the pashmina paisley. Kashmiri paisley, also known as block print paisley, is especially popular because of its classic design. Candy-coloured Kashmiri paisley pants, teamed up with flat sandals and a simple cotton shirt are just what you need to create a relaxed, laidback look this season.
Paisley print shawls are also big this season, with bold prints in neutral colours creating a distinctive look. Designers have also experimented with women’s jackets. Especially popular is the reversible paisley printed jacket, available in a number of colours. Loose-fitting and stylishly cut, the paisley jacket is an ultra-cool combination of modern design and traditional prints and looks great with evening wear.
Paisley has also found its way into accessories like bags and ladies socks, making a pretty statement in both neutral shades and bolder colours like green and blue. This pretty print is a great alternative to bolder, louder prints. If you prefer something more subtle and classy, paisley is the way to go. For a Bohemian look, popular this season, slip on some bangles and Birkenstocks with a paisley dress. Go paisley this season and take advantage of the print’s classy, stylish look to enhance your wardrobe.
Paisley