Kate McleishThe art of modernizing your wardrobe each season is a misconception, however it is often essential that you purchase a few items to reinvent existing styles you already own. With the season switchover in full swing and brands unveiling new trends for Spring 14, it’s imperative that you choose something in-keeping with you personal consistent style. Often a tricky task, distinguishing between trends and comfort has never been so easy thanks to the Heritage trend that’s sweeping across the nation.
We take a look at a selection of designers who featured layering as an integral part of their collection for Spring Summer 14.
YMC
The combined partnership of Fraser Moss & Jimmy Collins; founded the fantastically cohesive brand YMC back in 1995. Since then their runway has showcased only the finest understated and very wearable smart, relaxed apparel to date. Throughout the Spring Summer 14 collection a modern twist was given to the heritage trend- a juxtaposition of textures and layering was present in leather jackets, tees, whimsical floral prints and wool mix garments.
If we can take anything from YMC’s collection as inspiration; don’t be afraid to mix print and textures for a statement look.
Oliver Spencer
Designed with heritage in mind in the loosest form possible, Oliver Spencer’s colourful eclectic collection displayed inventive styling throughout the runway. Utilising modern textures and prints; bleached denim, high luxe fabrics and tailoring were incorporated giving endless versatile options. Each signature look was relaxed and practical yet encompassed a unique personality and vibe; very much summing up the 21st century modern man. Quirky, uncompromising and slightly eccentric; Spencer’s collection was a creative hub of contemporary styling repertoire.
Mix and match suiting with more casual pieces as featured in Oliver Spencer’s collection; have fun styling modern prints with contrast accents.
Vidur
Taking a giant leap into sportswear led layering; label Vidur made up of talented design duo Raj Mistry and Richard Brand, leads innovative and pioneering menswear design in the present day. Images from their Spring Summer 14 lookbook encapsulate trends of the modern urban explorer, channelling bespoke sharp sportswear details into well thought out cohesive practical pieces. Styling is kept clean with colour blocking left to speak in volumes.
Integrate good quality well-cut pieces into your personal look, compliments with colour-blocked proportions. Keeping heritage in mind be confident mixing colour and contemporary shapes.
Keeping It Classic
Opting for darker classic shades will stand you in good stead for the rest of the year. Easy additions to your wardrobe, both smart and versatile; grey, blue and black epitomise timeless style. Look out for well engineered jackets and shirts; these can make or break a look. Work in more colours if you require a lift, however monochrome is perfect for mixing and matching day-to-day essentials. A touch of tradition with quintessentially modern details, your attire will surely stand out for the right reasons. Here are some pieces along the lines of classic heritage…
Eclectic Attire
Feeling adventurous? Ever the optimist, trends evolve into something now and again quite outlandish. Mixing up traditional statement pieces with quirky eccentric prints establish a new contemporary appeal amongst male fashionistas. Tone down colours with ease and perk it up with bright accessories. Be confident to work in high quality details in a modern sense to create the ultimate statement look. Here are some items that will help create an interesting ensemble in a flash!
It’s A Mixed Bag
More extreme with the other two looks and whilst carefully erasing your memory of any fashion rules and rookie mistakes; re-work with a nod to sportswear. Dress for comfort when choosing your daily attire and throw a few trends in there too if your brave enough. Men’s fashion over the past few years has come a long way, often challenging and constantly reinventing trends old and new. Under a new guise, feel the full benefit to your look by channelling sporty vibes. Covered in a previous article, sneakers and suits can work and live in harmony, giving a whole new found edge to personal style. Choose pieces wisely; consider colour, composition and prints. Tailoring can keep things looking smart, modernise with accessories that are consistent with your personal taste.
Conclusion.
Here at MFM we are passionate about presenting only the best style advice to you, we hope you enjoyed our feature on layering which has essentially come a long way since the classic heritage look! Coming up to spring now you shouldn’t need to feel so wary of new trends, just slowly integrate a bit of newfound inspiration to give you an edge. With so many options out there you can afford to shop and take a different perspective next time you put a personal look together.