Menswear: it’s all in the accessories

Spring is not far away, but in Europe it’s still winter. So we still stay close to the wintertrends – just in case you’re looking for a hat, boots or bag.

 Boots

Karl Lagerfeld is wearing them for years and will probably never take them off: his black heeled boots. And he’s absolutely right, because this fashionable footwear is everything a man needs this winter.

While women are already hooked for years, finally our men seem to be down for this timeless and ultra comfy footwear. Even the trouser- in- shoe- style seems to be accepted right now. While boots used to be worn by the rebels and mavericks, they now veered into high fashion territory. Labels like Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Kris van Assche, Bottega Veneta and Ann DeMeulemeester showed us masculine and sturdy boots. And also on the streets we find many men walking in them.

Most popular this season is for sure the combat boot, based on the actual military boot worn by soldiers. We saw them already last year, mainly because of the huge military trend, but this time the designers gave a little twist to it. They played with different colors and textures and combined brogues, sporty and grunge elements into one. Not convinced yet? Just take a look at these men…

Classic hats

They used to be the ultimate style element for a man in the twenties en thirties and for some men it still is: the classic hat. After the huge popularity in the early Nineteenth Century – think American entertainers like Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra – this iconic item sadly enough disappeared for years because it became an item that was more for the older and conservative man.

But in the Nineties it was pop icon Michael Jackson that made this phenomenon incredibly popular again. Flipping his head while doing the moonwalk. And many stars followed his lead later on, like Justin Timberlake and Black Eye Peace front singer Will.i.am. They showed that a hat is something that everyone man could en should wear on every age, and not only in a classic way.

And that’s exactly what the designers showed us too this season. While still most popular worn with a suit, a hat can be worn with almost everything and in every style. From fedora chic to Mafioso cool. Preferably right on the head and a little bit over the eyes. Take a look at the photos to see which style will suit you well…

Bags

Bags, you can’t have enough of them, at least if we ask most women. But for men it has always been a little bit different. Why carrying a bag all day when you can put your stuff in your pocket? But it seems that they’ve changed their minds. For the last few years we’ve seen more and more men walking with a so-called man bag. And not just a bag, but a real it- bag that fits perfectly with their outfit. Even a clutch is no longer a no go area. Thanks to male celebs and style icons like Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and David Beckham, showing off their Louis Vuitton and Prada purses, men seem to no longer be ashamed to be spotted with a man bag.

And this is not only noticeable in the streets but the catwalks are also full of it. Man bags are coming in a wider range of size, type, color and material. They’re masculine, aesthetic and perfect to finish off your outfit for any occasion. Like the Bottega Veneta super size casual chic purses or the structured clutches from Louis Vuitton to smarten up your look. So do not longer be afraid to get in touch with your feminine side, because the man bag is slowly becoming a real wardrobe essential.

Eva Dusch

Party prep: black&white

They were Coco Chanels favorite colors and make an iconic pair in fashion: black and white. With December coming up, these two make a perfect combination for a festive outfit. Don’t know yet what to wear during Christmas? The designers can offer you enough of inspiration. From Dolce&Gabannas star print gowns to Miu Mius forties dresses. Or play with masculine/feminine elements wearing a beautiful tuxedo like we’ve seen at Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent. Not to mention the amount of exciting black and white combinations seen at Louis Vuitton.
(Eva Dusch)

Wintertrend 2011 for him: eye-popping color

The two most common colors used in the winter collections are presumably black and grey. When it’s cold and the days are getting shorter, people tend to wear lots of dark colors.

But for this winter the designers seemed to want something else, more bright and shiny. Like we’ve seen at Acne, Burberry, Raf Simons, Yves Saint Laurent, Jil Sander, Calvin Klein and Kenzo. They used different lustrous colors to pep up their collections. The most simple basics appeared in different shades of red, orange, yellow, blue and purple. Most of them being used as a playful detail in an overall dark and gloomy ensemble, which is a perfect way to spice up your outfit. Just take a look at these cheerful looks for some inspiration…

(Eva Dusch)

Wintertrend 2011 for him: the turtleneck

With the winter approaching us, there’s one item that every man should have in his closet: a turtleneck. This basic item definitely keeps you warm, but still has a corny image to most people.

This season the designers showed us that this classic piece can look cool, by giving it an exciting twist, like using bright colors and prints or mixing different fabrics and textures. For instance British designer John Richmond, who let his models walk down the runway in a roll-neck revised with small fur and leather patches. And Dior gave it a cool and masculine touch, combining it with loose pants and an oversized blazer.  All these different looks emphasize the good thing about the turtleneck: you can wear it in many ways.

(Eva Dusch)

Streetstyle Trend Report 2011: the beard

You might have already noticed, but there are a lot of men with beards lately. Just take a look around, especially during the fashion weeks, and you see them everywhere. Like they all decided to let it grow.

