Spring 2014 Trends to Avoid

Now that you have the gist of what's coming when the days begin to warm up without plummeting two days later, here's what you should avoid.

Meggings, source: chaos-mag

Meggings, Men's Leggings.

They are as bad as they sound. Men have been wearing leggings for a few years now - under athletic shorts for additional warmth in the winter. That's about it and it should not extend beyond that. It's bad enough when women wear leggings as though they are pants with crop tops, exposing the world to horrendous misfitting and the poor visions that go along with them (camel toe). Same thing goes for men, you do not need to flaunt your package in such a manner, it's distracting and unflattering. Even the painfully tight skinny jeans some men insist on wearing can be a bit too revealing, but at least those have the thickness of stretch denim. Whereas, meggings, leaves nothing to the imagination. Just no. 

Camoflauge cargo shorts, source: GQ

Camouflage - Use Caution

This trend has consistently come and gone and unlike double breasted jackets, it's not a refreshing break and it doesn't get any better with every come back. Camouflage was invented by the French during World War I. Painters, illustrators and fashion designers were put in the front lines to paint and change soldier's uniforms to blend in. They were called "camofleurs", meaning "to disguise". 

Designers think that changing the colors from greens, browns and neutrals - the colors they are supposed to be - makes them fashionable because it's doing the exact opposite of its intended us by drawing attention to the wearer. But is it good attention or is it just early 90's middle school bad attention? Yes, changing the color of a pattern can make it more attractive and wearable. However, this does not usually apply to obnoxiously loud colors that want to be neon. If they do, it's hunting season and not so much runway ready. Should fashion really be playing with something that was invented as a safety precaution against enemies and accidental shooting while hunting with Dick Cheney?

Camouflage done right, source: imperfectlydistinguished

This does not at all meant that camouflage should not be worn fashionably, just use sparingly. Don't deck yourself out in head to camouflage to go to the grocery store. Use it as accents or a single statement piece. The purple in the cargo pants above is a nice color combination because it is not changing every color. The purple acts as an accent color, bringing it to life. Just maybe not as cargo shorts or cargo shorts paired with a pinstripe blazer - it looks like the wearer is trying too hard.

Raf Simons Spring 2014, source:style

Tunics

The slightest difference in length can change the type of shirt you are wearing - cropped, normal, long/tunic -- and then there's dress. What is shown above becomes a dress and not so much a tunic. Now, don't get me wrong - I love my androgynous friends and drag queens. But, this is not for every day street wear unless it fits your lifestyle. In which case, this would not be a trend for you but already part of your wardrobe as a staple. Those who would like to look at this for a trend, I would advise against it. This is not a tunic, this is a dress. If you would like to try the tunic trend anyways, be sure the length falls below the butt but not so far as mid-thigh.

Ermenegildo Zegna/Lanvin/Giorgio Armani, source:arizonafoothillsmag

Loose Suits

Just as men were finally getting comfortable with the idea of a form fitting suit that flatters their figure, the runways roll out with these. Loose fitting suits from the 80s. If you want your suit to look more fluid with your movement, opt for a higher thread count like Giorgio Armani's on the right. Otherwise, you do not need to gliding through the wind as you walk (although that does sound like fun, it's not very work appropriate). Stick with flattering form fitting suits. They will last you much longer than a seasonal suit trend that you will want to get tailored after a month of wearing it. 

And remember, nothing says a grown man like looking as though you're a toddler dressing up in your father's suits. ;-)

Interested to become more fashion forward but need some guidance to keep an appropriate balance for work? Want your suits to be a little bit more playful without going over the top? Feeling adventurous with your wardrobe and want to step it up a bit? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

High-Waisted Pants and Pleats? Trends from the 1950s for Spring 2014

source: wikia

Fashion trends always repeat themselves. We've seen double breasted suits come and go and are here again along with camouflage prints in different colors and scales. Mad Men's series premiere in 2007 launched a huge rival for men and women's fashion, more so for the men. Pocket squares slowly crept back into mainstream fashion after hipsters and street savvy fashionistas took hold, leading it full circle to public television with Cameron on Modern Family. Spike Jonze's latest film, Her, is set in the not so distant future where the men are dressed in high-waisted pants but without the pleats from the 50's. Apparently, Spike Jonze hit the nail on its head. 

