Men’s Fashion 2010: Stylish Colors For Spring
Bold Neckties
You’ve likely heard the term ‘power tie’ in the past. It’s probably the closest relative to this trend in terms of aesthetics and color. In everything else, though, they’re very different.Whereas the power tie always had some strong, masculine color that denoted authority and aggression, this new necktie trend is more about expressing individuality and joie de vivre through a surprising shock of color. The bold necktie seeks to catch attention and stand out with a devil-may-care feel, yet retains some sartorial sensibilities about it.
Since you’re not likely to have one of them yet, get a necktie in the requisite loud color. That means fire engine red instead of understated burgundy, electric blue instead of just navy. If you feel that a necktie in a solid color is too much, though, you could opt to tune the volume down with a striped design. Additionally, a repp or striped necktie links back to more conservative traditions in men’s fashion, no matter what the color might be.
Patterned Pocket Squares
Traditionally, every man’s choice of pocket square was largely similar to his choice of tie: the simpler, the better. A plain white square was the penultimate style statement. While a white pocket square will never be dislodged as a classic piece in a gentleman’s wardrobe, this season is the perfect time to go with a wilder, cheekier pattern.
Formal men’s fashion often brings to life the worst ideas related to formalwear. Outfits tend to be solid, traditional and – on the whole – boring. A patterned pocket square lets you change all that. The shock of color makes for a pleasant surprise against the largely black and white crowd. At its simplest, though, it’s still a pocket square, an essential piece for any gentleman, so nobody can complain that you’re not following the dress code.
Make no mistake: a patterned pocket square is much more casual than its monochromatic brethren. It’s not something to wear to a strictly black tie affair. It is, however, more than appropriate for the office, where it acts as a subtle yet very visible fashion statement about your individuality and sense of style. If you’re going to wear one to work, stick to a solid shirt, but try color coordinating your pocket square and necktie for extra effect.
Colored Boat Shoes
Boat shoes have long been timeless accessories in any fashionable man’s closet. They also used to come in a very limited range of colors like navy, white, brown and black. Though those colors will never go out of style, now is the best time to explore the rest of the color palette that’s currently available to you.
Colored boat shoes, like the patterned pocket squares, are essentially new updates to an age old classic. New colors like red and green are a welcome addition to this season’s selection of color, especially since every other man on the street is already wearing a pair in navy, white, brown or black. If it’s individuality you’re after, these shoes are the perfect way to express it.
Wear a pair of these colored babies like you would their traditionally hued cousins. Just don’t wear a color that’s close to the shade of your pants. You could, however, coordinate the color of your shoes to that of your shirt or necktie to create a color scheme – more than a bit dandyish. As always, socks are best omitted when wearing boat shoes.
New, loud colors are the name of the fashion game for spring. There’s a kaleidoscope of shades and hues out there waiting for you to express your personal style with them. Hendrik Pohl