The Top Men's Fall 2013 Must Have Trends

Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum, Prada

Gap Men's Colored Slim Khaki's Are Worth a Try

Spring is the time when you get to dress in more colorful outfits - not that you can't in the winter - but, more people are open to do this in the spring/summer time. Lately, I've been trying to search for a good pair of pants that won't break the bank. I was debating whether to purchase or not a pair of Gucci mustard colored pants, which retailed at $740. Not too expensive for a pair of pants, huh? I was just fascinated by the choice of colored trousers in Gucci's Spring 2013 menswear collection. The colors for me happen to be so vivid yet masculine.

I've owned a pair of men's Express chinos - various neutral colors - which I still happen to love for its slim fit and lengthening effect that I feel makes me look taller. The colors are fresh, and the pants are nice, but the Express man is more of a urban city guy who tends to keep his patterns and colors toned down. I wanted something more vivid. I am also a fan of H&M's pants, but I am the type of person who likes to experiment with different brands. I was seeking for something fresh in my closet.

I had been hearing great reviews by recent customers who had visited the Gap store at a near mall where I live. I decided to take a quick visit to the store and see what they had available. I was impressed by the various menswear colored pants (khakis) Gap had available in their store. I decided to try on a pair and was very amazed by how well they fit. The colors were the type of hues I was seeking forth in. Also, the fit felt slim-relaxed, which I refer to being comfortable, lengthening, fresh, and slim, not tight. I personally liked the pants, and I purchased it. 

I also went online to see if they had more colors available. And guess what? They happened to have a sort of similar pair of mustard khakis, but in canary yellow, as they named it. There are various colors of them available online. Immediately as I saw it, I came up with an outfit I could pair these pants with. What I love about Gap's pants is that you can go any way you want to - dress, casual, or semi-formal - for any necessary occasion. Put on a nice a blazer, jacket, or layering shirt, paired with any accessories, and your outfit is done and clean.

Gap mustard colored khakis // Levi's vest // Gucci horsebit white loafers // Luis Morais bracelet // Gucci sunglasses // Anderson's leather belt

In conclusion, I am not a regular Gap customer, but I also happen to like their assortment of shirts and polos, besides their khakis. I thought it was very casual and pleasing for the young and average male customer.  I might as well return soon to see what else I can get inspired by.

Are you a regular customer at Gap?

The Camouflage Trend Valentino Began

From top to bottom: Valentino camouflage leather slip-on sneakers ($720) // Valentino suede studded sneakers ($795)

Many menswear designers have brought back the military trend on the map, but more than design, it is a specific print that has made a huge hit this spring for men’s fashion……………the camouflage print. And one brand in particular that has made this print the must have of the season is the fashion powerhouse, Valentino. 

I would be shocked if records would show that Valentino's spring 2013 collection has not done well in its accessories unit, because I’ve lost the count of how many times I’ve seen the studded colored heels or camouflage sneakers on various streetstyle blog. They’ve become a big sensation in the fashion world for every fashion freak. Basically, if you don’t have any of these pairs already then you must……….I don’t know.

A big trend I’ve seen specifically with these men’s Valentino sneakers has been with suits. There is something about these sneakers that makes them unique. It may be because of the colored suede and mesh details, and the studs at the back, which upgrade them from your average pair of Nike sneakers? The sole fact here is if you’re willing to pay around $795 for a simple pair of sneakers? I find them trending, but with the price retail I may have to consider it, as for I’m not much of a sneaker fan after all. 

What do you think about these sneakers?

Mens Spring 2013 Trends | Stripes are Cool

From top left: J.Crew Fleece Sweatshirt (here) // Ralph Lauren Striped Polo (here) // Maison Kitsune Pique Polo (here)
From bottom left: Gap Striped Tee (here) // Gant Jersey Polo Shirt (here)

Spring is probably the best time of the season for guys, and the worst time for others. It's the season where most guys begin to show off what they've been working on all time around - their six pack. Hate them.

No, I don't literally hate these guys, but they do have access to more resources. And you know what I mean about this. Anyways, you probably wonder what does this have to do with this Spring/Summer 2013 Menswear Trends posts? Well, it does have something in common. 

Stripes are by far the best designs out there for men. They have been in the market for years, and in the spring they are stronger than ever. There is one reason why they are so popular in the spring/summer season. The answer is simple. They form an illusion that makes you appear more pumped up. It adds volume to your body in a very masculine form. By this I mean that it actually tones down your torso to make you seem more slimmer and athletic. This is why it doesn't really work on skinny guys. Sorry.

When dealing with stripes, I prefer to use the thick bold stripes like Maison Kitsune's striped polo shirt, because it actually defines your torso equally well. Oh, and it lengthens your torso, which can make your appear slightly taller.

For spring's 2013 trend, choose vibrant stripes that add a youthful masculine touch to all your looks. Don't be afraid to play with colors. As long as you have those vibrant stripes put on, the rest should be kept toned down to achieve your desired effects. If you are a risk taker, then hope your colors won't make you look all gay.

A Biker Jacket Is Your Best Friend

Balmain Slim Biker Jacket (here)

Spring may be here, but you have to agree that it still feels like a wintery month even though trees are beginning to bloom again. Their is always one particular outerwear item that will never fail to make the greatest impression of your outfit no matter what season you're in. That would be the famous biker jacket. 

This jacket never disappoints me when it's chilly during the spring or summer time (it can get kind of cold where I'm living). I don't know what it is, but there is always something special about these jackets. I guess it may have to be with their design perspective - young, versatile, and masculine. 

As I always say, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars for one particular jacket. You know what you pay for is what you get for. This may be one particular item it may be worth investing in besides a great pair of shoes. After all, you have to agree a biker jacket will always be one of your best friends no matter what season or formality. 

What brand biker jacket are you fond of?

Shoes are What Make The Man

Prada Wing-Tip and Kiltie Shoe Styles. What else do you want with these shoes?

For men, purchasing a great pair of shoes is equally as important as choosing the perfect suit (more about it soon). I always say, if you're not so much into suits, then you better be into shoes if you want to look stylish. There are people who will practically look at me like I'm a crazy bitch for purchasing such expensive shoes. The truth is, what you pay for it is what you get for it. 

When buying shoes, don't purchase them at first sight. Think about it. What can I style these shoes with? Will they look good with shorts, pants, a t-shirt? Especially when you're about to make a very huge purchase, such as these Prada shoes, which retail around $1,000. 

I know, the price may be superbly high for the majority of us. But wait, don't forget the semi-annual sales that occur every once in a while. This is the time to attack and get your hands on one of these beauties. There are so many sites that offer great styles of shoes to wear - Aldo, Zara, Cole Haan - at reasonable prices. 

When I buy shoes, there is one key thought I always bring to mind - If it looks great with a t-shirt, then it must look perfect with anything else. For example, the two Prada shoes above, all you need is a pair of jeans, white t-shirt, and a biker jacket. That's all it requires to be the most stylish guy in town; simple and no stress. Next time take a look at some of the street style outfits photographers shoot. What makes those guys stand out in a t-shirt? Simple, the shoes.

Oh, and by the way, Wing-Tips and Kilties are major this season in menswear. A little touch of color in the soles can add a little magic to your outfit. Casual or formal, you decide.