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Showing posts with label men's wear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label men's wear. Show all posts

Fall into Fashion: Menswear Edition

Zara Man Fall/Winter 2012 Campaign


For most men, there is no question that Fall and Winter are the most exciting seasons for Men's fashion and for us, there is nothing more attractive than a man that is put together. So we asked some of our good friends what their favorite upcoming trends for men's wear are and here are the highly anticipated results! Let us know how they did.
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Sabrina
It's currently an exciting time for menswear lovers as last season's fall runway shows are quickly being converted into high quality lookbooks and cozy ad-campaigns (with a bit of eye-candy to boot). In general it seems like Fall 2012's trends are simply another step forward in exaggeration of what we've seen building over the course of the past few seasons. Here, I'll walk you through my top three:


#1: Literary Hero
It's a reflection of this year's most anticipated films, including the final installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and this December's Baz Luhrman adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Gothic heroes and old school style are at the top of mind. While in the past we've seen subtle hints of this trend in tailored blazers and starch white pressed dress shirts, this season it seems like it's finally okay to go on full-on costume. Capes make a dramatic comeback, trench coat almost touch the floor with average hemlines moving to at least knee length or sometimes lower.

 
1205, Emporio Armani


Dior Homme





#2: Velveteen Rabbit
Perhaps another texture to tie us back to the style of the past, velvet is popping up everywhere from basic staples such as blazers and suit pants to clever accessories like skinny ties and scarves. The lush feeling and deep colors that accompany it seem fitting for fall. While this trend certainly gives off a classic Hugh Hefner vibe, let's just keep in mind to still keep it classy.


Burberry Prorsum


GANT by Michael Bastian, Tommy Hilfiger


#3: The Green Gang
Last year, navy was the new black. This year, we continue down the color spectrum as this season explores in all shades of green. It's as if menswear is slowly approaching the same revival and enthusiasm for color that women's fashion recently experienced a few years ago. It doesn't matter what the shade— emerald, jade, mint or hunter green, it's all fair game. These green hues provide the perfect accent to men's more popular fall neutral shades like beige, brown, and burgundy.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Asos, H&M

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Hao
To me, men's wear needs to not only fit well but must also have something memorable about it. That something memorable can be something that stands out without being too flashy. So I picked some of my favorite trends that have an added edge and uniqueness but doesn't quite scream "look at me" all the time.


#1: Muted Color Block
I am very excited about the collaboration between these two iconic Japanese brands: Uniqlo and Undercover.


#2: Mix Texture
Wool is a great fabric for the fall because it keeps you warm and dry. If you want a slightly flashier look, you can simply layer leather with wool. However, if you want something more casual, layering different knit patterns can give you a put together look without calling too much attention to you.

Wings + Horns
#3: Floral and Camo Patterns
Patterns are an obvious way to add personality to your wardrobe. Two of my favorite trending patterns this season in men's wear is floral and camo.

Engineered Garments
Engineered Garments


Gitman Vintage Floral Shirt




Engineered Garments

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Vincent:
As fall is just about to hit us, it’s important to take a look at how we can still keep things interesting under all those layers. I am personally not a big fan of trends, partially because I come nowhere near to being able to afford what’s new each season. Still, it’s fun keeping up with designers and making your own interpretations for Fall. Here’s a quick look at some of the things that stood out to me for Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear:

#1: Thoughtful Highlights
If you’re a guy like me and have issues wearing a ton of color, keep it to a minimum and show a pop of color by layering or finding color in the details of sweaters or coats. Bright neons create an exciting contrast against dark shades. The little details can make a big difference and keep your looks interesting without feeling like a walking block of color.


 left to right: Alexander Wang , A.P.C. , E. Tautz 

#2: Form Over Function
Another fun go to this Fall is to look into the construction of jackets. While everyone else is sticking to simple sweaters, look into the technicality of a jacket and try something new. The shape and additional utilities of a jacket can make an easy and warm statement on its own.


top left to bottom right: Yves Saint Laurent, James Long, Dior, Valentino

#3: The Elegant Suwansanya
If you have the budget, look into Suphanut Suwansanya’s recent collection of architectural pieces. This Thai designer finds a really beautiful balance between minimalism and unique character in his designs.


Suphanut Suwansanya


These trends are overall a lot more practical and simplistic than some of the biggest looks that hit the runway this season. If you feel bold enough to pull off velvet pants or capes then I recommend you go for it, but for the average joe that just wants to stand out a little more than average, the use of highlighting colors and a well-constructed jacket can take you far.


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A little about our friends:

Sabrina
Sabrina is a designer living and working in San Francisco, she also co-runs a social media blog called Social Proof and a blog on interior design. When it comes to menswear, Sabrina has a love for tailored yet rugged pieces...so much so that she sometime enjoys shopping for guy friends more than she does for herself. She has provided us with two posts in the past(Menswear picks for Valentine's Day and Petite Gone Oversized).




