In the post-
”
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
”
era designers have kept a tight lid on color in men’s clothing,
preferring dark, corporately acceptable shades like black, brown
and navy. This season, some unusual picks make their return in
style. Cozy pumpkins are accompanied by a color unseen in
respectable circles since Don Johnson ruled the airwaves
– pink.
In the post-“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” era designers have kept a tight lid on color in men’s clothing, preferring dark, corporately acceptable shades like black, brown and navy. This season, some unusual picks make their return in style. Cozy pumpkins are accompanied by a color unseen in respectable circles since Don Johnson ruled the airwaves – pink.
“A lot of guys are asking for pink ties,” said Cheryl Quintero, manager of the Van Husen outlet in Gilroy. “A lot of guys are coming in and asking for pink shirts, too, but we don’t have them right now.”
Pinks flatter a wide range of complexions from olive tones to ruddy-faced gents. They can work special wonders for African American men of medium to dark complexion, according to Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear.” And yes, you’ll still be a man while you’re wearing them, she tells makeover candidates.
Another big trend for the year is the striped shirt. They’re outselling solids by 75 percent at the Calvin Klein outlet in Gilroy, according to Brian Gong, the store’s general manager. Dressed down with a pair of dirty-wash jeans, they’re subconsciously reminiscent of classic cowboy shirts, said Quintero. The Western look is taken to its extreme by Millers Outpost’s fall designs – striped button-downs with western seam detailing.
“I think style is going a little more rustic,” said Matthew Turner, manager of Millers Outpost in Morgan Hill. “Maybe that’s not the right word for it, but the colors are more earthy – browns and oranges.
“Seventies colors were brighter. These are similar, but they’re deeper. It’s pumpkin orange instead of bright orange.”
Dressed up stripes (evenly spaced and colored) are more Wall Street than ranchland, according to Janie Nieto, manager of Dick Bruhn Menswear in Hollister.
“We tend to be more conservative than most stores,” said Nieto. “We have the traditional Pendleton plain black suits, but our ties have gotten really wild. Our Talbot ties have purple and gray stripes or polka dots in colors like orange and rust and yellow. They’re being worn with the striped shirts to contrast patterns.”
This combination of design and texture is the height of fashion right now, said Lee Sanchez, creative lead for Polo Ralph Lauren in Gilroy.
“Men are wearing things in layers,” he said. “A striped shirt with a striped tie and a sweater over that that shows both.”
The sweater can tone down the clash of patterns between the shirt and tie, but if it’s a little too radical for you, try a splash of color or texture in the form of a belt.
“Ribbon belts or more rugged braided belts are both an updated look,” said Sanchez. “Another thing (men) can do is to go for a closer fit – ribbing on shirts and the slimmer look are in.”
Traditional doesn’t have to be boring, guys.
Add a little splash of color. Try out a pattern. Letting your clothes match your personality may just open up your ideas of style.
What’s in for women
Jackets
Look for slim, short cuts with interesting details – contrast stitching, fabrics like bloucé and velvet, 3/4-length sleeves or cropped lengths.
Round-toed pumps
They make your feet look tiny and your legs look long. What’s not to love?
Colorful accessories
Looking for a way to perk up that brown suit you just bought? Try a purple suede handbag. Or maybe a slick leather look in green or yellow. Color doesn’t have to be put away after Labor Day.
Trenches
Give yourself a waist even when you’re huddled under a heavy coat by investing in a belted trench. If the coat’s open, tie the belt back to give it shape.
