Everyday Men’s Fashion: Late Summer 2011
Men’s fashion makes very clear distinctions between the spring/summer and fall/winter style seasons, as well as the kinds of clothes for each. What’s not so clear, though, is the kind of wardrobe guys should have in those in-between weeks when fall has begun on the calendar but the days are still fairly warm. Here are a few style ideas to help you dress comfortably for the last few weeks of summer.
Let Layering Begin
There are many reasons to layer, cooler temperatures being just one of them. Style-wise, a layered outfit means that you’re able to work with more colors and textures. You can see why you’ll want to start practicing this fall fashion technique as early as now.
What kinds of layers can you start using? Thin v-neck sweaters and cardigans are a good place to start looking. It’s easy to find them in summer-friendly fabric weights that aren’t so bulky just yet, but have more of fall colors to the selection. These layers are also great because they’re easy to dress up; throw in a necktie and dark jeans, and they’re ready to go to the office.
Consider combining a collared shirt with a non-collared one. A bright pique polo with a v-neck tee was a trending combination a while back, and should still look pretty sharp these days. Give the arms a single fold up for a bit of contrast play. Solid tees worn under open patterned button-downs are another combination you want to try, especially with bigger checks and plaids that will emphasize the contrast styling.
Your Fall Materials
There’s a fairly different fashion approach for fall, but the last days of summer let you play around with those and mix the two seasons up. It’s a good time to start introducing fall and fall-type pieces into your daily rotation to create even more variety from the same assortment of clothes in your closet.
Dark and bold henleys have long been a staple of fall fashion, but their usual combo with jeans might be a little too hot and heavy for right now. Try setting off the fall colors with a light summer khaki, and then roll up the sleeves to stay comfortable. You can also try the reverse, pairing a fall-worthy raw denim pair with a light cotton pair that highlights the high-maintenance indigo of your pants.
Now is also an interesting time to start bringing out the lighter pieces of the outerwear you usually wear in the fall. Lighter peacoats and trenches don’t have to wait for mid-September, and can be an interesting addition to your layering options on nippy nights.
These few weeks of transitioning between seasons really lets you play with your style, whether you’re the jeans-and-tee kind of guy or a regular necktie man. Now is the time to really experiment with your clothes and see the less conventional combinations that your closet has to offer.
Other Suggested Readings:
Dressed Down Mens Fashion Guide
Fashion for Young Men
Your Mens-Ties.com Team