Hao
Hao is a developer for Facebook, living in the Bay Area. He enjoys the modern, tailored fit style that is subtle but has a slight pop of personality to it. When it comes to menswear, Hao really likes the underground street wear style (minus the graphic tees) that is versatile and easy to dress up or down.




 
Vincent
Vincent is a senior Art-Business student at Cal Poly. He is intrigued with fashion where professionalism meets avant-garde and loves seeing people who can dress in a carefree manner and express themselves through their unique sense of style. Check out his Tumblr.


The Art of Spring Fashion: Gentlemen's Edition


Our new guest post on Spring Fashion features our good friend and old colleague Matthew Jackson, who knows quite a bit about looking sharp and living in style. Check out his picks below and be sure to read more about his food adventures in his blog, The JB Kitchen


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Inspiration: Portrait of Auguste Renoir
Artist: Jean FrĂ©dĂ©ric Bazille (French)
Year: 1867
Theme: Dressier silhouettes worn casually

For this look, the key is to choose well-cut pieces in casual materials like linen and cotton. To modernize the styling, wear well-fitting denim or chinos in white or ecru washes to capture the spirit of the original style. 

Choose a fitted, casual woven shirt that can be worn slightly wrinkled, and add an unstructured cotton or linen jacket, perhaps with a coordinated by mismatched vest. Pairing dark and light neutral colors bring the look polish, and slight pops of clear blue add visual appeal. Use accessories like the belt, shoes and a loose tie to make the look your own.
Dressier Silhouettes Worn Casually




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Inspiration: Portrait of Mateu Fernandez de Soto
Artist: Pablo Picasso (French)
Year: 1901
Theme: Statement Outerwear


Pick a jacket or coat that makes a statement and build a simple outfit around it. A bold, navy peacoat is a timeless jacket, and brings any simple look an elevated level of effortless chic. Worn with a simple t-shift and fitted grey jeans, the outerwear completes the effect of this outfit. Contrast the nautical flavor with boots to ground the styling so you’re ready for any bar scene.





Statement Outerwear




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Inspiration: Edgar Degas, Self-Portrait
Artist: Edgar Degas (French)
Year: 1857-58
Theme: Loose, casual accessories

The bohemian look sported by Degas in this self-portrait fits in with today’s modern aesthetic of hip men’s styling. Take a casual look – dark, straight or slim jeans and a unique but casual woven shirt – and give it a twist with a chunky layered cardigan and trendy accessories. The key is to keep the color palate earthy, but still bring in pops of color. Details should be casual but creative.
Loose, Casual Accessories




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Inspiration: Victor Chocquet Seated
Artist: Paul CĂ©zanne (French)
Year: 1877
Theme: Tailored Casual


Clean cut and comfortable, this look is classic for men of any age. Recalling Mad Men, the key to this French look from the late nineteenth century is to pull well-fitted pieces together simply and with confidence. Wear a trim suit for a casual weekend get-together by downplaying the formality – the original look was a casual one for Mr. Chocquet, so wear it as he does. To modernize the look, unbutton the woven shirt a little bit, wear fun socks, and slip on a comfortable pair of caramel loafers.







Tailored Casual


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A little about our friend:



Matthew Jackson, author of TheJBKitchen.com, lives in Seattle, WA. Passionate about food and culture, Jackson started writing restaurant reviews and a fashion column for The Daily while attending the University of Washington. Since then, he continues to share this love through blogging, hoping to inspire others to find the same enjoyment in exploring their own personal interests as he has.

Gearing Up for Valentine's Day: Gentlemen's Edition


Our very first guest post ever is by two of our good friends, Sabrina and Xiaohan (learn more about them at the end of the post), who both have wicked style when it comes to men's cloths. We thought we'd put them to the test and have them compliment our Valentine's Day post. Let's see how they did!


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Cute Brunch Date
Xiaohan
"You're going out to brunch on Valentine's Day. Don't front; clearly you care enough about whomever you're brunching with to be taking an early lunch from work. Your go-to pair of jeans, favorite button-down, and a cozy jacket are the perfect combination for this occasion. A blue pair of oxfords exemplify the fact that you know how to make an otherwise cozy outfit stand out. Finally, the Timex piece is a great watch for when you need to look well-kept but don't have a few hundred to throw down."

