Whether a man prefers the natty sophistication of `30s-inspired tailoring or the modern urban appeal of solid color, this fall offers men a wide variety of looks to choose from. The operative word this season: options.
That`s the message from the recent Men`s Fashion Association design preview here.
The up-and-coming young executive will be happy to know that there will be a broad range of lightweight, well-tailored suits, both double-breasted and in the new three-button style with open patch pockets-a model clearly inspired by an earlier era.
Indeed, the retro craze is far from over in men`s fashion, as antique clothing boutiques and used-clothing emporiums continue as a chief source of inspiration both to designers and to young fashion-minded men with more dash than cash.
One fall example with a decidedly vintage spin is the boxy, loose sack suit. Reminiscent of the `50s, it has been reinterpreted for the `90s in lighter-weight wool tweed, flannel and crepe. Enormously popular on Ivy League campuses nearly four decades ago, the sack no doubt owes its latest fashion renaissance to students across the country, who have made it the jacket of choice by wearing worse-for-wear originals resurrected from thrift shops.
(Fashion pundits credit Ralph Lauren with ushering the sack back into vogue, but the designer no doubt has been thumbing through the archives of campus fashion.)
Many designers have added waistcoats to their collections for fall, in brightly colored wools, fancy brocades, leather, suede and even intarsia knit. While meant to be worn in contrast to a suit or tweed sportcoat, many of the newest waistcoats work equally well over a printed or solid sport shirt and a pair of jeans-a look already popular with stylish young men and women on the streets of Milan.
Easily the single most important knitwear style this fall is the cardigan, interpreted for the `90s as long, oversized and slouchy. Some designers work subtle detailing into their versions and keep the colors deep and musty, played off black or gray. Others opt for bold, often graphic abstract patterns in bright colors that look unabashedly modern. Whatever the interpretation, the cardigan is big news again.
Dressing up or down, it`s a season when men will have their fair share of choice ingredients for dressing with style. Just add a little color, daring, imagination-and mix well. –
