**Pictures are being added shortly**
Alright this took awhile but we’re continuing on with the 2009 Trend Talk. The last post we talked about the suit trends of 2009, in this post we’re going to be looking at the remainder hodge podge of things that make up, what we like to call “fashion.” So sit back and lets take a look at the things highlighted in this post.
[1] A continuation of the Suit Talk, but Dinner Wear.
Going to a nice gala? No? Funeral? Okay…probably not the best place to show off your fashion sense, okay fine WEDDING! Well leave the ties at home, the bow-tie is back (thanks to James Bond), as you might already have spotted all over celebs at award shows. Brad Pitt, David Beckham has it down pat, but then again they have anything down pat, even if it’s a Banana in Pajama costume.
[2] At the Office: Socks
This really depends on where you are, here in North America, the acceptable office wear varies depending not only in the industry, but depends a lot if you’re on the West coast or East coast. Either way I know with a lot of men I know, socks has been a huge rage. The typical answer I got was that they were tired of the same thing over and over and they wanted to go a little “wild” down there…uh…further down guys…geez. So people have been opting for crazy socks with their subtle suits. I personally don’t understand the crazy sock phase, but whatever floats your boat guys! To add to that, apparently ankle socks are huuuge as well.
[3] Everyday Wear
A) Vintage
Alright think 70’s, 80’s, thrift store look. It’s apparently a huge rage right now to own things “vintage” Honestly guys, it’s no longer called “second-hand” or “used” the politically correct and savvy term is “vintage.” Alright say it with me [Vin-tij]. Hey whatever, with the economy being in shambles, go wild! Now let me clear things up before you go out and start sporting your Back to the Future acid washed jeans, varsity jacket, a mullet and listening to songs on your 8-track. Remember, we’re still in 2009 here, so this means highlighting a few pieces with some up-to-date pieces.
B) Deep V and Wide necklines
So this whole deep v and wide neckline thing has been popping up on runways everywhere! But usually for the general public, it means this isn’t going to be popular until it shows up at your local H&M or if David Becks is wearing it religiously OR it won’t be popular at all. Of course this doesn’t apply to most men in Europe, Japan and New York who tends to have a quicker, bolder sense of style than most of the boring men here. =P Most of these styles that are shown on the runway is made with very thin fabric, so forget about layering and throwing on a shirt underneath, you’re suppose to bare the chest, so make sure to tame the chest hair.
C) Cardigans
The cardigan’s been creeping back, although you only see the skinny jean, eyeliner boys wearing it or the waifly figured men wearing it. But really nothing wrong with wearing a fitted white tee inside, a pair of jeans and throw on a button up cardigan or my favourite, David Becks did the cardigan look by mixing in a manly plaid shirt inside, a tie and jeans. He threw on very manly pieces and tied it all together with a light colored sweater.
D) Cropped/Rolled-Up Pants
You are NOT reading this wrong, but cropped and rolled-up pants are in. I’ve been seeing this on a lot of runways as well I saw the rolled-up pant look in multiple photoshoots like the Instyle shoot with Chris Evans and Matthew Mcconaughey in a recent shoot. I’m finally accepted it as a style with the women, but for the men…give me a few more months…although Chris Evans totally rocked this style in the Instyle shoot.
[4] Accessories
There’s been a huge rise in accessory popularity in men, it’s not just about showing off the shoes, watch and polished shoe now.
A) Tie Clips, Brooches, Stick pins
If you’re at the office, try a tie clip and stick pin, if you’re not a huge fan of the brooch. Stick pins are subtle and they’ll add a little bit to your suit without it being too overpowering. The tie clip will always been the classic, can’t-go-wrong decision of the 3 choices.
B) Scarves
Scarves has really hit the scene in both men and women fashion, thanks to shows like Gossip Girl, maybe even Harry Potter =P But the Arab styled scarf has really been showing up everywhere. I noticed it last year when I was in Asia, but I’ve noticed a lot of men and women sporting it. But either way, we’re really noticing a seasonal crossover throughout the seasons, which is great because now you can wear certain things all year round!
C) Wayfarer sunglasses
Please put down your aviators and pick up a pair of Wayfarers. Even though I”m still sportin’ the aviator with my leather jacket, for the sake of talking about trends it’s in full bloom baby! Rob Pattinson wore a pair in the cult status movie Twilight, Pete Wentz and Orlando have been spotted in it and almost every other female celebrity has been captured in them. Ray Ban made Aviators popular a few years ago, and it’s once again Ray Ban leading the pack with their Wayfarer glasses. Either way, it’s a blast from the past.
[5] COLOR is IN
This Spring/Summer season it’s all about splashes of color set with neutrals. Soft orange and blue will be the rage. No matter if it’s just a splash of purple, red, yellow or orange on your tie or a bright stick pin, it’s staple to throw a splash of color. The other odd trend that seems to be surfacing is Ombre. Don’t ask me, I’m not a fan!
[6] Hair Trends
I can’t help but think Chase Crawford when I discovered the latest hairstyle trends.
A) Fringe
It’s all about fringes folks. The short fringe is great for round faces and want to slim it up a bit. Anything longer it’s best to wear it sweeping to the side, not the best for anyone with a short forehead. You can do your fringe 2 ways, either textured by having all your hair forward and forward fringes or a messy, textured look. If not it’s smooth and glossy all over with side sweep fringes.
B) Classic Side Part
We mentioned earlier about very classic styles coming back, well same goes for the classic side part. I always think of Prince Charles and his side-part
C) Slicked Back
This is sooo Chow Yun Fat who has created a staple look for slicked back hair in Asia since the 80’s. Becks, Pitt, even good ol’ Georgey (Clooney) has been seen on the red carpet with the slicked back look. The look is great for people that don’t have overly curly hair, sorry to Nick Jonas. It’s great for the people sporting the fringe and wants their bangs out of the way for the day.
D) Color
Platinum Blonde! I personally don’t understand this trend and I would just go with natural hair color.