Grooming: Trendy summer wardrobe for men

Obituaries
Last week we looked at what trends women could follow in order to update their wardrobes. In today’s edition we take a look at the trends men could follow in order to update their 2011 summer looks.

During my research on international trends that were featured on the fashion runways, I came across some intriguing trends for men, like plunging necklines, cropped pants and other trends that one would have thought only apply to women.

BLACKWhere women are going all white, a lot of the designers were doing black for man. It is called summer black. If you can picture it, it is quite chic if worn properly.  You can wear it as shorts and a t-shirt or trousers and a shirt with rolled up sleeves. You may feel a tad hot seeing black does attract heat but you will look cool nonetheless.

COMPLIMENT BLUE WITH ORANGE/RED/WHITEOnce again this was quite a hit with international designers on the runway. It definitely makes the blue come alive, be it royal blue or navy blue. Use the orange, white or red to accent the blue, for instance a navy blue suit, white shirt and orange tie, or a royal blue hooded jacket worn with a white t-shirt with orange writing or print on the front. Be creative.

THE BRAIDED BELTYou need to own at least one, be it in black, dark brown or tan. This is an essential accessory to add to your wardrobe. 

THE SUMMER SWEATERIt may sound like an oxymoron but we know that summer days are not always blazing hot. Sometimes they are cool due to a breeze or the rains so you will need to call on your summer sweater. It is a light-weight, knitted sweater that fits snugly. BACKPACKNot all men find the man bag appealing so why not go for the classic, manly backpack. You can use it to carry your laptop, iPad or anything else you see fit, in it. Find one that best depicts your style and personality, be it in leather or material that works best for you. 

FLARED JEANSThis is not to say that skinny jeans are out but now you can add flared jeans to your collection if you did not already own some. South Africa and Europe have been selling this style for a while now while the United States seemed to prefer the straight leg style. The dark washes are good for a smart or evening look while the lighter washes are more casual.I hope more of you will step out of your comfort zone this summer and add some colour or something unusual to your wardrobe. Even if it is a masculine print or patterned shirt. Male prints and patterns may not be as elaborate or bright as women’s but they are different to the usual baby blue, white and grey most men wear. The bulk of the aforementioned styles can be found locally, if not, speak to your usual supplier and ask if they can bring them in for you and stock them in their shops. The majority of shops or vendors import their clothes so you can speak to them to look out for them when they are next shopping for their new stock. Remember men, it’s about quality, not quantity.

 

THE LEATHER BIKER JACKET

This is one style that will never go out of style. It is a forever classic therefore it is a worthwhile investment. Add this to your wardrobe if you did not already own one. It is best worn with a t-shirt and jeans.

THE CHAMBRAY SHIRTIt looks like denim, feels like cotton and hangs like linen. It is a definite must have for men as it is versatile.  It can be dressed up for work with formal pants or dressed down with jeans.

CASUAL, FLAT SHOESSeeing it is hot you, will most likely prefer to go sockless in which case you will need to spend on the appropriate type of shoe, for instance, espadrilles, loafers, boat shoes or Brazilian sandals. Invest in a neutral colour that you can wear with your jeans, khakis or chinos. Do not forget to powder your shoes or wear secret socks otherwise you will have stinky feet.