Fashion Trends For Spring/Summer 2006

This year promises to be an interesting year in terms of fashion. Besides having a wide variety of influences and schools of thought out there, and with the number of shows focusing on fashion, it will be interesting to see what will happen this year.

General mood is clean, sophisticated fashion which continues from last spring/summer season. Clothing is still clean cut tailored, but less preppy than last year and more subdued and understated. For casual scene, military fashions designs are also in, as well as designs inspired by aristocratic sports like tennis, golf or yachting. Color-wise white and beige dominated the men’s spring/summer 2006 catwalks. Material-wise lightweight cotton and linen were stars of the shows.

Men’s sportswear for spring/summer 2006 continues to shrink in size, yet maintains comfort. With health being on so many people’s minds, sportswear fashion continues to be a major market. Although the male market probably will never be as limited area-wise as the female market, it is likely that material will continue to shrink. Speedos are becoming more in style on beaches for men, and even in the gym men are showing more as men gain more confidence in their appearance.

Suits are always an interesting subject. Key colors are white and sandy grey. Men’s suits seen on catwalks for spring/summer fashion 2006 are still showing great interest in tailoring, with noticed dominance of slim two-button single breasted jackets and double-breasted styles with narrower shoulders, resembling the classic Hollywood and making the current fashions fit more muscular builds. Added are slimmer ties to accompany the classic look. As Hollywood plays with fashion more, it will be interesting to see what effect new movies will have on formal dress in future.

More “dad-friendly” fashions should also start appearing, as more men take a greater interest in raising the kids. More clothes will be stain-resistant, as well as sport brighter colors. Although the fathers may not buy more jewelry, they will buy more carrying bags, which will most likely feature more kidvid stars, as well as better carrying ability.

Accessories are an interesting market that should increase this summer. As guys become more aware that dressing up is more than just the clothes, it should be interesting to see what happens in jewelry, and other accessories. However, jewelry should also increase in popularity, as society lightens up on its use and guys get away with the “bling” look. Leather accessories are also very popular, especially leather bracelets. In sunglasses, it seams there will be no other style to wear this summer but “aviator”, as every designer has made his own version.

In short, fashions in spring/summer 2006 are really in play with their roots. It’s not just the 80s anymore, but also 60s and yet more 50s. With new keyword being individuality, it will be an interesting summer in fashion.