Men may have had an aversion to colour in the past, but Spring 2005 is changing that notion with the veritable rainbow of colours to choose from this season. With bold, bright hues showing up in everything from polo shirts to pocket squares, men of all ages and lifestyles can instantly update their look by incorporating a jolt of colour into their wardrobes this spring.
"This
trend in menswear towards bright colour is exciting," says Larry Rosen of Harry Rosen Inc. "We believe men are used to the tried and true blues and whites, and now they are looking for fresh ways to put some vitality in their wardrobe. Taking a cue from women's wear, they're now ready to try intense hues of orange, pink, green and blue like never before. Colour can be seen just about everywhere in men's clothing - from casual looks to accessories in tailored clothing."
The new interest in colour draws inspiration from the
Ivy League, east coast-inspired look of the 80s, but with a modern update. In 2005 the unstructured sports jacket becomes the central item to own. Soft, casual and unlined, this is not a conventional sports jacket, but almost a piece of outerwear that can be layered effortlessly. In a solid colour linen/wool/silk blend or cotton seersucker; and paired with a gingham shirt, flat front pants and a bright ribbon belt, this jacket is the epitome of the new attitude in sportswear dressing this spring.
Bright coloured pique polo shirts are also key this season. Whether it's the retro vibe of Fred Perry, the classic Lacoste in one of 15 new colours, or the new slimmer versions by BOSS and Burberry, the polo knit represents an easy way to pick up a pinch of colour and smart style at the same time.
For the businessman who prefers traditional suiting, but still wants to stay current and updated, spring's bold colours offer a straightforward way to inject freshness into their summer wardrobe. While spring suits tend to stick to the staples of light greys and tans,
colour can be introduced with well-chosen accessories, allowing the confident man to show off his personal
style.
Expect the unexpected, as
candy-coloured ties from Ermenegildo Zegna, pocket squares, socks and even belts add a dash of colour to otherwise routine looks. Orange polka-dotted pocket squares, apple green striped ties and bright pink bowties are just some of the furnishings that can liven up a simple blue pinstriped suit.
Striped shirts in daring colour combinations, such as those from Milanese label Etro, that are paired with equally daring ties, offer another way to make a statement.
For those who might take a more adventurous and less conventional attitude to dressing - whether for a day at their office or a night at the latest club - the slender, narrow fit is all-important and continues to gain momentum, especially with regards to suits.
With a hint of
British influence, slim jacket and pants, featuring higher armholes and narrow thighs, worn with equally slim-cut shirts underneath, are featured prominently for spring. Suits, which are often seen in a trim two-button style such as the Gable Vegas cut from BOSS Hugo Boss, are just as likely to be broken up as worn together. The pairing of a suit jacket
with distressed jeans and an open neck dress shirt, matched with a pair of Prada shoes, is an alternative look that easily transitions from day to night.
For weekend casual dressing, athletic-inspired clothing such as the pieces by BOSS Hugo Boss Green and Orange Label, lead the way. The growth of denim's popularity shows no signs of slowing, with labels such as Seven, Dolce and Gabbana and Seal Kay offering the season's coolest jeans.
Zipneck tops and a pair of
distressed jeans offer the perfect weekend look for the modern man.
Harry Rosen Spring Report
Top, left to right: Burberry, Etro, Emporio Armani, Dolce&Gabbana.
Menswear Fashion Trends for Spring-Summer 2005 
