What's new on the mens fashion scene for 2011? In a nutshell it's a return to flared jeans and some motorcycle inflluences. Gigham makes a return and florals and strips put in an appearance and some of the old standbys gain a bit of steam.
Men's flared jeans
Men's skinny jeans have had their heyday. They've peaked and while not out of fashion, new men's fashion trends in the spring and summer of 2011 are here and those skinny jeans have been replaced by quite a different style. Men's flared jeans are back once again. This flared trouser and jean style is happening for both genders. Of course, the men's interpretation is more subtle with a smaller flare. You're looking for a pair of jeans or trousers slightly wider than a boot cut, but with a slimmer thigh and waist that makes the hemline even more defined.
Men's motorcycle fashion
It's a trend that's in for women in spring 2011, and visual elements of the motorcycle look are also in for men. Spearheaded by a number of design houses, including Burberry, the main thrust of this men's trend is clearly the motorcycle jacket. While skinny jeans became a standard, the military fashion trend did not make it. Maybe the motorcycle influence will.
Many of the top fashion houses have cut back on the military motif and have adopted elements of the biker look. So with biker fashion elements not exactly being something new for 2011, some new elements may help take the style to a new level. The main element of the men's version of the trend are statement jackets. The colour palette is definitely quite muted as well - it's all black, a fact that makes the trend rather cliche for men but not so cliche that the only motorcycle jackets on trend are the dated Brando jackets.
Trends:
Gingham - This spring/summer, gingham for guys is all the rage! The classic print can be worn small or super-sized in any colour for a look that harks back to summers long past. Short sleeve or long sleeve the pattern can easily be dressed up or dressed down.
Neutrals - Neutral shades are always one of the most reliable trends to hit the runways every spring and summer. Designers showing their collections on the Milan and Paris runways debuted spring/summer pieces that were filled with sandy tones and neutral hues. This remains a classic look that is easy for any guy to pull off.
Windbreakers - Windbreakers are back and you don't even need the wind! These lightweight jackets were a big favourite in the 80s and they are even hotter as an easy statement piece this spring and summer.
Stripes - This spring/summer you can make a dramatic statement by wearing big, bold stripes. Vertical, diagonal and horizontal patterns popped up in many of the most popular collections and will be a hot trend with any guy with his mind on fashion.
Florals - You can expect to see lots of massive floral prints pop up on the sidewalks this year after they swept the 2011 spring/summer runways. Watercolour floral prints can add life and character to any boring ensemble.
Floral Camouflage - Most guys turn their back on feminine floral prints. But one of the season’s hottest trends takes floral patterns and disguises them as camouflage. Dark colours add a key masculine feel and ensure blooming patterns are totally discreet.
Transparent Tops - These are not your typical masculine trend but for a bold statement sheer tops for men are the way to go. These are definitely not a spring/summer trend for the fashionably meek.
Spring Suede - Typically suede is a fall fabric - but many of the hottest designers are using lightweight sand coloured suede in their 2011 spring/summer collections. The right sexy summer statement piece can keep you warm on cool summer nights and carry you right into fall weather. And it never hurts to have items in your wardrobe able to do double duty.
Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend
Gift Ideas for your Boyfriend this Holiday Season
Worried about what to get your best guy (or your best girl, if you're a girl?) If you want to get something he'll really love, get him a cool CD so he can tune out when all the relatives drop over and he's heard Uncle Joe's "when I was young" stories a million times. Short on money, burn a CD with all of his favourite tunes on one CD. He'll grove to those tunes and really thank you for the personalized gift.
Do you have to get after your guy to dress a bit nicer? Here's your chance to take the lead and get him something useful but still stylish. How about a nice hoodie or a couple of groovy T-shirts for when the weather warms up. Not only will this help him look better, maybe he'll learn how to improve his style and give new life to his hurtin' wardrobe. And you'll feel better when you go out with him and people see a cool couple together.
If he's into sports, then you have some extra items to pick from. Get him a soccer ball or hockey stick or basketball shoes. Well maybe not basketball shoes because they can be super expensive. If he's into golf get him some golf accessories. For winter sports, consider a cool snowboard or a nice long scarf to keep his neck warm. That way you'll always be close to him keeping him warm. A sports blanket or team shirt will also warm his heart. A team sport cap of his favourite team would nicely replace the ratty one he has worn for years.
If he's religious, you can get him a dog tag with a cross on it. If not you can go with a couple of his favourite movies -preferably a comedy so you can watch it together and laugh for hours which creates a nice friendly atmosphere. If he has a Playstation 3, X-box or a Wii, pick out a game you can both play together. A spiffy flash drive engraved with his name will always be appreciated if he's into computers.
Accessories are also appreciated. How about a new belt -maybe one of the new high style ones with a design on it for casual wear? A bottle of Diesel or Addidas or Nautica cologne is always great and he'll smell really ahhmazing when you cuddle. Also some bath products from Axe might be appreciated but he might think this is because you think he needs a bath. Be careful! A customized leather bracelet is also hi style these days. Or perhaps a wallet from American Eagle for the day when he will actually have some money -to spend on you, of course.
