Spring fashion for men leans toward 'polished casual'

By LaMONT JONES
Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Men's fashion arrives this spring at an interesting new juncture, where styles reminiscent of the '60s and '70s intersect with a dressier European and East Coast sensibility.

"I seems to be a big blend and mix of everything," said Michael Barone, owner of Moda men's store in Shadyside, Pa..

Suits, jackets and pants remain cut close to the body for a tailored, more sartorial fit.

"Everything is still pretty slim," said Barone, noting that jacket lengths are shorter, thanks to the influence of designers such as Thom Browne.

"The silhouette is becoming sleeker and sleeker," said eBay style director Constance White. "The baggy look of a decade ago has gotten very slim, from John Bartlett and Tommy Hilfiger suits to a pair of jeans."

The preppy look of the '80s has returned along with a punk vibe, but they're updated: Polo shirts in a broad range of colors and layered over each other or under an open-button shirt.

Pastels color dressier shirts, with icy hues being worn with pop colors such as orange and red and a lot of gray and black.

Khakis and chinos are lighter in weight with flat fronts, and shorts are longer, often to the calves.

Pinstripe suits are a key look, along with three-piece suits reminiscent of the late '70s but updated for a look that's nostalgic but fresh. Look for lots of shiny fabric finishes on suits, shirts and outerwear.

Men's fashion also takes a turn toward the organic, from cork blazers and soft woven paper tops by DDCLab to nature-inspired bracelets, necklaces and belts festooned with cowry shells and found objects.

Other looks are athletic-inspired, with soccer and NASCAR influences seen in windbreakers, shirts, casual drawstring pants and colorful, track-inspired sneakers.

In accessories, braided belts and white leather belts are hot trends. Some neckties get thin again, while others sport big knots.

Overall, men's looks this spring and summer offer a blend of comfort and style.

"It's what I would call a polished casual look," said White.

(LaMont Jones can be reached at ljones(at)post-gazette.com)