Men's Fashion for Summer 2008
From Pink Shirts to Blue Cardigans and Hooded Jackets to Trunks
Jun 28, 2008
Menswear for the spring & summer season has made its mark with the presence of color. There is a strong blue influence which replicates David Hockney paintings during his splash period in the 1960s, and the introduction of pink.
This is also the season of the lightweight-knit, be it revamped hoody or button-up cardigan. Men also have one less choice to make when it comes to swimming, by throwing on a pair of combi shorts and trunks.
Spring Summer Colors for 2008
In the Pink
Men’s fashion is having a pink moment in 2008, therefore, defining your masculinity has become more of a challenge this summer. This not-so-typical color sorts the men from the boys, as it takes guts and skill to wear; requiring men to make a modern color statement whilst still maintaining a masculine edge. This can be done by keeping cuts and fabrics very traditional and teaming it with neutral shades, such as white, beige, gray or black.
From the menswear runways of Calvin Klein and Bottega Veneta come more manly pinks of magenta and light, but toughened, shades — there is nothing feminine about pink if you pair it well – flamboyant it may be, but boring it’s not! Pink is as hot on the women’s runways as it is on the men’s and is being touted as a new classic color staple. Pink works in so many different ways, and coordinates well with almost any other color combination. Add a single piece rather than going overboard on pink. There is a thin line between being fashionable and too flamboyant!
Feeling Blue
In addition to being "In the Pink", the fashion industry is also feeling blue this season. Not the dark navy kind, but the azure blue of David Hockney's Splash, pool paintings. From Louis Vuitton’s head-to-toe azure Moon Beach collection, on the spring runways to Hockney-inspired Missoni shirts, Hockneyed-Splash sweatshirts, to azure-colored cargo pants and suits. Feeling blue has never been so on-trend.
Tie-Dye Trend
Up-to-the-minute tie-dyes, are a popular look on both men’s and women’s runways. Whilst women’s have gone in the more sophisticated Ombré dip-dye direction, men’s looks feature the more traditional ‘70s tie-dye. These include an aquatic tie-dyed shirt which resembles Hockney-type reflections of light in a swimming pool, and a pair of Michael Kors pants in pale blue tie-dye. Men.style.com, in their Blue Planet trend report, suggests teaming these with a solid blazer, if you don’t want to look as if you’ve gone off the deep end!
Men’s Cardigans
With its flawless versatility, no wonder button-up cardigans remain a summer staple, in classic neutrals or vibrant blues and pinks. Be it preppy look, geek chic or summer at The Hamptons, there are a plethora of styles to choose from, single-breasted, double-breasted, traditional or funky. The secret is in the layering, go for a modern single-block color or a traditional Argyle knit with contrasting color trim. One of the best traditional-meets-modern looks around is a Marc by Marc Jacobs, Klondike blue and multicolored asymmetric cardigan, available from Marcjacobs.com.
If cardigans are not your thing then try a modern twist on a traditional stripy sweater. Andrew Harmon’s shawl-collar, geometric blue and white striped knit is sure to be a talking point. Asos also has some striking shawl-collar sweaters from Daniele Alessandrini.
Men's Hoodies
Hoodies make a welcome return as they have been reinvented to form an integral part of your wardrobe rather than a casual cover-up. With some innovative styling this season, hoodies have evolved to become a substitute for a blazer or cardigan, matching your ensemble and being classy enough to take you from beach to bar. Hoodies have become sophisticated enough to be street-savvy garments, layer them over a tee or shirt, or be more adventurous and go for a Juicy Couture hooded leather jacket or an OntFront Sidewalk Tailoring hooded blazer.
Trunks as Shorts
On the subject of swimming pools, another look du jour is the combination of trunks as shorts. Wear them as both; saving you that fashion dilemma of having to wear shorts over trunks. Offerings come from labels such as Thom Browne, ADAM, Opening Ceremony, and Shipley & Halmos who have pairs that can be easily teamed with a more formal shirt or blazer.
Men’s Fashion Accessories
Sitting poolside requires some additional accessories. Nautical caps and deck shoes are right on-trend, so are blue and white manbags. Accessorize your outfit with some fashion-forward, round-saucer shades — David Hockney-inspired eyewear or John Lennon frames.
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