Does he like to eat? Ha! What a question! Take him out to a nice restaurant (not fast food) and have a nice meal together. Or get him a big jar of jelly beans.
If you have no money to spend on him, remember the old saying -"It's the thought that counts!" This means making him a homemade gift. You can start with a homemade card and bake him a batch of his favourite cookies -and do it yourself -no fair asking mom to do it. Can you sew? Make him a sexy pair of boxer shorts. Write him a poem if you have talents with words.
What not to get him? Don't get him anything mushy and stay away from anything with hearts on it. And forget those scented candles! And the worst ever present for a guy? Socks. Let mom or grandma buy such a boring present so stay well clear of socks. Don't get him a teddy bear either. Good idea when he was three but not when he's thirteen and wants to be grown up. Are you good with graphics and word processing. Make him a copy of a fake newspaper with the lead story saying he's the hottest guy in your town. He will love that but keep it clean so he can show it around.
Whatever you decide to get him, we here at ChadzBoyz wish all of you the bestest and happiest holiday ever. And if you don't have a boyfriend yet, not to worry. 2011 may be the year you finally find him. We'll be hoping for you.
Making Fashion Sense
Getting Well Dressed
by yoitsjoey
Fashion. What does it mean to you? Is it a lifestyle or is it a split decision in a department store? Should it be all you worry about? Truthfully, no. However, you shouldn’t dismiss it. If you’re confused about your sexuality, the last thing you want to be worried about is your appearance. Lord knows we’ve all been there. The links in these articles are meant to help you gauge your personality toward aesthetic preferences, ultimately determining how you want to present yourself.
Now, I personally feel like brands like Ed Hardy and even Hollister are a little too conventional and keep a person’s true personality from showing. In the end, I am only one person and someone could genuinely take to those styles of clothing, and if you are one of those people reading this then there’s not much help in this article because that image is pretty easy to follow through with. Go to the mall, go in, and pick whatever you want. There, you're done. For those of you feeling underdeveloped or just plain don’t have an idea of how to dress, I can help plenty with that.
First things first, research. This site may sound cliché and out of touch, but there is a very large compilation of all aspects of fashion including articles on fashion week. You have to decide preferences of style but before patterns and designs come into play, think about the fabric and the way it fits on your body, you could have the most beautiful design on say a suit, but if it fit shitty, it won’t matter. This is what top notch fashion designers focus on to complete their concepts. Which is why looking through all of these different designers is important to know what to buy. Don’t forget to go to the designer’s personal website either, they’re sure to have runway videos and such that will help you out and get a better look into what they’re all about.
Target is a good place to start off for anyone; they’re always in style and never break your wallet. What happened to the high fashion? You say. Well, it’s in your mind now, imagine, Dolce&Gabbana suddenly falls apart (tragic, I know) and now they’re making clothes for target. Which pieces would they be? If you favor Dolce&Gabbana like I do, you’ll know which ones to choose, same goes for Dior, Marc Jacobs and so on, everyone has a department store equivalent. Of course, Macy’s is a must.
I'm not saying I haven't gone to hot topic to get a pair of skinny jeans, my favorite band t shirt and some vans, believe me, I still do that, but that's what I feel comfortable in along with many other looks, so, in no way am I knocking anyone who shops at pac sun and such. For one I'd be knocking myself, two, those are places in which you can express yourself and that's a good thing, but for people who are struggling, this is my advice to them.
If you’re going for a trendier look that could accompany many accessories or just a simple look to turn heads these are two stores I hold very dear to my heart and one more for fun:
All make men’s and women’s clothing, apply the same thought process here I explained about target (and anywhere else for that matter) but don’t keep yourself from exploring and getting inspired!
One more thing, magazines are good for exposing yourself to different looks, you can go online and subscribe to magazines like vogue/men’s vogue or just go to Barnes&Noble and pick up random titles. Through my expenditures though, I’d say GQ and Menswear are wise investments.
Good luck!
The Comeback of the Plaid Shirt
Plaid is In 2009-2010
This fall and winter the plaid shirt, as previously worn by construction workers and songwriters like Neil Young, is again in the spotlight – as a fashion trend. What has made this change come about? Some fashion designers are adding the classic work-inspired wardrobe to their collections for Fall 2009 and that means the plaid shirt is in.
Designers and retailers gravitate to the plain plaid shirt because it represents good things, most notably strength and humility. They just feel so familiar and that's why we keep welcoming them back into our wardrobes. Even if they're not made of flannel, they still make us feel cozy.
To many, the plaid shirt represents a work ethic and work aesthetic. You roll up your sleeves and you get back to work and during periods of high unemployment, fashion rides on such iconic symbols. When issues of unemployment are front of mind, people want to look as if they are on the job – or could be soon. As well, the recent popularity of the rural sporting life has men and women intrigued by the costumes associated with country living.