Missoni/Joaquin Pheonix in 'Her'/Bottega Veneta/Chris Pratt in 'Her'
source: pinterest/vulture/pinterest/vulture

Designers sent models down the runway for their Spring 2014 collections reminiscent of the 1950s casual wear, much like Spike Jonez's costumes in his movie. I'm glad the trend for men's pants are back on the rise (har-har, I apologize for the pun, kind of) and have graciously moved past the low-riding pants from the 90's, just don't go for the pleats unless your legs really need the extra space. Even Spike Jonze didn't incorporate them in his high-waisted comeback. 

Little Bonus: Spike Jonez explains why he put his men in high-waisted pants. Take an extra read below. 

http://www.vulture.com/2013/12/her-movie-high-waisted-pants-spike-jonze.html

Interested in getting pants that fit your lower half properly? Want to brush up your look with a little bit of class and add a touch of dapper? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com

Trend Watch: Double Breasted Suits

Double breasted jackets are thought of to be dated but really, they're a classic. They were introduced in the 20's and have faded out and back in style over the years. The only thing that really changes about them is the fit. The 1920's was all about the American style suits with excess fabric and less form fitting, even the late 80's favored looser clothes. 

source: canadianbusiness.com/Getty images

Now, it's all about having a fitted suit that tapers to your body and really shows your sleek silhouette that men are working so hard to get now. It's not just the women who have something to show off, everyone loves a man in a tapered suit that shows off his physique while looking incredibly classy. A true gentleman. 

source: styleschool.co.uk 

How to Wear a Double Breasted Suit

• Double breasted suits are traditionally paired with a peaked lapel. Notched lapels are acceptable pair with to give a more casual appearance. However, a peaked lapel will visually balance out the suit by drawing the focus towards the shoulders. A peaked lapel helps make the shoulders look slightly broader and can give the wearer the appearance of having an athletic body shape. 
• If there is an inner hidden button, always button it. If just the outer button is buttoned, the suit will not be pulled across the body appropriately. The suit will look saggy and gather underneath, giving the wearer a bulge across their torso. This is the opposite affect a double breasted suit is supposed to have. Because there is more than one button to fasten across the torso, it pulls the fabric tighter around the body, giving it a smoother and slimmer appearance. This is the perfect suit for someone who wants a slimmer European fit. 
• Leave the suit buttoned until you take it off or sit down. The jacket must be unbuttoned when the wearer is sitting and must be re-buttoned when the gentleman gets up. 
• The general rule is to leave the last button unbuttoned but some rules are meant to be broken. Ryan Gosling has buttoned his last button in the top picture, despite his hands covering it, as does Prince Charles on a regular basis. 
• Double breasted Vests - don't wear belts, wear suspenders. Belts will make the vest look bulky at the bottom. Wearing a double breasted vest with a single breasted jacket is acceptable. 

Actual Client: Dana Quigley in his proposal suit (she said yes!), wearing a double breasted vest under a single breasted jacket with velvet trim. 

Interested in a double breasted suit or vest, contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com 

Happy New Year! Spring 2014 Trend Report- PRINTS!

You know the cliches, out with the old and in with the new. Fashion has a non-stop revolving door of trends from season to season. Whether or not you decide to jump on board ahead of schedule or mid-game, it's good for you to have an idea of what you're jumping into.

For the month of January, every Tuesday will spotlight an upcoming trend for men's suits. Until then, enjoy other menswear trends for Spring 2014. 

There are multiple patterns to pick from to find the one best suits your fancy:

FLORAL
Embrace elegance this upcoming season and mix it with structured clothes to keep a masculine edge. 

                           

 ARMY PRINT
This trend has come and gone and at this point, is becoming a classic, just be sure not to go too crazy with the camouflage like in the 90s. Use this more of an accent or a single piece, don't cover yourself from head to toe in pink, purple, blue, green and brown army print.

POLKA DOTS

I love polka dots! I'm very excited about this trend and am anxious to see this on men. They're playful enough to have limited rules about the scale and all over prints but is best to one piece. 

Interested in working with a style consultant to help you incorporate these trends with your current wardrobe? Want to start straying away from your standard navy suit? Contact a style consultant at info@9tailors.com