Men’s Fashion For Spring Taking On A Classical Look

Men’s fashion is a subject we often neglect to mention because, quite frankly, there isn’t much that changes from year to year. Suits, sports jackets, casual wear - they tend to remain fairly consistent every season.

This year is different. We see trends in both business and weekend apparel you may find interesting.

Designers of business wear are emphasizing a classic look. In the tradition of Cary Grant, we see a return of the single-breasted, four-button jacket. Add to this look of elegance the finishing touches of accessories such as pocket squares, French-cuff shirts and cufflinks. Even fedoras, those stylish wool felt hats of the 1940s, are making a comeback.

Jacket lapels are narrower, shoulders are softer and colors for the suits are more conservative than in previous years. Flat-front trousers are replacing the pleated versions, adding to the sleek, trim appearance.

Neckwear is the one area that shows color. Stripes, geometric shapes and abstract designs in a multitude of hues help brighten these otherwise very neutral outfits.

Even though the key word is classic for business wear, casual wear for men this spring is far from conservative. Designers have put together weekend wardrobes bursting with colors and prints.

Plaid pants and classic polo-style shirts aren’t just for golfing anymore. Men will wear these outfits everywhere from the putting green to the public market in flashy citrus colors such as kiwi, lemon and mango.

Madras plaid Bermuda shorts from the 1950s are paired with slick, tight-fitting 1970s polyester shirts for an outfit that has been in development for more than 40 years.

To what do we attribute this eclectic combination in men’s styles? Why is there such a difference between business and casual clothing in menswear for the coming season?

Some analysts say improvement in the economy has more men working and making higher incomes than during the recessionary period of the early 1990s. Because they have more money, men can afford to buy more clothes and are able to have a greater division between their working wardrobes and their casual attire.