Men's A/W 2011-2012 Trends

Dear Readers,

Since I believe in gender equality, I decided to write about men's fashion A/W trends after writing about women's trends yesterday.

Relaxed Tailoring: Loose Pants

I have good news for all those men - and I know there are plenty of them - who hate skinny, figure hugging trousers. Whilst skinny pants are not completely 'out', this Autumn and Winter designers have opted for more relaxed, loose, drop crotch trousers. If you want to follow this trend, look for tailored trousers which are loose around the thigh and crotch areas. Many argue that loose tailored trousers undermine the 'formality' associated with tailored trousers, but I think that unless they're excessively baggy, they're still more formal than your casual pair of jeans.

Relaxed Tailoring: Jackets

The relaxed tailoring trend is not solely relevant to trousers, it's also applicable to jackets. One dominant element of this trend is the 'seamless shoulder', which can be explained as the lack of a stitch line where the shoulder meets the arm. In many ways, the shoulder style is very similar to a kimono sleeve. The 'seamless shoulder' trend was spotted in several collections on many different pieces, from casual sports clothing to more structured outerwear. 

Another element of the relaxed jackets trend is the 'deep shoulder seam / dropped shoulder' detail. This implies that the shoulder seam should rest somewhere beneath your shoulder and closer to your bicep. I haven't been to men's stores recently so I've no idea whether shops are stocking these jackets already, but just in case they don't, get a size larger and it will do the trick. As long as your jacket looks oversized from the shoulder area, then you're acing it :)

Plaid

This is probably my favourite men's trend for Autumn and Winter. Though plaid has been around for a couple of years already, it has never been this popular. This pattern will dominate men's collection in the coming season, so make sure you stock on your tartan, dogtooth and Sherlock Holmes-like garments. This trend is not only limited to jackets by the way!

Double-breasted suits and coats

Whilst sleek single-breasted suits are also in fashion next season - they never go out of fashion anyway! - we're going to see a huge return of double-breasted suits! The cut of the double-breasted suit is different this time. Whereas originally double-breasted jackets were intended to hide a fuller figure, this year's double-breasted jacket is in a V-neck form which accentuates a well-built body. For inspiration, consult Chuck Bass.

Overalls

I've mentioned overalls yesterday when I wrote about women's trends and here I am again exalting the charm of the one-piece! Overalls / Dungarees / Boilersuits are an incredible statement piece for men and I just can't wait to see people strolling around the street in them :)

Tonight, before going to bed, I'll pray to God and say, 'Dear God, please make many men follow at least one of these trends this Autumn. Make them throw those white undervests away! Amen.'

-B