Men's Fashion - Dissertation Example

Men's Fashion Introduction Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Each person owes it to himself or herself to always look his or her best. It does not matter if one is just going out to get some groceries or going to a high-class cocktail party. The bottom line is that one should always exert just a little effort into looking presentable at all times. Just little bit will go a long way. It does not always mean that one should always spend a fortune to get the best in fashion. Excellent quality does not always mean having to choose the more expensive brand. Building a workable, versatile wardrobe is not entirely unattainable nor is it that expensive. This could have been a harder task a few decades ago but with the rise of more fashion houses each year and with clothing stores to suit every style, size, body shape, occasion, budget and even milestone (e.g. wedding ateliers, maternity wear). Every detail imaginable seems to have been considered painstakingly. Closet Essentials Every season, each fashion house tries to come up with collections to suit the discriminating taste of its clients. More and more designers have come up with lines to suit every taste, trend, occasion, and budget. Unlike the recent past when it has been a difficult challenge to get a hold of great fashion finds, a number of enterprising fashion enthusiasts have stepped up to plate to produce great quality clothing at reasonable prices. The result is a wide selection of design, styles and colors to suit every budget. There are just a few important things to remember. Know your body type. It is essential to have a full understanding of one’s body type. One must accept the fact that he or she may never be as tall or as slim as a his favorite Hollywood actor or actress. What is important is to be familiar with the type of body one has, acknowledge this fact, and make the most out of the positive areas. For example, a woman may have bulges in her middle section but has slim arms. She must dress in styles that would draw the attention away from her middle section and highlight her slim arms, which are her best feature. The earlier one makes this realization, the better the results. One should be familiar with styles that will accentuate the positive features of one’s body. It does not matter if one is dressed in a high-end brand and it does not matter how expensive an outfit is. If the fit of a garment is not right for one’s body type, the clothing may pinch and bind in the wrong places, giving emphasis in all the wrong places. The wearer will not be as confident as he or she should be. As a result, the whole look suffers. Invest in great fitting undergarments. Well-fitting undergarments are the “foundation” for a perfectly fitted outfit. This is the secret for starting a versatile wardrobe. Well-fitted undergarments do more than just disguise unsightly bumps and bulges. Great-fitting undergarments make the wearer feel good. This also sets a good foundation for the whole look and enables the wearer to hold his posture better and feel more confident. (Baptiste, Joy n.d.) Invest in jeans that have the perfect fit. Every man or woman should own at least several pairs of jeans that fit perfectly. Do not stick to one brand because different brands most likely have the same styles but will fit differently. The key to finding the perfect pair is patience. It is good to have a few pairs in different cuts that flatter in different washes for variety. It is important to try on different pairs of jeans in different cuts. The reason for this is that people have different body types and the different cuts of jeans would (wikiHow 2007) Invest in good quality footwear. If there is one article of fashion that one should invest in, shoes are it. Comfort and fit are the most essential factors to consider in buying shoes. It is important to find styles in classic designs in different colors to match the color scheme of a wearer’s wardrobe. One should stay away from the styles that may be too trendy for maximum wearability. Getting new shoes is one way of updating one’s look to keep with the season’s trends without having to rob a bank. Coordinate accessories with outfit. For both men and women, it is important to at least coordinate one’s accessories with one’s outfit. Putting on a well-fitting garment is one thing, but adding the right accessories will either make or break the whole look. It is important to consider the season, the occasion and one’s outfit. Piling on too much accessories may send the wrong signal. It is of the essence to put on just the right amount of accessories to achieve a desirable amount of liveliness and sophistication to an outfit. One of the most economical ways to update an outfit is to add splash of accessories. More of this will be discussed in the latter part of this paper. Trends for 2008 For Spring 2008, fashion experts have predicted the appearance of more romantic looks on the runway. Romantic means more ruffles, feathers, sheer layers, feminine silhouettes and fabrics that spell romance such as silk and chiffon. This means that froufrou is back with a vengeance. The air of glamour will be given much emphasis in the coming runway shows (TBF Group, LLC 2007) Brand-consciousness is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Today’s fashion movers and shakers dictate that high price does not necessarily mean high quality. More consumers are making the clamor for high-quality products that sell for a reasonable price. (TBF Group, LLC 2007) Style.com has similar fashion forecasts. To strengthen the romantic feel of the season, sheer