I’ve been so busy the past few weeks that I’m just now getting around to poking through pictures of the recent menswear shows in Milan. I love, and I mean LOVE menswear. I take influence from it, I occasionally buy some of it and I definitely steal a lot of it out of my boyfriend’s closet. It’s a shame that more boys aren’t adventurous with their fashion choices, there are a lot of great designs and trends out there that can be easily pulled off with the right amount of attitude and sense of humor. Buck up boys, it’s time to stop being afraid.
Today I had the time to catch up on the collections and I pulled together a few of my favorite (and slightly out-of-the-box) trends for the season, as well as some ways you can get the look with our BurdaStyle patterns for the fellas. Are you brave enough to try these out for yourself?
What to Try For Fall:
#1 – Don’t be afraid of color:
Boys don’t always embrace the brighter shades as much as they should. Whether for outerwear, small details or full on suits, designers are here to push you out of your comfort zone. Take a cue from the Italians and make injecting a few bright colors into your ensembles a regular sartorial decision.
Outerwear
From left: Paul Smith, Raf Simons (2 coats), Alexander McQueen, BurdaStyle’s Adam Overcoat pattern.
Suits
From left: BurdaStyle’s Stintchcomb Jacket and Jochen Trouser patterns, Jil Sander, Paul Smith, and Viktor & Rolf.
Or Take Baby Steps
Afraid of bright colors? Ease your way in one piece at a time or with small details. From left: D&G, Jil Sander, Paul Smith, D&G.
#2 – Add Some Fur to That Collar
It’s really cold outside and a fur collar will keep you warm. Enough said.
From left: Alexander McQueen, D&G, DSquared. From top down: D&G, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton.
#3 – You Can Never Go Wrong With Plaids
Use one pattern or mix them up. Whether your color palette is subtle or bright, plaid is a classic pattern that stands the test of time.
From left: Martin Margiela, Moncler Gamme Bleu, Woolrich, BurdaStyle’s Jason Vest and Jakob Shirt patterns.
#4 – Try Out a Chunky or Fair Isle Knit
Because I love a boy in a good sweater….or a good sweater I can steal from a boy.
Top from left: DSquared, Martin Margiela, Yigal Azrouel and Paul Smith. Bottom row: Junya Watanabe.
#5 – Take an Inch (or two!) Off Those Pants
Go ahead, blame it on Mr. Browne. Pair your ankle bearing pants with bright socks and killer shoes (like some great double monk straps).
From left: Shots courtesy of The Sartorialist and Tommy Ton, Junya Watanabe, Phillip Lim and Thom Browne.
And Last, But Not Least
Make That Button Up in Denim, Invest in a Good Tweed, Try a Wide Brim Hat
Clockwise from top left: Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Viktor & Rolf, Paul Smith, Lanvin, DSquared.
So I want to hear from the guys of BurdaStyle: Do you keep it more basic or play around with your fashion and projects choices?
Feb 2, 2011, 12.03 AMby john51
I think the entire collection is just great! Nice designs, great colors!!!
Jan 28, 2011, 08.22 PMby hellagabrielle
Great post. I loved that Junya Watanabe show.
Jan 28, 2011, 07.23 PMby kallers
I love the tweed jackets, and the red suit is gorgeous. But, mixing up plaids on the same garment (the Woolrich shirt) is just gross. It looks like a tacky shirt my dad used to wear in the 90s. didn’t look good then. doesn’t look good now.
Jan 28, 2011, 03.58 PMby Crystal Henson
Love gasm on the red suit…
Jan 28, 2011, 11.58 AMby lclausewitz
I’m still a bit weirded out by the idea of infusing that much colour into a modern wardrobe or raising trouser hems higher than what I already do (exactly at ankle height). I’m no stranger to those ideas in other contexts, however. Colourful regimentals in 18th- or 19th-century style? Check. Knee breeches with Napoleonic or Regency tailcoats? Check. And you couldn’t (nor would you want to!) avoid garish colours while building a medieval or Renaissance wardrobe!
Jan 28, 2011, 11.49 AMby marrrija
Oh, my.. I love that bright yellow Paul Smith coat! That is a great way to brighten up these winter days. :)
Jan 28, 2011, 06.10 AMby urbandon
Fabulous collection. Love it all. Want it all. Keep it basic? No way!
Jan 28, 2011, 02.01 AMby kelepso
I love to explore with color, especially unusual ones like pea greens. My favorites are neons. The furs are cool, but I’m not sure I can pull those off in S. Florida. Please write a story on mens trends for spring. thanks!
Jan 27, 2011, 09.21 PMby lila-1
LOVE menswear, and absolutely wild about Armani’s latest runway collection. wish there were more menswear patterns and tutorials on this site
Jan 27, 2011, 09.19 PMby be-bops1
Love the bottom Alexander Mcqueen and the Victor and Rolf ones.. wow.. those are classic. I have a hard time doing “trendy” with menswear, since they don’t switch out their wardrobes as often as women.
Jan 27, 2011, 08.07 PMby Daniel Parker
Great post, fabulous edit of styles… So glad to see my hero raf simons in here :)
2 Replies
Jan 27, 2011, 08.09 PMby themisslinds
i’m a bit of a raf fan girl. love what he does for jil sander.
Jan 27, 2011, 08.21 PMby Daniel Parker
couldn’t agree more!
Jan 27, 2011, 07.55 PMby Peter Lappin
I struggle with those pant hem lengths. As a shortish guy (5’7") short hems can look really geeky, imo. Great post!