Through the Looking Glass
A glimpse of the 5 essential trends that should live among every man’s wardrobe this season.

If fashion movement is any indication that the recession may be a thing of the past, then that end just may be near. After a season plastered with grays and blacks, the fall 2010 menswear lines are shaping up to be a much needed style boost to our closets – with bright-hues, knits, and impeccably tailored suits, this season is sure to not disappoint. So listen up fellas, here are the 5 trends to keep you looking fresh when updating your closet for the coming fall season.

SWISS KICKS
Get ready to hit the trails, the hiking boot has gone high-fashion! Remodelled after the Swiss ski-trail original from the 1950’s, these hiking boots were seen on the D&G and Dunhill runways in brown and black leather, and featured braided nylon cord laces and D-rings that provide comfort and make for an authentic Alpine-like appearance. For a more rugged look, try pairing them with a pair of slim or straight leg jean tucked into the boot or with a pair of neutral or striped wool socks.

COATS, COATS, COATS
This fall, the staple item in every man’s closet, the fall coat, comes in many different varieties. From casual, daywear looks to formal, business wear attire, you should have no problem sorting through the abundance of choices at your fingertips. For a cool, sporty look try a rich, wool down jacket or a military, bomber-styled shearling that for an urban, street edge. For a formal occasion, a neutral tweed blazer with accentuated shoulders makes going from daytime to night time wear a piece of cake.

HUE YOU!
With every F/W season comes an array of black, gray and charcoal suits matching the dreary, depression inducing weather. But oh, how the season has changed. Pinks, blues, red, greens, and purples – you name it, the colour made its way to the runways this season in the form of bright-hued cashmere sweaters and merino wool cardigans that make for a brilliant contrast. Mastered by Hermes and Prada, the trend featured highlighter pink sweaters dressed under dark gray suits, red cardigans paired with charcoal striped blazers, and indigo v-necks with a chunky, light gray tweed knit. Rule of thumb: Pair it under a jacket as an accent to really make your look POP!

DESERT OASIS
Think Egyptian sand on a hot, Sahara desert night. The warm, neutral camel shade was seen all over the European catwalks in blazers, raincoats, and suits, by high-fashion design houses such as Prada. Not only does the shade flatter many skin tones, but it evokes a clean, sophisticated look that will compliment bold, bright-hued accent sweaters when paired with a camel suit.

KNIT WIT
This trend is back from last season in a big way. The Nordic knit is a graphic, geometrical sweater that evokes a bold, masculine look. A myriad of knits showcased in the form of scarves, sweaters, cardigans appeared on the runways of Paris and Milan, most notably, by Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and D&G. Keep it simple and pair a chunky sweater with regular to dark washed denim and a throw on a pair of hiking boots to achieve a rugged and effortless look.