While we’re trudging through January in New York, it gives us solace to know that winter is half way over and soon, we’ll be able to rid ourselves of over coats and sweaters and strut the streets in lighter clothing. This has not been lost on fashion designers who have been planning spring fashion for months.
One thing I noticed in men’s fashion for spring 2015 is that the trend to spice up sporty and make it look dressier, or at least less schlumpy, is continuing. Nowhere is this more noticeable than when you look down, at footwear.
Sneakers, or as some people call them, “tennis shoes,” in all forms are going to be as big as ever and I’m not just talking about Converse’s custom Graphic Editions which sell for $80. Giuseppe Zanotti’s Comic Printed Leather High-Top Sneaker ($1025) is definitely not something you would wear on a basketball court. Prada is featuring a leather high top that can be yours for $850. If you don’t want to spend quite so much, Louis Vuitton has a Zip Up Sneaker for $640 or comparable high-tops ranging from $755 to $995. Fendi’s Wimbledon Leather Slip-On ($500) decorated with the Fendi logo is boardroom ready compared with Alexander McQueen’s Skull Print Slip-On ($685).
This said, Converse and other sneaker manufacturers make some more affordable, fun and stylish products such as the one mentioned above and New Balance’s Dunham REV saber ($149), a slip-on is modeled after a classic loafer.
Above the ankle, the sporty spice look continues with track pants rolled up or tight at tapered at the bottom. Any old pair of Adidas or whatever is on sale at Old Navy will do but if you are willing to splurge, Damir Dona’s Cargo Trousers made from cotton with an elastic waistband ($375) look very comfortable and KTZ’s Tattoo Patch Fleece Joggins Trousers ($620) will be sure to stop traffic.
The blue suit is in but not just the standard navy pinstripe of the past. Bright shades and even sparkles such as the outfit David Oyelowo wore at the Golden Globes are already the rage among the hip and famous. Variations of blue single and double-breasted, three piece, tuxedos and sport coats are being rolled out with stripes, checks and plaids.
Along a similar line, be on the look out for the prep school type of blazer with a colorful twist. Worn with jeans and maybe sneakers, this might be one of the biggest looks for men in the springtime.
I’ve also seen a number of oversized tops, trench coats with prints and one pieces but I think that these garments might appeal more to the serious fashionistas than the general population. The stores are already getting ready for spring, with sales of winter goods and mannequins dressed more like they should be in Florida than in 20 degree New York City. But, with just a couple more months of chilly weather left, the shifts in men’s fashion gives us something else to think about and time to start cleaning out our closets.
