This summer it's all about statement pieces and what better way to make a statement than a BOLD pattern. However, your outfit doesn't have to stop at just one pattern---take risks by combining like and contrasting patterns creating unique color palettes. While doing my daily reads from one of my favorite magazines [Complex], I came across a fashion spread that effortlessly depicted pattern on pattern. Check it out below.
Photography by: Sam Nixon
Styling by: Matthew Henson
FLORAL
Jacket and shirt by Eley Kishimoto
STRIPES
Jacket and pants by WOOD WOOD
Shoes by Vans
Shades by Oakley
PYTHON
Shirt by Supreme
Shorts by Hendrick VIBSKOV [SICK]
Hat by Starter
CONTRASTING PRINTS ON TONAL CAMOUFLAGE
Shirts, shorts, and hat by Mark McNairy
Socks by Gold Toe
Shoes by Vans
HAWAIIAN
Shirts by Rag and Bone
TIE DIE
Jacket, Shirt, and pants by Paul Smith [DOPE PANTS]
Shoes by Filling Pieces
CAMOUFLAGE
Shirt, pants, shoes, and bag by A Bathing Ape
There's a reason why summer is everyone's favorite time of year. It's warm and the sun is out --- ideal weather for bright colors and vibrant prints. Cop one of the season's freshest patterns and Rock it while it's HOT! --- via Complex
As we are in the transitional months between fall to winter and back from winter to spring, one pattern that is sure to go with any type of weather is; PLAID.Getting its popularity from the modern kilt, this pleated material has transitioned in the US as a premiere/ flashy statement piece among men who want to switch it up from a traditional solid color. You may also hear plaid referred to as madras (a lightweight cotton fabric with typically patterned texture and plaid design, used primarily for summer clothing) in the hotter months and flannel (typically a nappedcotton texture which generally is coarser than the warp) in the colder ones. To give a brief history, plaid has been made since the 17th century. This textile product is most popular from being made from cottons and friezes.
After reading this post I know your dying to pull all your plaid from your closet and start compling outfits, just remember this VERY IMPORTANT tip: Don’t be afraid of color! If you want to switch it up, mix traditional patterns with your plaid garments to give it a fresh look for the season. I personally enjoy fall color stories in the fall and winter months. Refer to my Blogger Spotlight Post if you are wanting to go all out when mixing your patterns and prints with plaid. Below, I styled a shoot to give you a better visual of the things you can do with your plaid garments.
For Men-On-The-Go your traveling bag is just as important as your ensemble so make sure they coordinate. Utilizing your pop color in your attire to accent your bag is a genius thing to do to pull your look all together (thank me later when your compliments start to roll in).
Also when mixing your patterns I suggest to add an additional element to your outfit. Throw in an argyle or patterned sock that is not plaid to compliment your outfit. This way when you sit down you draw your audiences’ eye right down to your socks and right back up to your outfit to see how they coincide with your signature plaid piece.
Here are some additional options when mixing your sock patterns with "Cross Plaid" tie choices
As you can see there are several things you can do with plaid when utlizing your own wardrobe. Get creative, have fun and remember...... Kids Go Mad about Plaid too.
This past fall, fast fashion retailer H&M debuted its collaborative line with Versace. This matchup between giant retailer H&M and the Italian mogul Versace was a big deal and yet I say a genius one!
The Versace for H&M Collection debuted on November 19th at stores around the country. Ambitious Versace fans waited outside hundreds of stores-some even camped outside for days in anticipation of the affordable line’s debut. After its fashion show release in NY that debuted the collection, many were able to get a firsthand look at what the hype was all about. Although some may argue that the featured line is a bit pricey for H&M, others would say the price ranges from $30 graphic tees to $200 blazers is a steal for the Versace. The men’s line featured bold colors, modern cuts, and tropical and animal prints.
Donatella Versace stayed very true to the essence of Versace’s very flamboyant patterns as she pulled from the house’s archives for inspiration when developing this youthful collection for H&M’s clientele. The men’s lineup encompasses jackets, shirts, trousers, undergarments, shoes and accessories.
I must say, after viewing the line in its entirety I was extremely impressed.Although the looks are very fashion forward, I believe it covers all the bases for everyday to red carpet. Since its debut, the pieces have struck a craze with male celebs as well. We all watched as Kanye West tore it up with Jay Z at the Victoria Secret fashion show rocking the tropical printed bomber jacket ($129). Chris Brown will be featured in a new music video with Fat Joe wearing the same jacket paired with the line's turquoise trousers. UK producer Mark Ronson wore the entire pink suit (my personal favorite) to the Versace Collection release party.
I also noticed that all the backup male dancers who performed alongside powerhouse Jennifer Hudson at the VH1 Divas Soul Tribute wore the pink suit in its entirety with dress shirt, skinny tie and white sneakers.
This collection works for so many different type of guys regardless of personal style. How? Ok, say you’re not bold enough to wear the outrageous graphic print jacket like Swizz Beatz photo’d on the red carpet… that’s just not your style. Well any man can appreciate a classic suiting jacket with a great shawl collar especially now that the holiday season is here. Maybe your taste is more urban; you would probably embrace the signature print beanie with the black motto jacket paired with the black leather buckle boot sneakers.
From the different cuts to color, there are so many takeaways from this collection to use as inspiration. The possibilities are endless people!
Here are a few more pieces from the men’s line.
After reading the blog post and looking at the pictures I know everyone just wants to go out and get a piece or two from the line, right? Well unfortunately, the collection has pretty much sold out and stores will not be getting a new shipment in to please the world’s demands. However, there are a few stores that still have a minimal selection of pieces and customer returns (I’ve called around myself to get my hands on some), so if you’re like me and you MUST HAVE have it, I suggest calling friends and family in states that have H&M stores to get pieces for yourself and have them shipped!
