Let's Hear It For The Boys
Move over ladies: Men want to know about fall fashion trends, too
Shades of Gray, American Rag Sportscoat, $59.50: sportshirt $29.98: jeans$39.50, Macy's
Plaid Men, I.N.C. International Concepts Jacket, $149.00; black pants, $39.98,Macy's
Rogan Kharma Cardigan, $264, Mortar
In blue, Left Field organic canvas duck pants, $155, Mortar
Left Field organic canvas duck pants, $155, Mortar
In a season filled with thigh-grazing boots and lace, it’s easy to forget that fashion isn’t just for Double X carriers. Men get dibs on fall trends and runway shows too, and while they don’t have to mix jewel tones and a military jacket, there is the matter of fur, plaid and Houston’s inconsiderate climate to consider.
Mortar is all about timeless, modern men’s clothing and store owner Iris Trent Siff keeps the seasons (or lack of) in mind when buying. Siff admits she has her own men's favorites right about now.
“My favorite men's trends this fall are tailored chinos, double layered cotton gauze shirts, and lightweight sweaters. In Houston it is important to have a wardrobe that works with the climate, but is comprised of pieces that you can make work if you need to travel elsewhere,” Siff says.
Her top picks include enzyme washed organic cotton chinos by Left Field NYC for their quality, price and enduring wear. She intentionally sought lightweight fabrics in fall colors that intrigue the eye with contrasting color detail sleeves and slant pockets.
No man purposely wants to look like the Brawny paper towel guy or a throwback from '90s grunge, so trends such a plaid should be incorporated into a layered look. Macy’s fashion expert Martha Gil de Montes suggests a bold plaid, mixed with the season’s must-have hue for men.
“Smoky gray is the “It” color, with textural wools, sleek leathers and treated nylons as the key fabrications,” Gil de Montes says. “We all know layering is an important element for fall, but it’s not just for the practical purpose of staying warm, it also looks hot when done right.”
Black and gray accented by lavender and steel blue are easy enough for most men to add to their fall wardrobes and get high marks from Gil de Montes. Men who are interested in updating their look without a lot of risk can easily add denim and leather jackets to the mix.
Calvin Klein sent a leather jackets with quilted details down the runway and Levi’s went as far as combining the two trends, creating the Levi’s Boneyards 2: Conspiracy trucker jacket, a streamlined ode to renegade bikers. Designer Billy Reid does an excellent job of taking the season's trends and presenting them in a way that appeals to men of various ages and body shapes. Leather, denim, military and plaid all play roles in his fall collection and most can be worn with ease.
Men willing to step out a little bit more, won’t really have to go all that far this season. Military-inspired clothing still works, but leave the camo pants for hunting and instead, think shades of green or jackets with details like epaulets and rugged fabrics worn easily with denim.
If you look like Maroon Five lead singer Adam Levine, go ahead and pull on slim pant corduroy pants or a skinny suit this season. And if you aren’t sure if the look is right for you, just a few moments in the dressing room mirror will give the answer.
