Menswear Trends For Spring 2011

By Author: Don Harriet
Total Articles: 1
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Probably the biggest trend this year, for mens fashion as well as womens, is the 1970s trend. Fashion designers were keen to exploit the styles of the 1960s last year, but for 2011 they are looking to the subtler, more sophisticated 70s. Looking at jean and trouser trends, this marks a return for the classic pair of flares. We dont mean bellbottoms, as this years jeans and trousers have an anti skinny jean flare to them that is larger than your standard boot cut but a good deal smaller than the bold bellbottom. This year we see a clear diversion from modern fabrics and hard edge cuts and a return to a softer edge and more natural fabrics.

Global vintage is a term that is creeping into blogs and trendwatch sites this year. It is a style that works well with the 70s trend and mixes unique vintage items with clothing from the furthest corners of the globe. It is an increasing trend that sees outfits put together using an unique combinations of authentic tribal scarves and prints, traditional head gear and hippy scarves, contrasts them with vintage pieces and modern pieces that are home grown rather than exotic. The emphasis ...
... is on natural materials, so watch for wooden accessories, cotton, wool, linen, silks and velvet. While fabrics go back to the earth so do colours. Alongside the trend for brights this year is a return to more earth and sandy tones. Within within the world vintage look we see a wider reaching trend that favours the higher quality of vintage clothing and an emphasis on traditional craft.

A trend still sticking around from last year is the preppy trend. Men looked to the 50s, early 60s and to the baby boomers for smart dress inspiration. For 2011 preppy tends to hold sway over the mens accessories and footwear departments. Parents old watches, tortoiseshell, classic decks shoes and preppy loafers go together with authentic retro polo shirts, clean pastels and beige, must have chinos.

The high street is often keen to brighten up their spring and summer lines and this year is no exception. Brights, notably fruit inspired tones, are an essential part of mens fashion this spring. Brightly striped tshirts and flashes of colour from socks or scarves is the way to subtly add colour. Although to really keep on trend invest in a pair of bright shade trousers or jeans. Stick to chinos as the trouser of choice, so long as they are slimline, not baggy.

Don Mitchell is a freelance mens fashion writer and personal stylist. He recommends House of Fraser for all of the latest mens clothes trends for year ahead.