It seems that the pampered metrosexual look appears to be losing its edge as the masculine ideal represented by the big, strong lumberjack makes a comeback.
Preppy Punk Grunge Rockstar
For all these reasons, in this, its most recent incarnation, the plaid shirt has not returned representing just one thing: grunge, for example, or poorboy-chic.
It has returned as the multitasking every shirt, flexible enough for all occasions. Men this summer are taking the shirt and making it their own – a lesson they've learned from women and their take on the plaid shirt.
Worn open with a chest full of chains, the shirt exhibits rocker chic attitude. Wear a skinny tie, black suspenders and a fedora and it has a punk sensibility. Wool toques and thermal undershirts make it grunge. A bow tie and a professorial tweed vest fit into the preppy stylebook.Dress it up by wearing it with scarves and brightly printed T-shirts.
Tie-ology Videos
How to Tie a Tie
Most teens are not used to wearing ties and would prefer to avoid them like the plague. But the time and occasion will come when you will need to "dress up" and that can mean wearing a tie. it could be to a formal job interview of a wedding where you are in the wedding party or some other occasion. Then you will need to learn to tie a tie -but how? Today guys don't just wear ties for work and the tie is becoming more and more popular as a fashion item. You can now buy a tie for any occasion and to suit any style but how do you tie one? And which way is the trendiest? Well, read on to find out our ChadzBoyz trendy suggestions and watch our videos below.
As well as having different types of ties there are also many different ways to tie them. The most popular being a four-in-hand knot. This is easy to do and is mainly used for the everyday work tie. It is a great way to start learning how to tie a tie because it only requires a few steps so whether you are rushing out the door for work or you are teaching yourself, this knot is the one.
Place the tie around your neck ensuring that it is tucked under your collar. The wide end should hang longer than the thin end. Hold both ends in your hands and place the wider end over the narrow end.
The wide end should go round the back of the narrow end so it is on the side it started on. Put it up through the neck hole that you have created and pull it down so that both ends are both hanging together in front of you.
Take the wide end and pass it through the knot you have created. Pull to tighten.
Watch our video below on the four-in-hand knot
Another classy, more traditional knot is the Windsor knot. This looks very good with an expensive classy shirt and will show that you take pride in your appearance. This knot is more sturdy than the four in hand knot and will suit a more expensive and longer tie and a classy suit.
Again place the tie around your neck with the wider end hanging down lower. Cross the wide end over the narrow end so that it does a full circle.
Now take the wide end and push it up through the neck hole that you have now created.
Take the wide end and wrap it behind the knot.
Put the wide end through the neck hole, this time from the top facing downwards.
Place the wide end around the front of the knot keeping it tidy.
Again bring the wide end up through the neck hole and tuck it through the knot you have created. Pull to tighten and adjust.
How Do I Pick Out a Tie?
One guaranteed way to stand out from the crowd is to have a fashionable tie. You could try a plain tie or you could go for a funky pattern or the basic diagonal stripes.
There are so many styles of tie you will be overwhelmed by the choice available. Even women are getting in on the act. Men's fashion for women is becoming ever more popular and so now women are privy to their own range of women's ties!
What's new on the mens fashion scene for 2011? In a nutshell it's a return to flared jeans and some motorcycle inflluences. Gigham makes a return and florals and strips put in an appearance and some of the old standbys gain a bit of steam.
Many of the top fashion houses have cut back on the military motif and have adopted elements
of the biker look. So with biker fashion elements not exactly being something new
for 2011, some new elements may help take the style to a new level. The main element of the men's version of the trend are statement jackets. The colour palette is definitely quite muted as well - it's all black, a fact that makes the trend rather cliche for men but not so cliche that the only motorcycle jackets on trend are the dated Brando jackets.
Stripes - This spring/summer you can make a dramatic statement by wearing big, bold stripes. Vertical, diagonal and horizontal patterns popped up in many of the most popular collections and will be a hot trend with any guy with his mind on fashion.
If he's into sports, then you have some extra items to pick from. Get him a soccer ball or hockey stick or basketball shoes. Well maybe not basketball shoes because they can be super expensive. If he's into golf get him some golf accessories. For winter sports, consider a cool snowboard or a nice long scarf to keep his neck warm. That way you'll always be close to him keeping him warm. A sports blanket or team shirt will also warm his heart. A team sport cap of his favourite team would nicely replace the ratty one he has worn for years.
Now, I personally feel like brands like Ed Hardy and even Hollister are a little too conventional and keep a person’s true personality from showing. In the end, I am only one person and someone could genuinely take to those styles of clothing, and if you are one of those people reading this then there’s not much help in this article because that image is pretty easy to follow through with. Go to the mall, go in, and pick whatever you want. There, you're done. For those of you feeling underdeveloped or just plain don’t have an idea of how to dress, I can help plenty with that.
Wardrobe
