Black chic for guys
November 22, 2009, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Men's fashion and style interest men more today than ever as they realize that looking good is an asset in every aspect of their lives: business, personal or social. Men's fashion can be everlasting using permanent and classic styles and colors. So while the little black dress continues to be a fashion staple for women, what can an all-black look offer men for the right occasion?
Black stands for class, formality and is always chic. As a traditionally popular color in men's formal wear, black has been the choice for suits, tuxedos and ties for generations. Black is also probably the most useful color in many men's formal garments in that it allows for a great spectrum of choice when it comes to matching and accessories.
Monochrome in menswear is not a new concept, but this season the number of all-black ensembles that came down the catwalks frankly made our heads spin. There were also a significant number of more experimental instances -- and those quickly became our favorites. The all-black look is eaving its underground roots and going mainstream, propelling Rick Owens' signature vision into a global phenomenon.
All black serves as a point of convergence for menswear ranging from athletic and modern minimalist to ethnic and street-inspired. In keeping with the trend's darkly romantic origins, black especially complements elongated shapes and layering of the hard-edged with the sensual.
Textures and fabrics
Different fabric will help you wear an all-black look without being boring.
As with any ensemble, it's important to mix fabrics and textures and be aware of the way different fabrics hold black dye as well as which fabrics and textures look good together.
For example, like the model presenting Balenciaga's wool and silk jacket worn with Neil Barrett's nylon and cotton shorts, a Rick Owens' neckpiece and Costume National shoes. The model looks gentle and stylish, easily standing out in a room filled with business people wearing ordinary all-black suits. Or putting a heavily textured sweater with a smooth pant looks dashing as does a plain merino wool sweater with a tonal stripe pant.
Doing this will make you look less like you are wearing a uniform and more like you put a little effort into your outfit.
That does not mean that similar fabrics of black will make you a disaster. Utilize layers when you choose similar fabrics such as cotton so that your outfits look completely put together. And it is a good time to show off by wearing accessories, especially for those that love silver.
Different blacks
Take into consideration that there is not only one black color. Different fabrics present different blacks. For example, wools are always deeper black than cottons. So be careful when putting an all black outfit together. A pair of black trousers might have a brown cast while your black shirt has a purple cast. These differences are subtle, but important.
The last thing you should remember is the "clean." It is better to dry clean your black or dark items for it will stop the color from fading as quickly. When you wash them at home, you can use a cup of vinegar the first time for your new cloth. Also, always use cold water with your dark items.
Never copy looks from the runway. The look is perfect on a model but doesn't mean that it's perfect for you. What you should do is use designer's best trends to guide your look and give it some style by mixing-and-matching your basics.
Black stands for class, formality and is always chic. As a traditionally popular color in men's formal wear, black has been the choice for suits, tuxedos and ties for generations. Black is also probably the most useful color in many men's formal garments in that it allows for a great spectrum of choice when it comes to matching and accessories.
Monochrome in menswear is not a new concept, but this season the number of all-black ensembles that came down the catwalks frankly made our heads spin. There were also a significant number of more experimental instances -- and those quickly became our favorites. The all-black look is eaving its underground roots and going mainstream, propelling Rick Owens' signature vision into a global phenomenon.
All black serves as a point of convergence for menswear ranging from athletic and modern minimalist to ethnic and street-inspired. In keeping with the trend's darkly romantic origins, black especially complements elongated shapes and layering of the hard-edged with the sensual.
Textures and fabrics
Different fabric will help you wear an all-black look without being boring.
As with any ensemble, it's important to mix fabrics and textures and be aware of the way different fabrics hold black dye as well as which fabrics and textures look good together.
For example, like the model presenting Balenciaga's wool and silk jacket worn with Neil Barrett's nylon and cotton shorts, a Rick Owens' neckpiece and Costume National shoes. The model looks gentle and stylish, easily standing out in a room filled with business people wearing ordinary all-black suits. Or putting a heavily textured sweater with a smooth pant looks dashing as does a plain merino wool sweater with a tonal stripe pant.
Doing this will make you look less like you are wearing a uniform and more like you put a little effort into your outfit.
That does not mean that similar fabrics of black will make you a disaster. Utilize layers when you choose similar fabrics such as cotton so that your outfits look completely put together. And it is a good time to show off by wearing accessories, especially for those that love silver.
Different blacks
Take into consideration that there is not only one black color. Different fabrics present different blacks. For example, wools are always deeper black than cottons. So be careful when putting an all black outfit together. A pair of black trousers might have a brown cast while your black shirt has a purple cast. These differences are subtle, but important.
The last thing you should remember is the "clean." It is better to dry clean your black or dark items for it will stop the color from fading as quickly. When you wash them at home, you can use a cup of vinegar the first time for your new cloth. Also, always use cold water with your dark items.
Never copy looks from the runway. The look is perfect on a model but doesn't mean that it's perfect for you. What you should do is use designer's best trends to guide your look and give it some style by mixing-and-matching your basics.
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