May 21, 2016
Six Trends in Men's Fashion for Summer 2016
Mike Halterman READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Over the years I've told you about some fashion trends that were very cute (outfits in earthy tones like black and orange, the nautical outfit fad) and some that were very questionable (the flower print suit fad?). Now I'm here to let you know about six trends in men's fashion that you may start to see this summer. These six trends have been plucked from the runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Take notice; you may see some of these clothing choices in stores soon!
The "in" color this season is green -- any shade of green
Whether you're looking at the runways on this side of the pond or over in Europe, everyone can agree that green is the big "in" color of the season. French Vogue recommends a specific shade of green, much like a freshly mowed lawn, but other fashionistas say any green will do, and that a muted green, especially worn as a suit or suit blazer, can stand out while still blending in enough for formal occasions. In Florida, we love bright colors as well as pastels, so everyone is sure to approve of the shade of green you've decided is right for you.
We can't ignore the bowling shirt
There are a lot of world-famous designer brands, such as Lanvin, who insist that the bowling shirt is coming back. This makes sense to an extent, considering last year I reported on how the styles of the '90s are coming back. Bowling shirts are a throwback to '90s fashion (as well as '40s and '50s fashion -- where they originated), and the look is not only solid and casual, it's also vintage in a way that you wouldn't mind seeing it over and over again. Whether you decide to buy a black button-up or a more colorful option, bowling shirts will be around for a while.
Forget dad bods and look at your old man's sense of style
Fashion risks have often taken the look into consideration over comfort. J. Crew's recent fashions have brought on an industry-wide trend, focusing on comfort as much as the look. Let's start with accessories: Dads love wearing bent brim baseball hats, and these are coming back into style, so much so that various retailers are overcharging for bland, uninspiring hat designs betting that you'll buy them! Also, take note of the rising hemline on shorts. That applies to men too. This summer, everyone will be showing off some thigh, just like dear old Dad!
The skinny jean is truly dead
This one I'm really excited about. I first told you a year and a half ago that the skinny jean was on its way out, but depending on who I listened to, there were rumors that it was coming back. Watching the spring and summer styles from around the world, I can safely say that the skinniest jean (or pant) you're going to see is a normal fit. Last year I mentioned that pant legs were getting baggier, and while there are no Oxford bags to be seen, fashion houses such as Burberry are introducing cute pants (and Ermenegildo Zegna offering cute jeans) that look slimming but aren't cut small.
Embrace your feminine side
Speaking of Burberry, their Prorsum collection (clothing that is handcrafted) is all about the frill and the fringe this season. Expect shirts that are equal parts cotton and lace, slip-on shoes with cute adornments, and a Burberry "man bag" as an accessory! The European fashion houses have been whispering for a while about the rise of femininity in men's fashion, and now it's here. Gucci is offering loud prints (at least not floral!) with shirts that come complete with cravats. When I first heard "cravat," my thought was Shirley Jones, but I couldn't have been more wrong: Gucci's silk cravats look beautiful and natural.
One-piece clothes become couture -- really?
I have to say I'm really horrified at this prospect, even more so than when I profiled the floral suit fad, because at least when I wrote about them, I didn't know they would actually catch on! We are told by European designers such as Givenchy and Balmain that one-piece clothing choices such as onesies, overalls and jumpsuits are not only in this season -- they're absolutely couture. We will probably see more of this trend with overalls considering Florida's hot summer temperatures, but I've been assured that they're going to look cute, unlike, say, Dexy's Midnight Runners.
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