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- Sun, Sand & Style – The Best of Beachwear - 28 May, 2013
- Festival Fashion - 21 May, 2013
Summer is finally here, but it’s not too late to update your wardrobe. Here are some of the biggest summer trends to look hot for 2013:
Stripes
From Breton to pinstripe, to nautical inspired pieces, the simple stripe was a huge favourite of designers during summer shows. Grey hues and sleek, well-tailored styles came from Gucci and Diesel. Jean Paul Gaultier continued to use their house signature sailor stripe. Breton stripes in red and black were applied to wearable polo shirts and scoop neck sweaters. Trousers and blazers featuring a wide monochrome back and white stripe added a touch of extravagance to the nautical collection. Similarly, Tommy Hilfiger incorporated a Breton stripe on polo shirts, knitwear and shorts, while Dolce and Gabbana saw red, white and blue stripes featured on a series of knits, shirts and t-shirts.
With a plethora of stripes prevalent at all highstreet retails, it’s one of the easiest and accessible trends for summer. A simple striped tee can be picked up for just a few pounds. Get on it.
Camouflage
This season is all about camouflage. However, the traditional camo print is slowly being reclaimed and brought right up to date as a discernible trend for men. Well documented during recent fashion weeks, a number of designers showed camouflage pieces in their collections. For spring /summer 2013, Dries Van Noten took camo print and digitally manipulated it, sometimes morphing it into a near-leopard spot. Van Noten distorted the print further by mixing open-weaved knits with lighter fabrics, and layering airy camouflage print jackets over dark green checked chiffon and silk shirts. Gauzy nylons and overprinted lace were a stark contrast to the usual macho connotations associated with camouflage.
Still unsure of camouflage? Accessories are one of the easiest ways to break into a trend. Many highstreet stores offer an extensive range of camo print bags, shoes, and hats. Camouflage can be applied as a neutral, working with almost everything and setting off any look.
Bold Colours
Demonstrating how to bring a bold pallet together, Salvatore Ferragamo is the biggest advocate for neons and vibrant colours on the high-fashion stage. Creative director Massimiliano Giornetti chose “a man passionately devoted to beauty, who lives in a metropolis with dynamic radiance” as his starting point for the collection. Ferragamo employed lemon yellow, neon orange and vibrant blue, creating a fresh and summery feel. Teaming bright coloured tailoring with trainers of the same vibrancy, the collection is as sporty in aesthetic as it is in shade.
While some people can be intimidated by the thought of mixing such bold colours, it’s important to be brave! White is also an essential trend for the summer, so if you’re not feeling bright and brave, think about toning down neons with simple white items from your wardrobe.
Floral Print
Although florals can be intimidating, the print took over menswear appearing on everything during SS13 shows. Dirk Bikkemberg showcased a floral print sport jacket, adding an unconventional streetwear twist to the traditional print – proving that floral can be worn as both a smart and casual look.
Bottega Veneta offered a faded floral-printed suit which is a great way to wear florals subtly and incorporate this romantic trend in a masculine way.
A little goes a long way with this trend – a pocket square, tie or socks will brighten a simple outfit. Layering dark two tone prints with solid colours will add texture and depth, while still keeping you on trend.
Statement Tailoring
Tailored suits in bold colours and statement prints were all over the SS13 catwalks. Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini, presented a combination of intense colours, simple style and elegantly lined silhouettes. Giannini described her collection as “bold, energetic and sharp”, allowing the Gucci man to “rediscover his Mediterranean side”. Daring colours were showcased through both double and single-breasted smart tailoring, assembled on crisp white shirts. From lime green and electric blue to citrus orange and mustard yellow, these were not suits for the fussy. A diverse dose of complementary footwear was provided in the form of Gucci’s signature loafers, offered in an array of colours.
Other garments making a statement during SS13 fashion weeks came from Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli who both featured block-coloured, metallic, and patterned tailoring. An eccentric suit might not be the perfect choice for every occasion, but it’s certainly one way to stand out from the crowd and be remembered.
While not exhaustive, here you have five of the biggest trends from summer 2013 shows that have transferred well to the highstreet. Dress well. Soak up the sun. Enjoy.