layers of fabrics will dominate the runways of New York and Paris. Androgynous fashion will make a comeback in the form of the suit. Designers and fashion houses such as Helmut Lang and Karl Lagerfeld have featured the suit in many semblances. Their fashion shows have featured the suit as short, trench, narrow and wide to balance the ultra-femininity of the blouses in sheer fabrics and ruffles. Hippie and rock styles will still be very popular as showcased by Armani, Prada, Nina Ricci and Roberto Cavalli. Brilliant colors such as deep emerald greens, vibrant purples, different shades of electric blues, pinks, hot reds, yellows and oranges will dominate the world’s major catwalks. To push the envelope of romanticism further, fabrics featuring loud, bright floral prints will be very much visible. Likewise, ethnic prints in both bold and muted colors will make it to the style capitals of the world. (Style.com 2008) The ‘in’ fashion elements for 2008 are metallic fabrics and accessories, hats, clutch bags, silver, bright blues, glittery fabrics, more feminine dressing, thin belts, head scarves, hats, knee-length pencil skirts, longer skirt lengths, outfits in silk jersey and chiffon. There is still an overflow of last year’s 80’s trend as patent leather shoes, bags and accessories will continue to be in style. Popular colors that will dominate the scene include “ orange, rose, lavender, and green. Silver is touted as the new neutral. (TBF Group, LLC 2007) Elements that are deemed outdated for the year are bold geometric prints, black and dark colors, super short skirts and shorts, babydoll dresses and others. (TBF Group, LLC 2007) The style philosophies that are said to dominate the new year are sporty-chic as well as ethno-mix. Sporty-chic gives more emphasis to functional fashion. Ethno-mix is more about contrasting elements that look good together and intricate details in the design. (Fashion Trendsetter 2008) Prints will be big during the summer. Animal prints such as the zebra and leopard print are expected to appear in swimsuits and summer apparel. Heeding the call for more of the tribal trend, Aztec prints and other ethnic elements such as ethnic jewelry featuring interesting neckpieces and chunky bangles will prevail in the warmer months. (iVillage Limited 2008) The retro craze is still all the rage as this year will be all about the decade of the seventies. The maxi dress will be in style as well as vintage blouses, stonewashed jeans and waistcoasts. To update the look, these element should be paired with fresh-looking makeup and sleek hairstyle. Bold, floral prints will also be very much in style this year. Brilliant colors such as orange, Schiaparelli pink and cobalt blue will be popular color choices. (iVillage Limited 2008) There are items from the last year that will still be very useful. Blazers will still be very much in fashion; they are best worn with jeans over a statement tee shirt. The Safari look is still very much in vogue. The high-waisted pants that did not come on as strong as the skinny jeans last year will still be fashionable. Among the colors that were chosen for the season, one emerged as the ‘winner’. According to Fashion Week Daily, the Pantone color of the year for 2008 is Blue Iris (photo on the left) (Fashion Week Daily) Blue Iris is a vibrant mix of blue, tinged with the right quantity of purple to exude the right touch of elegance and opulence. Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color’s executive director states that this color will set the tone for the color palette for clothing, household items, shoes, cosmetics and other products for the rest of the year. The other colors that were chosen to be a part of this year’s color chart will be discussed in the next few sections. (Fashion Week Daily ) Skinny jeans Skinny jeans were among the biggest trends in women’s fashion in 2007. Many thought that it would end with the arrival of the New Year. Contrary to the predictions and wishes of most people, the skinny jeans trend just got stronger. Even men can now wear them. (GQ Magazine) Designers took the prediction for romantic fashion a notch higher by making skinny jeans for men. The skinny jeans trend is not for the weak hearted, though. The slim silhouette will not be easy to pull off especially for men (or women, for that matter) who are on the heavier side of the scale. In addition, men’s skinny jeans will take a man confident enough in his looks and sense of style to pull off the look as it will not be easy to get away with this trend. Indeed, a few will be able to pull it off beautifully. (GQ Magazine) Style spy section of GQ Magazine goes on to say that the skinny jean could might as well be “the tipping point to finally push this look and effectively a male size zero?” Moreover, it was also mentioned that this trend could force the sizing charts to accommodate size XXL to be the new large likening the size charts to inflation of the currency. All that said, as was mentioned in the previous section, it is always wiser to pick comfort and flattery of fit over going with a popular trend. (GQ Magazine) More than anything, it is more important to consider if a certain cut flatters the body type rather than if it follows that trend. It is wiser to follow trends only IF they will fit well. The Rise of the Metrosexual Dressing up is not just for women anymore. In the recent past, men who are exquisitely dressed are either those who belong to the upper crust of society or suspected to be gay. This is no longer the case. Nowadays, men understand that being well-groomed and dressing to a hilt do not mean that they are less of the