Spring Forward, 2009

As we fight this bitterly cold winter, we are comforted by the thought that spring is officially less than two months away, and our thoughts begin to drift to warm days in the park, barbeques with friends, and margaritas on outdoor patios.  That being said, we eagerly begin to look forward to shedding those winter layers in exchange for lighter and brighter fabrics.

 

The prevailing trend of the last few seasons in men’s ready-to-wear is tailored, slim cut trousers and jeans (slightly cropped at the ankle), combined with preppy layers and loafers or oxfords without socks, and this trend continues to predominate the runways.  The popular early ‘60s Mod styling shows no signs of slowing down when reviewing the upcoming F/W 2009 collections as well.

 

However, a few new trends for this season have been noted…

 

In t-shirts and sweaters, the sizes continue to increase as the decade draws to a close…  Fitted tees and sweaters in the earlier part of the decade are rapidly expanding and becoming fuller in the men’s silhouette.  A good example of this can be seen below in slouchier styles.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As men’s skinny pants continue to permeate the fashion world unfettered, a slowly emerging trend towards fuller trousers has begun to surface…  By Spring 2010, I predict a lot of pleating will finally return to menswear as well.  Below are some good examples of fuller cuts in pants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another men’s trend that continues to dominate the past few spring seasons is shorts.  Beginning with longer lengths ending just above the knee a few years back, the length continues to rise, mirroring styles from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.  Whether casual or dressy, shorts are no longer for the playground and the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally…  The color combo that saturated runways last fall for the upcoming season is yellow and gray.  I remember noting Sienna Miller’s dress (as Edie Sedgwick) in Factory Girl in early 2007 during her first tour of The Factory (a flirty mid sixties number), and knew it wouldn’t be long before designers started capitalizing on the visually pleasing combo. Below are some great examples

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Happy shopping.

 

~Chuck