Fashionability of men’s suits is on the rise, particularly as a kick back to the casualisation trend in men’s dress codes in recent years. Spring/Summer 2014 updates with four key trends that stretch the continuum of men’s formal dress. The short suits flirts with the boundary between semi-formal and casual, and on the other side of the continuum, we see the three piece suit make a comeback, declaring a statement on the streets for any occasion.
THE THREE PIECE SUIT
As dress codes become generally more relaxed, the three piece suit can be seen making a comeback, dressed down without a necktie or matched with an interesting neck accessory or non-traditional collared shirt. The rising popularity of matching waistcoat and jacket combinations has contributed to the spread of this trend, and it has become more acceptable to see a three piece suit in a less formal environment.
If this feels a little too cumbersome, consider this: the great thing about adding another piece to your suit collection is that it is simply another item to play with. Experiment with throwing in a floral shirt, with a contrasting placket instead of a necktie, or play with adding a cravat and slipping on a pair of two tone wingtips for a more dressy occasion. Consider wearing your waistcoat unbuttoned for cooling on a hotter day. The three piece suit is also the perfect forum to bring out the accessories, fold a handkerchief into your pocket, and don’t forget the props. Leather bound accessories complete the styling of this look.
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THE DOUBLE BREASTED SUIT
Having risen in popularity in the 1920’s, and then having shrunken back to the idles of winter trench coats, double breasted styles are gaining popularity as men continue to push the boundaries on personal attire and are increasingly on the lookout for new variations to their wardrobes. The commercial appeal is given credit owing to a more casual approach. The contemporary feel of this look is found especially in a slimmer fit and shorter length jacket worn with narrower, tapering trousers. Again, wear the double breasted suit over a polo shirt or premium knit to add a bit of flair, or play with a button down shirt with a placket or inner collar detail.
The double breasted jacket works particularly with an interesting collar detail, try pairing an austere white mandarin collar with a black slim collar double breasted jacket. Choose a blue on blue style variation worn with contrast creme-coloured buttons to match the look straight from the ramp. Add accent laces to your shoes to complete the contrast.
On the subject of contrast, pair a contrasting patterned handkerchief and tie combination within the same colour theme to add surface detail to your look. Since detail is key here, add a statement timepiece to complete the classic meets contemporary feel of this look.
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SHARP TWO BUTTON SUIT
This classic look is smartened up by a slimmer fitting silhouette, a shorter jacket and slightly cropped pants. The colour palette of this trend is set in mostly darker tones: blacks, greys and blues, but it can even be seen edging up to a dove grey. This look is versatile and is fashioned up with a pinstriped or a checked shirt and a contrasting straight cut necktie.
Pocket detail is key in this category, play with handkerchiefs – experiment with fold and colour variations to add pocket interest and detailing to the overall look. Grey on grey in a mix of variations is a key innovation within this update. Style this look with a pair of white high tops for a super sporty feeling and massive street appeal.
This SS14 updated trend has a very adaptable and versatile palette; mix your greys with blues in any variation you can think of for a fashionable effect. Don’t be afraid to be a bit bold in your approach to colour, remember that fashion favours the brave.
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SHORTS SUIT
Targeted more towards the fashion forward amongst men, this trend is beginning to gain traction within a more commercial sector. Due to the youth and innovation of this trend, pretty much anything goes. Innovate with colour combinations, play with patterned suiting and length and experiment with the fit of the shorts.
Combine a diagonally striped tie, a bold colour shirt and matching derbys with a charcoal short suit for a charming schoolboy effect. For this direction, add some funky sunglasses to complete the look. Play with variations in striping across items to add texture and thought to the ensemble. Since this trend is very playful, don’t be afraid to show off a bow tie or a pair of statement spectacles.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
With these 4 key updates to men’s suiting for Spring Summer 2014, the emphasis is on unique combinations of patterns and textures, so be adventurous and artistic when it comes to pairing. The union of formal and semi-formal spills over into casual dress, the boundaries relax. No longer is it inappropriate to wear shorts to a wedding, or a three piece suit to the office, so take this as a fashion license to go to town.
Are you up for the challenge? Add your thoughts in the comments section below.
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