man that they really are. The men of today appreciate the fact that even trivial matters such clothing and how they do their hair are essential to enhancing or ruining one’s image. Recently, the world witnessed the appearance of a new breed of men. These are the metrosexuals. Metrosexuals are men who are successful, sophisticated and confident in every way. They are trailblazers in their own right and are willing to spend a certain amount of time and resources in looking good. They are well-informed, very comfortable in their own skin and are very confident about their sexuality. This is a far cry from the stereotype of the men of the past, who were usually apprehensive about shedding even a bit of their macho image. This new breed of man knows that being well-groomed goes far beyond keeping hair and fingernails neat and trimmed and splashing on cologne. (Gotting 2003) Popular metrosexuals are Hollywood actor George Clooney, soccer star David Beckham, also known as and Sean John Combs (Diddy). They are not only known as great actors, artists and athletes in their respective fields, but they are also known as great authors of style. The three are among those regarded as the most stylish men in the world. Becks and Diddy have since heeded the call of fashion. David Beckham has created his own fragrance brand dubbed “Instinct”. He launched it through Coty, the French fragrance house, now one of the world’s most prestigious names in scents. Diddy launched his own signature clothing line for sportswear in 1998 which he named “Sean John”. (Sean John website 2007) Since its inception, the Sean John label has grown considerably to include casual wear, fine tailored suits, accessories and fragances. The Sean John label has now expanded to include three collections: Sean John, Bad Boy Sportswear, Sean John Tailored and Sean John accessories. (Sean John website 2007) Such is Diddy’s passion for fashion that his Sean John label has been nominated on several occasions for the prestigious CFDA Men's Designer of the Year award, a privilege limited only to an elite group of designers. Diddy shares this distinction with world reknown designers like including Helmut Lang and Marc Jobs of Louis Vuitton. In 2004, the brand has garnered the coveted CFDA Men's Designer of the Year award. (Sean John website 2007) People often get a glimpse of the fashion sense of these big names when they attend celebrity functions and awards nights dressed in suits made by great designers and high fashion houses like Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Versace and others. Their flair for fashion and impeccable taste often gather praises of style gurus. Young, fashionable men look to them for inspiration. (Gotting 2003) The rise of the metrosexual has not only ushered in a new era of fashion but has opened business opportunities in other beauty related fields. For instance, skin care companies that used to produce products solely for women has launched a line exclusively for male clientele. Prior to the rise of the metrosexual, Clinique was the fearless pioneer to first launch “ Skin Supplies for Men” to answer to the demand for skin care products that cater to the unique needs and demands of male skin. This line was launched in 1976, paying special attention to men’s skin care needs, including implements for shaving and fragrances. (Clinique Laboratories 2008) After several decades, more skin care companies have followed their lead. Among the newer brands for male skin care are Zirh, Anthony Logistics for Men, Maxwell's Apothecary, John Varvator, Osrow and others. (Billett 2007) Men’s interest for fashion has spawned the interest of those in publication. GQ used to be the only fashion resource available for men. Now, there are a number of publications that have joined GQ in the mainstream. These include Details, Esquire, Vanity Fair and others. (AllYouCanRead.com 2007) Men’s Dressing – Rules There are countless fashion rules that women have followed to guarantee that they are in fashion. With more men conscious about their appearance and style, men.style.com, a leading online fashion resource for men has come up with “THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF STYLE”, the men’s edition. Here are some fashion “rules” to live by for men. One, the color of one’s socks should coordinate with one’s suit. The socks do not have to be the exact same color as the suit but they should at least blend well with the outfit. Two, always buy the correct size and have trousers or blazers tailored to fit the body comfortably. Men have the propensity to wear their purchases without bothering to check on the fit. Having clothes altered to fit will ensure a better and more comfortable fit. Three, invest in good quality sneakers to match casual moods. High-cut rubbershoes, cross trainers and running shoes should be worn at the proper venue. They should be reserved for the basketball court, the gym and the track oval. Men.style.com recommends the classic looks of the Stan Smiths, Jack Purcells, and Sambas in lieu of the sporty Nikes, Adidas and Pumas as they are easy to pair with almost everything in the wardrobe. Four, men.style.com recommends investing in a high-quality timepiece. It is better to pair business suits with stainless-steel watches. This is an example of using the right type of accessory to match the type of outfit. Five, men should refrain from wearing ties that are too slim. The best size is one that measures three inches at its widest. Six, keep only the essentials in wallets. A lot of men are fond of stuffing their overstuffed wallets in their jeans’ or trousers’ back pockets. Men.style.com