Deciphering Autumn/Winter 2008 trends for the guys

10 quick updates for your wardrobe

My first newsletter had quite a comprehensive update on the Autumn Winter 2008 trends for women and as promised, here is an update for the guys too so here it is – whether the very fashion conscious or the occasional shopper, it’s worth a read for a few ideas of how to update your wardrobe.

As with the trends set for women for Autumn and Winter 2008 and due to the never ending doom and gloom of the economic downturn, there is a sense of seriousness and calmness about what hits the high street for men. Quality and items that will last are important (as they should always be to be honest!) so as always, buy carefully. Having said that, this is fashion and so in traditional catwalk style, the same mood drives a need to escape from reality so included is a sense of the flamboyant.

So what are the key things you need to know - here are 10 quick updates:

1. Purple, purple, purple...it's still in!

Purple is the still colour of the season. Just as different tones of purple are appearing on everything that constitutes clothing for women – the same goes for the men’s collections. Update your wardrobe by looking out for a purple injection as an accent colour in shirts and ties varying from the very autumnal deep shades of purple to the pastel shades. A level of vibrancy is introduced with bright blues which provide a contrast with the more traditional earthy autumnal hues. Grey is also big this season as well as the usual black.

So look out for complete outfits in muted shades of blue and purple – yes top to toe, if you dare!

2. Checks

Just about every men’s high street store will have something in checks – it's everywhere! if there was such thing as a check haircut, it’ll be all the rage too!

Depending on your personal style you can make this look as dramatic or understated as you want by where and on what you wear your checks on. Consider fabrics as everything from wool to cotton will be out there and in many combinations of colours – even the lumberjack red and black.

The main thing here is to be careful with scale here and the size of checks against your own body proportions.

3. The Tuxedo and Evening Suit

Come on guys…you know there’s a James Bond in all of you and even more so now what we have a man's man like Daniel Craig re-igniting the role. And this year you can go traditional or go for some drama. The tuxedo jacket in general is huge this season (and just as much for the women – so guys watch out it doesn’t disappear from your wardrobe!)

4. Suits in general

In my job, more often than not when conducting a session for men, suits will play an important part of the education process and wardrobe. So care must be given when interpreting what fashion trends say and what really suits your personal style, body shape and proportions. But anyway…it allows me to put another pic of Daniel up...

The three-piece suit makes a serious comeback with the high street catching on with the complete look including the waistcoat. For some body shapes this can be very flattering so it’s a welcome return. The look is further enhanced by including coats on the same fabric as the suit. And guys do remember the handkerchief in the breast pocket. For a more modern look omit the tie or swap the waistcoat for a cardigan (sleeved or sleeveless).

Suits are razor sharp in cut with a range of luxurious materials with a sense of romanticism. Beware not to look too much like the Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and tone down the look with jeans, shirts and V-neck sweaters (big this season for that understated but very polished Italian look).

A suit is ideal for anyone and a great dress up – dress down look for men. A good quality and well fitted suit (2 or 3 buttons) can be extremely versatile: team jackets (with or without the waistcoat) with good fitting jeans; or match trousers with a classic shirt and merino wool sweater. Smarten up with shoes and accessories and you on your way to a stylish wardrobe.

5. The pea coat

First of all – what’s a pea coat? Easier with a picture – see this one by Kenneth Cole. You wouldn’t go far wrong if you included this in your wardrobe as they are big this season and even better if you can get one in purple!

Esquire, a few issues ago, did a whole spread on the return of the double breasted jacket. I remember reading in apprehension as this cut really doesn’t suit certain body shapes but yes, they are back in.

6. Pleats and baggy trousers!

There is a definite air of gangster and gangsta! The baggy trouser look is not quite ‘madness’ but actually quite chic if worn well and not too oversized. The pleated trousers (again not something that suits all body shapes) are all over the high street as with different widths of trousers. We see the very narrow – mens skinny to the wide leg of a very 1940s look.

7. It’s Vintage, you know…

What does vintage mean this season? I’ve split into two, there’s the revival of the Harris Tweed, corduroy and leather – inspired perhaps by your Granddads wardrobe but requires updating with a fresh injection of colour, cut and lines – it’s more about the materials that are being used.

The other revival which is either vintage or retro is taken from the 1940s. Watch out for softer colours, wide leg trousers, the hats, handkerchiefs and the polka dots!

8. Not quite going back to school with the Preppy look

We saw this with the ladies and it looks like they are not the only ones going back to school. Think modern school uniform but with sharper cuts, teamed with a sporty and military feel. Include tailored wool jumpers, wool caps and duffle coats with colours in fresh grey and blue.

9. To the manor born with a Country Gentleman

Some classic British aristocratic dressing comes in to bring a great sense of tradition from the catwalk to the high street. Look out for the heavy checks and tweeds to perfect that country gentlemen look. Key to getting this look right is not to dress head to toe in your ‘to the manor born’ outfit but pick key items and ensure good quality and grooming. In addition will be a range of accessories for the gentry look, from wellies to flat caps to braces.

10. Hey – what’s that on your head?

The tradition and etiquette of wearing hats has been a long time coming back into vogue. But at the moment, hats are in with no rules as to what you can wear on your head…even bowlers have been spotted.

Hats do not suit everyone so consider carefully your choice of headgear - if at all. But it's there this season as an accessory to make a statement.

So guys have fun with this seasons trends but remember you do not have to be 'fashionable' to have style. There may be just a few looks here that you can identify with and therefore adopt according to your budget and need. Why not book a Styling Session for Men to discover your personal style and how to interpret the fashion trends for you or take the stress out of what to invest in with a Personal Shopping trip?