Dipped

Wait what?

Valentino F/W '12

While I doubt this jacket from the F/W '12 Valentino Men's Collection was dipped in chocolate, I don't doubt that you should wear it.

I really like this look. It brings color blocking down to the individual piece level and does so in a way that is fashion forward, and not overbearing.

The two-tone "dipped" look is very casual and should be a piece that you aren't afraid to sit down in. The design is appropriate on all sorts of articles of clothing from the blazer above, to pants or shorts, to plain tees.

Italian fashion label Marni has a few great pieces from their S/S '12 and S/S '13 collections: 

To make sure you don't ruin the look, you're going to have to be conscious about the other items you add to create your personalized look. If your dip takes the form of a top, then make sure your bottom half does not take all the attention (this will make your top sad, and it will have trust issues). Vice versa- if your bottoms are the ones who are dipped, try not to have too flashy of a shirt. 

    ** Special note for the dipped lower halves- keep the shoes simple. Think white vans, think black combat boots, or just don't think at all.

I had a bit of trouble finding an item like this on my own, but with a little help from Zara I was able to find these shorts that have a black dip around the waist:

Shorts: Zara
Shirt: Marc Jacobs Stinky Rat
Shoes: Sperry

I'm inclined to suggest dipping your old shirt into a bucket of paint. User beware: I have not tried this... yet.

You wanna be a trendsetter?

Dip and dip out.

Julian

Loose-Knit Sweaters

Hermès S/S 13

You know those old loosely-knit sweaters in the back of your closet that you stopped wearing because they actually made you feel colder? Wondering what else to wear in hot weather besides shorts and a tee? Wear those sweaters!!!

Knit sweaters are often thought of as fall/winter clothing options used to create an additional layer of warmth. I like to think of them as summer fashion statements. Now I know you are freaking out a little right now and thinking, "A fashion statement?! I'm not really into that sort of thing ya know? I just want to look good. Help me look good!" Well drop the 'tude and put on the sweater because this isn't a statement that makes people question your judgement, it is a statement that you are simply better than everyone else.

Where to wear:

     

1. The beach: tank or no shirt underneath, Persols or Ray Bans
2. The workplace: a polo or long sleeve shirt underneath
3. Everywhere else: you get the picture

Hardy Amies S/S 13

FAQ

Q: Julian, won't I be hot at the beach in a sweater?    

A: On the contrary, my friend. The sweater must be loosely-knitted, and then you'll feel like you're standing in a wind tunnel. Note** Don't wear it while you're tanning... you won't get very tan.

What's really great about this trend is that you can find loosely-knit sweaters in the high-end market, such as Hermès, and the low-end market by looking through various thrift stores. I found mine on sale at Bloomingdales.

Sweater: Michael Kors
Swim Shorts: Ted Baker
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

You wanna be a trendsetter?

Get loose, you rapscallion. 

Julian

Transparent Shirts

Sheer shirts and clothes have long been a ladies thing, but it is time to hit the gym because transparency is heading our way. I cannot for the life of me figure out where I found this picture or who the designer is, which, as I am typing this, seems to make my blog quite pointless.... So I will continue research! BUT, this photo is an excellent example of what guys need to be looking forward to in the coming seasons.

Here is a shirt by Hugo Boss from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. While this design doesn't seem to have made it far off the runway, it should be noted that sheer designs are and have been around. I believe that they will become popular, trendy, and not so gogo as men continue to stretch their fashion boundaries further and further.

As there aren't many sheer dress shirts or transparent trench coats on the market for men yet (although I'm guessing you'll see them in an Urban Outfitters or American Apparel soon), I recommend you keep your wardrobe in lighter tones as the days get hotter, and getting a few linen shirts (like this Michael Kors on the right) to keep cooler.


You wanna be a trendsetter?
Work out, get sheer.


Julian