Men’s Street Fashion Journal

(Photos via Veer.com)

Manhattan Street: On my visit to New York City for a series of fashion events and tours, I got to witness in the streets, men from all walks of life being fashionable, with great personal style this spring. So I’m here to connect with you on how you can take these trends and incorporate them into Midwest ideals.

It’s no secret that bold colors and patterns are going to control men’s fashion this season with high street fashion stores and street style proving that.

I often find that some men are wary when it comes to patterns or color, and at times, not fully committed to embracing the tones, shades and patterns available to them. While contemporary men are more willing to show an interest and explore, the majority of men prefer to stick to their traditional navys, blacks and greys. For men who aren’t quite ready to bust out printed neon shorts and shirts this season, the option of colored or patterned shoes and accessories can offer a fantastic way of telling your story in a much more subtle and refined way.

Park Avenue Tailored

Uptown NYC had a lot to offer when it came to showing off personality in layered suits and separates, with this year’s bold color story of bright greens, mustard yellows, fiery reds and creamy whites. Believe it or not, this is little more subdued from last year’s bright fusion of colors. This season’s hues blend well with the blues and grays in contrasting collared shirts, blazers and trousers.

Suits are coming in a variety of silhouettes for the ever-changing man’s taste. Trouser fits now are becoming looser and wider in the leg opening. The double-breasted blazer made a comeback, giving the man’s silhouette a more boxy, structured, masculine archetype of fashion. Pairing it up with a stripe or plaid necktie and shirt can make it go a long way to add a thoughtful inviting texture to your look.

The slim suit for those that prefer “professor chic” consists of fitted blazers, high-hemmed trousers, printed shirts, bowties and edgy socks, along with thick-framed specs to complete the look. Who said your high school science teacher wasn’t cool? These looks can adapt to your style by adding contemporary unconventional layers like a hooded jacket under a blazer for a casual look or using a denim jacket over a cardigan.

SOHO Camouflage & Olympic Sport

Yes! Camouflage has made resurgence in 2012, but you have to be subtle. When going to hang out on the weekend, casual or relaxed, try to keep to one key camouflage item like shorts, a jacket, shirt, another creative accessory. Pair it with distressed denim, safari or leather jackets. This print comes in accessories like umbrellas, shoes, and backpacks.

With the summer 2012 Olympics quickly approaching, American designers pulled this influence into their collections for everyone to hit the parks this summer in style with awesome bright colored nylon parkas, backpacks, shorts, tank tops, hats, and graphic t-shirts. This patriotic-athletic-inspired look can be great with an American flag theme tank top, cotton short, layered with a button-up cotton shirt, parka, boat shoe and hat.

Midtown Furnishings

It’s out with the chunky winter neck scarves and in with lightweight neckties that were all over the place in NYC. When I say neckties, I don’t mean the traditional tightly knotted 9-5 style. I’m talking about a long narrow strip piece of silk being worn nonchalantly by contemporary men updating their story of fashion. It can be worn in a couple of different ways it’s so versatile and comes in two different sizes; a short length, to give an urban cowboy feel and long one for that classic dandy look. If you’re not ready to change your collection of neckties, you can add pieces like a cotton or linen scarf, or pocket kerchief to adorn your ensemble subtly.

This guide on men’s high fashion spring trends can be a tool to enhance and express your personal style. Let it work for you when shopping and knowing what to look for.