It seems like a beard is becoming more and more of a style statement for men. Like a good hat or a graceful pair of glasses, a beard can do the same thing. It often gives a man more attitude and character and it signifies masculinity and confidence. Sometimes that rough edge can make him look very interesting too.  They all look totally different when it comes to their personal style, but they all share this one remarkable style element: a beard.

(Eva Dusch)

Party prep: flattering make up

You have found the perfect dress, the most fabulous pair of shoes and some dazzling jewelry to finish it off. But probably just as important is your make-up!  To give you some inspiration, check out the 10 looks below.

1. For the ones who don’t like a heavy look, a hint of color can do really well too. Choose a soft but cheerful color lipstick, like pink or orange, some mascara and a subtle blush on the cheeks and you’re ready!

2. Wanna try something more extreme? Wear bright eye shadow. Like red, blue, yellow, green or mixed all together. Because of the intensity of the colors it’s better to keep the lips nude, which will make your eyes come out even better.

3. Not overdone and always very elegant: graphic eyeliner. Keep it the classic way by wearing it just above the eyelashes or create a fine dark line high above the eye lit for a more graphic look.

4. Always popular: Smokey eyes. Our new favorite: a silver metallic smokey eye.

5. Seen on almost every catwalk this season: bronzer eye shadow. This shiny, warm color is perfect to create an innocent but sexy glance.

6. Never goes out of style: red lipstick. From sweet to dark vamp. Let the lips do the talking.

7. Subtle yet playful and sexy: sparkling lipgloss. Always good for a festive look.

8. When you’re not afraid to go on the theatrical tour,  the butterfly eyelashes from Yohji Yamamoto are a real eye catcher. Attention guaranteed!

9. Mix and match. Combining a dark color with some shimmer can result in a very arousing look. Like this heavy smokey eye mixed with a touch of gold.

10. Often told when it comes to the ultimate beauty rules: do not emphasize eyes and lips at the same time. It’s one or the other. But going just the opposite direction can be very interesting though…

(Eva Dusch)

 

Wintertrend 2011 for her: Lace Up

Probably one of the most remarkable trends in fashion this year was the dominatrix trend. We saw shiny leather pieces, hand cuff bags, corsages, transparent fabrics and…   lots of ultra high lace- up boots. Remember Kate Moss closing down the Louis Vuitton show walking in those stunning boots? And she was not the only one.

We already saw a few occasionally last winter, but this season this provocative footgear is making a huge comeback. They’ve been spotted on almost every catwalk, from Paris to Milan and New York. Just to name a few designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Diesel, Dior, D&G, Balmain and Versace. Whether sky high, up to the knee or ankle height, those tied- up boots are a real must have this winter. Just embrace your inner vixen and show ‘em what you got!

 

Wintertrend 2011 for him: sunglasses

Sunglasses: not the first thing you would think of when making your wardrobe winter proof. But you might reconsider after seeing these pictures. Because the great designers showed us that a good pair of sunglasses in the winter is not such a bad idea after all. Plus it raises your cool-factor for sure. Definitely the ones we’ve seen this season.

Like Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabanna, who showed us ultra cool shades in bright candy colors, gifted with their familiar touch of Italian elegance. But most popular this season are for sure the circle shades, that seem to take us back to the time John Lennon wore those famous round shaped glasses. Or what to think of an updated version of the maybe not so ‘cool’, but definitely mysterious ‘Sherlock Holmes’ shades. Not so bad of a style statement…

Beautytrend FW2011: in the middle

A trend you can’t miss this season: the middle parting.  After seasons of no show, this classic hairdo is back again. And rightly so.  It’s simple, clean and always good to create either a casual chic or a classic look.

We’ve seen different versions at the shows. Like the ultra tight version, where no hair is allowed to stick out. Keep it all behind the ears and wear it in a tight knot or a chic ponytail low in the neck. This is also a good way to emphasize the shape of your face. The other version is more casual, keeping it loose and frisky. So if you’re not feeling so much for the big and fussy hair for December, this look might be a good option.

Beautytrend FW2011: Roaring Red

Nothing’s more sexy, feminine and powerful than a woman with beautiful red lips and the designers know it.

The classic red lipstick is a huge trend this season. Between all the nude looks, we saw many pouts in different shades of red: rust, raspberry, cherry, scarlet, burgundy, carmine, fuchsia, wine and ultra pared- down red.  And from very shimmery to really matte.

There’s a lot to choose from, but finding the right one is not so easy.  It’s always good to pick one that matches your hair color and skin tone.  If you have a lighter skin tone, go for a red with a blue (cold) undertone, like fire red. When you have a darker skin, the orange- based (warm) shades will do well on you, like burgundy or deep red. Check out the photo’s to see all the different options…

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