Fall 2011 Trends in Men's Fashions
Menswear often takes a back seat to women’s wear when high fashion is discussed. Women seem to get all the cool new trends, the hot new styles, and of course, all the attention. But dudes, even the straight ones, are catching up quickly, and have started to embrace fashion with the same fervor that women have shown for decades. Recognizing that tailored suits fit and look better, that accessories can really pull an outfit together, and brand name or designer often means better quality, men are enthusiastically jumping on the style bandwagon.
Trends in men’s fashion can range widely from one source to another, but there is usually some agreement on broader themes and tones. If you are interested in seeing what is new for fall 2011 men’s trends, here is a great overview on what you will be seeing on the streets, in the office, and everywhere you see guys that take pride in their appearance.
If you would like to add a little style to your ensemble based on the trends below, remember to show some restraint. It is easy to overdo a look with just a few too many enthusiastic add-ons or a complete imitation of a designer outfit. The key to dressing successfully in any style is confidence, well-fitting clothes, and situation appropriate choices. And always, have fun.
1950s and 1960s Style
With TV shows like Mad Men and PanAm successfully showing off the glamorous style of the 1950s and 60s in America, vintage apparel and modern interpretations of it are in high demand. The reason this period is so rife with fashionable picks is because it was a time of high expectations for both men’s and women’s apparel. Men wore hats, immaculately tailored suits, skinny ties, and shoes with interesting details. Everything conformed perfectly to expectations, but while conservative and modest, the clothes were also beautiful, considered, and flattering.
In order to pull off this masculine yet fashionable trend, you need to know how to balance a vintage look with a modern one. Dressing all in 50s fashion will just make you look costumed. Try a tailored (always tailored) tweed blazer with a skinny tie, crisp white button up shirt, and dark denim jeans. Pay attention to your footwear, a great place to subtly show your sense of style. A simple leather band watch will finish off the look, but a fedora certainly would not look out of place.
The Rugged Woodsman
You have probably already seen elements of the woodsman style peeking out from previous seasons. Menswear trends are never as abrupt as women’s, but more of a gradual transition in a cyclical manner. Hipsters, especially, have been working the woodsman look for a season or more now. But the mainstream version has more relaxed tailoring, and the skinny jeans are gone. What was originally a hyper masculine look has softened a bit for every day casual wear that imbues the wearer with a gently rugged edge, without feminizing it in the hipster fashion.
If you would like to try this style for yourself, again, moderation is the best policy. You do not want to stride into your downtown watering hole dressed as Paul Bunyon. Despite the fact that hatchets are now, evidently, an accessory, hold off on going full lumberjack. Swap the heavy-duty plaid shirt for a lightweight cotton checked version, a long solid (preferably neutral) color jacket, comfortable jeans, and sturdy boots. You can have either a robust leather belt or scuffed up workman boots, both is overkill. Modernizing this look and keeping it reasonable means focusing on fabric.
Anglomania
With the previous trends squarely inspired by Americana, it was time to introduce a foreign element and add a European flair to men’s fashion. British trends have come in many forms, including the one that is currently pervasive across many designers’ shows. The Teddy Boy trend is an accommodation of alternative culture into the mainstream. The originating look is hard and edgy, worn by pierced and tattooed young ruffians. The fall 2011 interpretation is a cheeky nod to the nonconformist while making a palatable collection for the more conventional individual.
Rolled up sleeves on button-up shirts worn over long-sleeved tees, nylon zip up jackets covering hooded sweatshirts, and relaxed tailoring on the jeans are common ways to sport this trend. Punk rockers, graffiti artists, and skateboarders all contributed to this look, so it is extremely casual. Elevate it by pairing a scoop neck tee with a blazer, intentionally wrinkled twill pants, and some sweet kicks.
Whichever style or combination of styles you choose, remember that the most attractive accessory is confidence. You should only wear what you are comfortable in. Fall 2011’s trends are versatile, wearable, and flattering, which should make them an easy addition to your wardrobe rotation.
