Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Trends

mens fashion trends wardrobe

Alex Woodhall

Regular contributor at the UK-based men’s online fashion blogs FashionBeans.com and wardrobewarrior.co.uk, Alex Woodhall is one stylishly busy writer. He took some time out of his schedule to create a guest blog post for us devoted to his picks for this summer’s best menswear trends. We want our male readers to look divinely fashionable this season, so pay attention to Alex’s wardrobe makeover tips for the styles of the season.

Here’s what Alex had to say:

As summer draws ever nearer, it’s around that time where your spring summer wardrobe begins to make an appearance; shorts are reinstated having been shelved. and lighter fabrics fleet-foot their way to the front of the queue. Today I’m going to introduce some of the major trends hitting menswear this spring summer season.

 

1) Prints

Fashion 2012 Summer MenswearIt may seem a little loud at first glance and impossible to pull off at the second look, but prints are by far one of the biggest menswear trends of the season. Shirts, trousers and even blazers have been given the print treatment as polka dots, paisley, camouflage and the like look to entrench themselves into the male wardrobe for the coming season.

The easiest way to wear print successfully is to anchor it with a neutral: for example Pair paisley trousers with a plain shirt and blazer or trench to avoid clashes. Similarly if you wanted to rock a polka-dot top, neutralize the pattern with some plain trousers in a safe color like grey or navy.

 

2) Double-Print

summer mens style fashion makeover

The alternative to playing it safe with an anchoring neutral, is to brave double prints. This is definitely not one for the novice and requires a lot of confidence in yourself and your look. Essentially you don’t need to worry about clashing prints but should be aware of complimenting colors, you can make the look easier to pull off by opting for smaller prints such rather than ‘go big or go home’ tribal inspired patterns, like those seen at Burberry Prorsum SS12.

I’d also fully recommend easing yourself into the trend with some accessories. A bold scarf, bag, tie or even pocket square is an easy, subtle way to incorporate a variety of prints into your outfit.

 

3) Double-Breasted

men fashion wardrobe style tips new york

Make yours a double this season with tailoring reminiscent of the power-dressing 80s. Forget wide shoulders and unflattering flares, a modern DB should be slim cut and with softer shoulders. The beauty of double-breasted is that, yes it is currently trending but it is also timelessly stylish and will always look sharp. Accessorize with a pocket square and possibly a lapel pin for the authentic sartorial effort.

 

4) Blue

nyc stylist consult wardrobe makeobver men

Yes blue, the color which adorned the walls of the bedroom and clothes of your new-born-self. It may rouse up the debate prints do but blue has potential to be as loud or toned down as you want it to be and can be used to create some great outfits.

Men 2012 NYC Fashion stylist Consultant

An all blue outfit created through tonal shades is the best way to rock this trend and when combined with tailoring it creates a really sharp look. GQ dressed Ewan McGregor in a couple of all blue outfits in their January issue showing you how to rock this trend in the best way.

Tell us, which of these wardrobe makeover trends will you be trying here in New York City? If you have any questions, you can always tweet us at @NewYorkImage or follow Alex at @AlexWoodhall.

Until next time!

Nail Art Style Beauty Advice for Spring and Summer 2012

Thank goodness those boring French Manicures are over and done with! The Stepford Wives look reigned supreme for so long, we didn’t think anything would ever surpass it. Now, nail art has evolved with cooler and edgier colors. We love any style makeover that goes from from dull to electric!

Take a look at some of our favorite new nail makeover tips as you wave goodbye to the old.

COLOR ME NEON

Bursts of neon are everywhere this spring and neon nail art is a fantastic way to add a brightly colored splash to your summer look.

nail trends fashion summer

Pop princess Katy Perry knows neon polish is a great pop accent

 

REMAIN NEUTRAL

Taupe, grey, or beige looks charming this season and goes well with a day or night look.

nail polish trends summer

Katherine Heigl's neutral hues compliment any look

 

PATTERNING

This is better be left for the professionals manicurists, but patterned nails are way too adorable not to try! Ask your manicurist for something simple, like stripes, to start with.

polish trends 2012 spring summer

Solange Knowles loves a funky patterned nail print

 

GREEN SPACES

Maybe the spring smell of freshly cut grass has gone to everyone’s heads because green is so in. Go for a wild, shimmery green or a lighter, minty green for a fresh nail look.

nail polish trends fashion style 2012

Lauren Conrad has gone green

OMBRE ALL OVER

Ombre is simply beautiful. Either in dark tones or light tones, this is definitely statement nail art for the fashion risk-taker!

nail polish trend style fashion 2012

Models at Jen Kao SS2012 made ombre nails a hit

 

Fashion We Like NOW: Floral Denim

Floral Denim Style Fashion

Celebrity fashion stylists all over New York City have one thing on their minds: floral prints! They are totally unavoidable this season, in the best possible way. Jeans, shorts and capris have all been seen on celebrities and fashionable New Yorkers. We like the warm weather feminine feel of floral-printed denim and totally recommend this summer fashion trend.

Here’s how to wear floral denim:

Match your Shape to your Florals

If you’ve got a small frame and want to add some curves, pick a floral that is big and bright. If you’re born with some dangerous curves, then try a smaller flower print.

Stick to What you Know

Since floral denim will be cropping up all over, you’ll see it in a variety of styles. Pick a denim style that you normally go for. If you’re not a shorts girl, don’t buy floral denim cut-offs, they’ll most certainly just sit in your closet until whenever this style comes back around. Do you wear skinny leg jeans? Great, go for a skinny leg floral.

What About the Top?

Easy, pick a solid colored simple t-shirt or blouse. Try to find one that brings out the color of the print. The pants are eye-catching, the shirt should be a compliment.

Jewels & More

As for accessories, long strand necklaces and sunnies are a great accent for this summery ensemble. We like cropped jeans with flats for a day look and a neutral-toned heel for night.