It may only be mid-April but with the lovely weather we’ve experienced in good old blighty in the last 24 hours, we can start to visualise the late sun setting through our old fashioned cocktail or beers in some contemporary trendy roof terrace bar. Granted the weather forecast is bound to make this daydream hard to stick as we wait for the prolonged period of good weather, which in truth probably won’t materialise until July. It, however, doesn’t mean that we can’t begin to look the part as ‘Spring, has sprung’ gentlemen (cheesy I know but what’s life without a little a cheese now and then)!
So here is my snapshot of my favourite Spring’s trends this year…
THE BOWLING SHIRT
Loose and easy, with a casual spread-collar, the bowling shirt sums up the relaxed, 1950s trend that seems to be everywhere for spring. It’s taking inspiration from your grandad’s favourite short-sleeved shirt. As the temperatures rise it an ideal alternative to your Oxford shirt. For an even more spring-appropriate look, don’t be afraid to go bold as the examples below by Topman Design, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Valentino & E Tautz illustrate.
COOL GREY
It’s a colour that exists in almost every man’s wardrobe but this spring the focus on you wear it: varying shades and patterns of grey should be worn all at once to create a look that’s big on texture.
DISTRESSED DENIM
This season’s denim is ripped, patched, bleached – all but destroyed, basically. And while ones that are slashed to pieces might only be for the boldest among us, the key takeaway is that your jeans should look lived in – whether that’s through a lighter wash or a repair or two.
RETURN OF THE ANORAK
The humble raincoat makes a comeback this season, but this time with a high-end aesthetic. Lightweight and high-tech materials allow for easy access when the impromptu rain shower hits. Coats feature patterns and block colours alike, though the most popular style was see-through – which is handy, because it goes with everything you already own.
CHINOISERIE
What is on Chinoiserie? It is patterns that are influenced by Eastern elements such as dragons, animals and flowers. This influence was most striking on bomber jackets which hark back to post-war occupied Japan when US military personnel would have their jackets embellished with designs. Chinoiserie, however, was not just isolated to bombers but were seen on pyjama trousers, silk shirts and even full suits.