recommends slim credit card holders for the cards and money clips for cash. Seven, the right tie should be worn with the right tux. Men often makes this mistake. To make it simple, here are three reminders, (a) a notch lapel goes with a straight tie and a peak-lapel tux with a bow tie; (b) the fabric of the tie should always match the fabric of the lapel; (c) ties, regardless of the shape should be in black as any color comes across as tacky and immature. Eight, men should consider adding a pair of dark brown shoes to their fashion arsenal. Dark brown shoes go well with navy blue, khaki and gray trousers and are thus very versatile. Nine, cuffs look better when they are optional. Pants look better uncuffed, except for when they are worn with classic suits. (men.style.com 2007) Should one opt for a cuff, it should not be wider than one and half inches. (men.style.com 2007) Ten, putting on an undershirt is always a good idea, especially if worn properly. This is true if one is wearing a white or light colored dress shirt, however, one must make sure that the lines of the undershirt will not be visible. (men.style.com 2007) Colors Colors are a simple way make a statement and update one’s look. Each season, the world’s top fashion minds come together to determine prominent colors that will be dominant. According to www.fashiontrendsetter.com, an online resource for fashion forecasting and trend-spotting, the following colors will be ‘in’ for spring 2008. Photo 10 From Fashion Trendsetter Golden Olive Spring Crocus Pink Mist Rococo Red Freesia Photo 11 From Fashion Trendsetter Daiquiri Green Croissant Snorkel Blue Silver Gray Cantaloupe The color selections for spring 2008 are a vibrant mix of colors that mirror the joy of spring coupled with tamer neutrals to counterbalance the brilliance of the colors and to anchor the look of the season. As with other elements of fashion, it is likewise important to consider if the color of an outfit will suit the wearer’s skin tone as much as if the color is appropriate for a certain occasion. Research design strategy In creating a new style or design concept, designers know that they must consider a number of factors before conceptualizing fresh ideas for each season. Here are a few questions to describe their considerations. These questions are tests of how well designers now their client base. 1. Will the new design fit the lifestyle of the people? New design ideas should meet the demands of the customers. For example, designers should consider the fabrics they use for the designs of the new season. Their customers who lead a very busy lifestyle will favor a practical looking suit in a wash-and-wear fabric over a fashionable number that needs to be dry-cleaned after every use. Also, with the trend of more and more people adapting an environmentally conscious lifestyle such as vegans and other groups, most people are concern with where the fabrics are sourced from and what material clothes are made of. 2. Will the trend appeal to the budget concerns of the target market? Consumers these days are trendy and practical at the same time. The sensible fashionista will go for a more reasonably priced skirt or top rather than a branded but expensive similar item. 3. Will the faithful followers of the brand react positively or adversely to the new design concept? Will the trend be wearable? Each person wants to look his best. This means that an outfit or a piece of clothing should lend a feeling of confidence, sophistication and elegance to the wearer. This also means that an outfit should not be too trendy for it to be suitable to only the models of the catwalk. A design concept should also not be too unkempt as to be worn only when lounging. Designers should consider these points when creating a new collection for the next season in order to keep their loyal customers and forge new alliances with new customers as well. Conclusion Once the basic key pieces put are together, it will be easier to mix and match outfits according to the seasons and occasions. One must not underestimate the versatility of accessories. Putting on accessories adds a certain amount of interest and excitement to an outfit. Adding an interesting accessory such as a neckpiece, a cuff, a charm bracelet, a pair of earrings, or carrying a beautiful purse will make an otherwise uninteresting outfit stand out. Accessorizing is also the easier and more economical way to update an outfit. Whereas buying a new outfit every week to keep with trends will cost a fortune, it is also impractical because clothes that are not worth the investment. A new bag or piece of jewelry will not also serve to liven up an outfit, it is also easier to pair them with most outfits that are already in one’s wardrobe. A bag, for instance may last for several seasons while an outfit is good for only one. One must master the art of accessorizing. What one accessorizes with is just as important as the outfit one is wearing. As with putting an outfit together, it is essential that one come up with the right combination of accessories, not to mention just the right amount in order to project a certain look. Too much may come across as tacky or gaudy; too little may produce no impact at all. It is always important to remember the basics. Excellent hygiene and good grooming are an essential parts to looking great. In dressing up, one must not be overwhelmed by the numerous choices. The important points to consider are fit, style, cut and budget. Living within one’s means will allow one to live in style more often. Reference List AllYouCanRead.com. 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