2012 is finally here and with the coming of a new year, why not try a fresh new look?

BOXY SUITS

Left: Antonio Azzuolo S/S 2012; Right: Dirk Bikkembergs S/S 2012

Men’s suiting has been considerably slim for many years now and although this trend is continuing, many runways have been showing looser/boxier suits. The inspiration comes from the 40’s Zoot suit and creates a wider silhouette in the shoulders and legs.  Loose fitting blazers and oversized pants can be pared with slimmer articles to create a cool fresh look.

MIXING FORMAL AND INFORMAL

Left: Antonio Azzuolo S/S 2012; Right: Junya Watanabe S/S 2012

This trend is not necessarily a new concept but it is still very relevant. Many men have been pairing jeans and blazers for a casual but clean look for many years but now many designers are taking it to a new level. Mixing formal and informal garments can create an innovative outfit.

LOOSE AND LIGHT FABRICS

Left: Alexander McQueen S/S 2012; Right: Yohji Yamamoto S/S 2012

This trend is not for everyone and can be considerably cumbersome in windy areas but loose and light fabrics could add a nice element to any outfit. Loose fitting garments have a very modern and Asiatic look and reinvent the silhouette similar to boxier suiting.

HATS

Left: Dior Homme S/S 2012; Right: Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012

One of the biggest trends to hit women’s wear last year is the hat; similarly men’s designers are adding hats to complement many of their looks. Although the fedora made a comeback a couple of years ago, the new hats are more similar to the panama styles, popular in the early 1900’s, or fun statement hats.

MIXED MATERIALS

Left: Richard Chai S/S 2012; Right: Bottega Veneta S/S 2012

It’s not uncommon to see garments with interesting mixes of textiles but on many runways unconventional materials have been used to create creative looks. Similar to the 60’s and 70’s the coming years will see the use of materials like mesh, leathers and plastics in cool new ways.

Start the New Year with a bang and try on one of these emerging and chic trends!