Fall fashion brings sophisticated style and sleek trends to menswear this year. Fashion Week 2012 has brought on several unique new styles along with some classic returning favorites in the world of men's fashion. With the first weeks of fall right around the corner, keep an eye out for these top trends of the season.
Trending Colors (or lack thereof)
Black is always a popular fall and winter color, but this year gray is taking over. Gray is basic, functional and practically goes with anything. You can't go wrong in a charcoal or shark-skin gray suit. According to Pantone, other trending colors for men this fall include rhubarb, chartreuse, Olympian blue and some other grays and neutrals, like titanium and "French roast."
Footwear
GoLocal Men's Style Expert, Rob Babigian, suggests getting rid of the summery canvas shoes, moccasins and sneakers for substantial and grounded footwear. Montgomry boots from UggAustralia, heavy-soled wing tips or Chukkas are trendy, masculine and add character to the fall and winter months.
Turtlenecks
The turtleneck is back in full force this year, especially for men. Retro style is still big and the turtleneck epitomizes that vintage feel with a refurbished and polished look. Turtlenecks are versatile for business or leisure, and are great for layering in cold, brisk weather.
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Scarves
Not into the turtleneck idea? Scarves are a big hit this season. Warm, functional and stylish scarves bring class to your ensemble. Go for a natural tone or a deep purple or blue for a striking appearance.
Mixed Patterns
Multiple fashion sites and sources are singing the praises of mixing up patterns this season. Pairing a patterned tie with a checkered shirt is no longer gasp-worthy. Stripes and plaids together are even being embraced by designers.
Accessories
Accessories are an often-overlooked fashion essential by men. Because of all the neutrals trending this season, colorful socks are a great way to add personality to an ensemble. Bags and backpacks with big bold straps have been adopted by designers such as Marc Jacobs. Thick, sleek watches are always classy and sunglasses are great. Just remember to take them off inside. Always.
Stripes
Big, horizontal stripes are being seen everywhere this season. Stripes have to be worn right to avoid looking tacky, but a nautical approach or a minimalist black and white, as shown in Esquire, look sophisticated and sexy.
Leather
Leather is back, and there couldn't be more of it this season. While women's leather shirts and pants are trending, men have jackets and cross-body bags to sport. Leather adds a sharp and polished look to the other colors and textures of the season and, honestly, does it really ever go out of style?
Replays
The runways are seeing some returning fashion trends this year from the previous fall season. These include polo necks under other shirts or jackets, double-breasted tailoring in business suits or casual jackets and military-inspired fashion for coats, pants and shirts.
—Benjamin Lindsay freelances for fashion blogs and forums on the West Coast. The son of a runway model and a clothing designer, he has it in his genes. And his jeans.
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