Men’s Shirts for Fall 2011
Styles and tastes might change, but the standard pieces in men’s fashion stay pretty much the same from season to season. You’re not going to see pants replaced by tracksuits, or neckties subbed with cravats anytime soon. Even with the perennial appeal of the men’s shirt, however, there are certain trends this season that are sharp enough for you to try.
The Oxford Shirt
No male wardrobe is complete without at least one oxford shirt. There’s little about it to dislike; dressy enough for daily office wear but casual enough for the weekend, this style of shirt has that perfect dressed up-dressed down mix to be your go-to garment.
This one’s a no-brainer, really, and you can’t have enough of these shirts. They have no trouble pairing with a multitude of necktie styles, so you don’t have to worry as much about pairings and patterns. Most guys tend to have oxfords in the predictable white or office blue. You can mix things up this season by investing in pinks, oranges and greens. A lighter shade pairs well with dark office trousers while adding a burst of variety.
When in doubt about the right necktie, pick a dark tie to go with that light shade. Those kinds of dilemmas are best solved with a knit tie, which looks really great in dark hues like black, navy and burgundy. The mix of textures of knit and oxford is also one of the few that let you match colors; pink shirt and maroon tie, for once, is a workable combo.
The Variegated Stripe Shirt
Here’s a prime example of a shirting style that comes and goes, having been last seen a couple of years ago. Variegated refers to the patterned variation of the stripe print across the fabric, contrasting against the rigid uniformity of the usual stripe.
What’s great about a variegated stripe shirt is that it’s interesting enough on it’s own, eliminating the need for a necktie when the day isn’t strictly formal. Even with a necktie, though, the effect of the varying pattern is a very contemporary outfit. This season’s big trend is a stripe print that has a bit of fade to it, paired with a necktie in some strong, dark color to really bring out some contrast.
Although most are monochromatic, some variegated stripe shirts feature two, three or even five colors. The rule of thumb is that more colors means less need for a necktie (and thus a more casual outfit) because the shirt was made to be more interesting by itself.
The Washed Cotton Shirt
Washed cotton has long been a favorite of the hipster and American Apparel set, and this season it makes an entry into more formal men’s fashion. It’s a set of colors usually sold in the summer, but is also very easy to dress up when done with a shirt.
A lighter, white-flecked tint is the typical finish of washed cotton, as if the garment has had one too many runs through the wash. It’s great for adding a casual counterpoint to your daily office wardrobe. Paired with a dark and similarly dressed down necktie – think slim and, if possible, knit – it’s an office-appropriate look that’s just the right amounts of youthful and affected.
Shirts are about as basic as men’s fashion can get. Once you get your shirt (and your tie, on a weekday) right, it’s hard to go wrong with the rest of your outfit. It’s definitely one of the few style elements worth mastering.
Other Suggested Blog Posts:
Seasonal Men’s Fashion
Overview of Mens Dress Shirt Styles
Your Mens-Ties.com Team