Fall Back in Love with Men’s Fashion

With the start of another season comes the return of shoppers to the fashion fold and analysts expect the Fall 2010 season to see men thinking “modern dressing” and embracing style trends that include classic Italian and American heritage design concepts with a strong showing of suits, darker palettes and a focus on textural fabrics.  Whether it’s back to school or back to the work grind, Tom Julian, fashion industry expert and the author of Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Everyday Dressing, focuses on the Five Essential Trends to shop and dress well this autumn.

Gray Matters

The Fall 2010 runways showed many looks that utilized the color gray in a noticeable way – fashioned into monochromatic ensembles or serving as the perfect counterpoint to brighter shades and hues.

Knit Picks

Knits are not just for layering anymore and have woven themselves into the fabric of another category: outerwear.  With new design innovations and technical constructions, knits have evolved into jackets, blazers and cardigans, bringing softer dressing into the forefront.

The Power Suit Returns

With the return of Mad Men and the remarkable Wall Street 2: The Money Never Stops, the power suit has finally come around again.  Whether it’s a more fitted take on the 1980’s double-breasted or the still relevant slim suit with narrow lines, expect fall to bring a fresh new focus on the suiting trend.

History Lessons

As brands like Levi’s, Gant, Burberry and Lacoste look to their pasts for design inspiration, the worlds of the American workwear and Ivy League prep come to life on the sales floor.  Key items experience a rebirth – trench coats, oxford shirts, khakis, Fair Isle pattern sweaters and desert boots, which become investment pieces that stand the test of time.
All items above are available at www.nordstrom.com.

Getting the Boot

The boot experiences a renaissance this season with more choices than ever.  From understated dress to biker chic, from cold weather tech to rugged workwear styles, the sheer variety of the boot category makes it relevant for any dress occasion.  “We saw the resurgence of boot brands like Timberland, Frye and Red Wing this year and with it came a newfound appreciation of men’s boots,” says Tom Julian.  “Everything from military inspired lace-up boots to suede dress Chelsea boots in a diverse array of colors and fabrics will be in heavy demand.”