Fashion: Putting It Into Neutral

This fortnight we’re looking at men’s trends that are going to dominate both the summer and autumn months – and luckily for you lads, it’s going to be very easy to look slick and stylish. Unlike 2016, which was heavy with loud patterns and statement pieces, current menswear trends are focusing on classic pieces and timeless styling, so you can utilise clothes in your existing wardrobe and carry on new pieces for years. See, now you can justify any shopping as fashion investments, and yes, we’ll happily write a note to your bank confirming this.
While last year was all about loud, bright patterns and prints, this season is about the classy understated appeal of muted palettes and neutrals. The latter have long been deployed by men as a way of anchoring other, more vibrant pieces. However, this year it’s about mixing and matching complementary neutral shades, going top-to-toe tonal. Creams, whites, tans, greys and stone hues were everywhere on the catwalks. JW Anderson matched stone hues with subtle highlights of black and white for a graphic look, while Astrid Anderson gave his ensembles a regal desert feel by draping gold scarves on top of tan base pieces. Gucci kept their silhouettes crisp and clean and their palette matched this fresh feel, layering light tan overcoats over all-white ensembles.
The key to achieving this look is layering, so pair your crisp white tees with stone-coloured trousers and a tan jacket, or layer your tee over a neutral v-neck sweater. Overcoats in muted tones are huge this year, and beloved by style icons like Pharrell and Kanye West. White, black and grey overcoats have dominated the past two winters, and will always have a classic appeal. Neutral toned overcoats, meanwhile, have a lighter, more fashion-forward appeal, and without the heavy colours, are more wearable year-round. To keep overcoats from seeming too formal, team with your favourite ripped jeans and coolest white kicks.
Speaking of your favourite jeans, denim has made a major comeback this season after falling out of fashion the past two years. But Gucci has brought back bleached denim, and the lighter hues are also leading to some fierce double-denim looks. Christopher Shannon sent male models down the runway in dual-toned jackets, pairing light and dark, while Topman was all over the bleached trend, looking for washed-out denim that had grey undertones. Look for greyish and white undertones, which will prove versatile whether you pair them with darker denim, crisp whites, or dark sweaters and blazers.
If you like to be slightly more adventurous, take your cues from Chance the Rapper and try some overalls. As both denim and wide-leg trousers have made a comeback this year, overalls aren’t that much of a style leap for most guys, and can look effortlessly cool when worn with one side undone. Simply team with a graphic tee and a neutral-coloured bomber jacket or overcoat, and embrace the coolest version of yourself.