Jackets On Jackets

We tend to spend a lot of time extolling layering’s practical benefits. And while there’s no disputing them, layering’s also worth looking at for its stylistic potential.

Take, for example, Casely-Hayford’s SS16 show, which featured a featherweight navy coat layered underneath a fire engine red blouson jacket, or Ermenegildo Zegna’s offering, which included a dusty pink notched lapel blazer layered over a checked double-breasted jacket. While it might all sound messy on paper, put together it’s the ideal way to clash colours, patterns or textures.

Executing this one properly is about focussing on two things: fabric weights, and complementary cuts. Firstly, to stop yourself sweltering, choose lightweight layers made from cotton, linen or nylon. Secondly, rather than awkwardly jarring your layers, try a shorter, structured layer on inside, while keeping your exterior layer relaxed in form and slightly longer in length.

Wide-leg Trousers

Menswear’s big loosening up continues. While we’ve been seeing wider-legged trousers for a couple of years now, SS16 was the first season we saw so many make sense. From Casely-Hayford’s front pleat styles to Dolce & Gabbana’s floral takes, relaxed trousers were offered up as the perfect way to ensure your legs stay aired during summer’s heat. And aren’t we all tired of squeezing ourselves into samey slim- and skinny-fits anyway?

It’s the brave man who’d attempt some of SS16’s particularly capacious cuts (see Craig Green), but roomier styles with a just-right break are a cinch to wear with everything from tees to short-sleeved shirts and blazers. Put simply, aim for a pair that sit somewhere between allowing your legs to breathe and samurai levels of billowing fabric.

Final Word

So, which of these spring/summer trends are you already stoked to try out? And which shouldn’t see the light of day?