Xiaohan's Brunch Set









Sabrina's Brunch Set by jenau featuring cardigans



Sweater: Ted Baker Shawl neck cardigan - RALEIGH
Jeans: Levis 511™ Skinny Trousers
Shirt: Isaia Frank Dress Shirt at Park & Bond (Cheaper Alternative : Zara Gingham Check Shirt)
Shoes: PF Flyers Center Hi
Glasses: Warby Parker Beckett Revolver Black Matte



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Hot Date

Xiaohan
"No need to go for the red-on-red tie and shirt combo here. OK, it's Valentine's Day, but neither you nor your date want you to be downed in the red sea of society that becomes blemished every February 14. I like this outfit because the button-down, sweater, and slacks combo looks like you're there to impress your date, but doesn't go overboard at the same time. My favorite part of this outfit is that the understated red button-down and red plaid scarf will stand out when your date notices. Finally, a great pair of oxfords can go oh so far."



Xiaohan's Hot Date Set



Sabrina's Hot Date Set

Sabrina's Hot Date Set by jenau featuring a trench coat

Coat: Burberry London Britton Twill Trench Coat
Jacket: J.Crew Ludlow Suit Jacket
Pants: J. Crew Ludlow slim suit pant in Italian wool
Shirt: Michael Kors Trim Fit Dress Shirt
Tie: Dolce & Gabbana Silk Tie
Shoes: Versace V900020-VAS068
Belt: Lanvin Leather and Grosgrain Belt



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Singles Mixer
Xiaohan
"If you're still reading, I'm assuming that you at least semi-care about how well-kept you are. For a singles mixer, wearing what's comfortable yet stylish is the key. A v-neck and cardigan combo is very flattering, and a dark pair of jeans completes the outfit nicely. As always, wear your favorite watch, and strut your single pride all night long in a pair of Clarks desert boots."

Xiaohan's Singles Mixer Set

Xiaohan's Singles Mixer Set by jenau featuring cardigans


Sweater: KitsunĂ© Merino Wool Cardigan
Jeans: J Brand Denim Kane Worn-In Straight-Leg Jeans
Shirt: Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck
Shoes: Clarks Originals Men's Desert Boot
Watch: Uniform Wares 250 Series Steel Wristwatch

Sabrina
"Stand out in a crowd in a juicy orange sweater and festive polka dot tie, but stay rugged with classic navy pants and a masculine brown leather jacket."
Sabrina's Singles Mixer Set


Jacket: Zara Synthetic Leather Jacket With Shirt Collar
Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren Linen, Cotton and Silk-Blend Knitted Sweater
Pants: Oliver Spencer Cotton Twill Straight-Leg Suit Trousers
Shirt: TOPMAN Off White Silk Contrast Shirt
Tie: Depp Grid Skinny Tie by Thomas Pink
Shoes: Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Dress Oxford


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Club Night
Xiaohan
"OK, while I don't really care for going out with "the guys" for the sake of celebrating Valentine's Day, if you must, you should probably look nice doing so. A striped shirt is a great way to look slim and is a killer combination under a well-fitted jacket. You're not going to work nor are you on a fancy date, so a nice dark pair of jeans will do just fine. Finally, a pocket square is the cherry on top for this outfit since it gives the impression that you're just a rung higher than any other guys out there on the metaphorical single ladder."
Xiaohan's Club Night Set

Xiaohan's Club Night Set by jenau featuring a linen blazer


Blazer: PS by Paul Smith Lightweight Linen Blazer
Jeans: Jean Shop Rocker Straight Leg Jeans
Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic-Fit Striped Oxford
Pocket Square: Brooks Brothers Silk Pocket Square
Shoes: Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Cap Toe Oxford
Watch: OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds

Sabrina
"A slim-cut denim jacket adds a bit of rocker edge to an otherwise clean-cut look suited for a range of activities from hitting up a concert to a club. The deep red pants keep things bold and festive without being overbearingly cutesy. "
Sabrina's Club Night Set


Jacket: All Saints Gowd Jacket
Jeans: Levis 511 Skinny Sta-Prest Pants
Shirt: Nordstrom Smartcare Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt
Shoes: John Varvatos Dress Leather High-Top
Flask: Cavalier — Engraved Stainless Flask


So what do you think? Leave your comments here and let us know!

Love,
X&J



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A little about our friends:

Sabrina:
I am designer living and working in the San Francisco start-up scene. I am also one half of the social media explosion known as Social Proof and has a not-so-secret love for tailored yet rugged menswear. I've even been known to enjoy shopping for guy friends more than for myself!

I did this collection for CMU's Luna Gala Fashion Show. Check it out here.


Xiaohan:
I love simple clothing. When it come's to looking good for men, it's not about how many tribal bracelets you have or how big your Afghan scarf is. A man only needs the essentials to look good: a warm jacket, well-fitting shirt, soft sweater, sleek pants, and a prominent watch. Shoes say a lot about a man, so that may be the only area where I'd be a bit more picky with clothing. I think matching clothes is overrated; maybe it's just from living in Seattle, but white on gray on black just doesn't appeal to me (ok black is slimming blah blah blah).


Find me on Twitter