Men’s Fashion Color Trends

For summer 2006, the mood in men’s fashion is a little sporty and refined, with a skinny, skinny silhouette. We’re tiptoeing towards a unisex look this season. Well-tailored jackets and trousers yield to light summer fabrics like linen, cotton, and poplin for the ultimate in cool. Preppy trends are still carrying over, but they’ve gotten leaner.

For color, white reins supreme, alongside its ivory, oyster, and cream cousins. With an additional of soft grey, dusty green, and brown, it’s a natural combination in summer sunlight.

Suits
Cotton and natural fiber suits are good for hot weather, which prove to be much more comfortable than lightweight wools. They can also blend seamlessly into daily wardrobes with a great pair of shoes or cool sneaks (avoid traditional runners, please). Pair cotton suiting separates with tops like polos or jackets or bottoms like skinny jeans. Cotton suits can be found anywhere from Banana Republic to Paul Smith.

Suit jackets are coming back in single-breasted styles. They are slimmer in shape and narrower in the shoulders, and we will see them in pastel tones. Jackets in summer 2006 have been paired with contrasting trousers on the runways. To pull this look off, try a subtle contrast and not something that screams “mismatch!”

Sportswear
In casual clothing, whites have dominated over past season’s bright colors. Sportswear is unfussy and slimmer. Polo shirts are back in every variety, from funky screen prints to traditional solids.

Jeans are never out of season, but they’ve changed for 2006. This season, jeans have completely escaped from the boot cut stage. For essential denim picks, try jeans from Jade Howe’s “Skinny Puppy” style, or from more cutting edge labels like Nudie. When shopping, don’t forget that slim is in!

Accessories
Ties are also slimmer this summer. Cool ties are plaid, silk-knit, madras, stripes on stripes, and solid colors like brown. Wear them with contrasting patterns and complementary color coordination, like a pink striped shirt with a brown diagonal-striped tie.

Try leather or canvas shoes with a square toe. Shoes are in earth tones or tans, with loafers and mocs leading the way. Shoes are paired down and much sleeker. There’s a new toe shape in town—a cross between a square and an oval—that’s an easy update to a classic dress shoe. Classic oxfords will always be in style. Find good dress shoes from Kenneth Cole for a fair price.

If you’re into sneakers, try a casual shoe. Casual shoes are less functional than athletic shoes, but they have the same comfortable cool that can get you kicking around on the weekend in style. Try Pumas or Gola in suede or leather. When choosing casual shoes, choose a color that will coordinate with the most in your wardrobe, like blue or deep brown, instead of black.

It’s good to stay updated, but you can revamp your look with a few easy changes. Don’t be a trend victim. As always, remember to have fun while looking good!