Men’s Guide To Business-Casual – The Summer Edition
Paying Attention To The Details
Five SS13 Menswear Staples
Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
Men's Long Hairstyles
Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Introduction
What is life without a good debate? Whether it is an in-depth political discussion, a consideration of important social questions and conventions, deeply concerning environmental issues regarding the plight of squirrels or just a big argument with your mates down the pub over how many chips you can jam up your nose, and who will fall in the most hedges on the stagger home (either with physical encouragement from said friends or without). The televised debates during the general election gripped the nation and proved that a good argument really helps us all become undecided about who we want to lead our nation, and if we’re all completely honest, who doesn’t enjoy the odd episode of Jeremy Kyle. Although that could be seen more as unnecessary shouting than a reasoned debate. It is fair to say then, that a life without debate isn’t really a life at all.
As you may well know, the fashion world is no stranger to debate, discussion and controversy. One needn’t look any further than Lady Gaga for proof that pushing the boundaries of fashion, particularly in terms of what is and isn’t acceptable (I’m thinking of the meat dress here) can cause some huge debates both within fashion specific circles and the wider world. However, while this is obviously an extreme example and the level of controversy and debate involved will probably never enter the world of the average fashion conscious gentleman, it would be naïve to think debate and differing views had little or no impact on our choice of clothing, even at an everyday level.
This can be seen clearly in our individual choice of style. Do you prefer a sharp, clean and tailored look or do you lean more towards the more relaxed, casual and rugged look? Obviously you an describe your own personal style in any way you want, but the divisions that separate each individual style can boil right down to specific items; which brings me neatly onto the main topic of this article, skinny jeans.
The For
You would find it exceeding difficult to discuss the fashion trends of the past few years without considering the impact of skinny jeans. In a very short space of time, they became a veritable fashion Behemoth, much to the delight of some and dismay of others. Of course they only appealed to certain groups, which is where we find the stark contrast between advocates of such a style and those that loathe it with a passion. The go to stereotype for skinny jeans would be the ‘Emo’ trend; what image of skinny jeans is more recognisable than the pasty faced teenager, with black hair, black clothes a ridiculous fringe and studs everywhere, who stomped down the road listening to heavy metal, and one must of course not forget the more feminine connotations of tighter jeans. How many wearers of such garments have walked down the street only to be hollered at by Jonny tracksuit and the white lightening gang?
However, skinny jeans are far more versatile than that. They help to create a much sharper silhouette, with cleaner lines and more definition, something baggy jeans or loose fitting trousers are unable to do. This immediately creates a far smarter, more formal look, harking back to the 1960s and the Mods, while still maintaining a modern feel, developing into the whole ‘Indie’ look. This look has become very popular, and you only need to look at many well known figures in music, fashion or television to see the results.
Celebrity Look Book:
Here we can see how skinny jeans have helped to create relaxed, casual outfits that still retain an air of formality and definition, without having to resort to a properly formal selection of clothing.
Lookbook.nu
Here are some LookBook.nu examples; I have tried to get a mix of looks, incorporating both casual and formal styles. I feel that all the looks, even the casual ones, have much sharper lines and better definition, but it is when they are used in a more formal way, with shirts, blazers, cardigans and smarter shoes that skinny jeans really come into their own.
The Against
But wait! This is supposed to be a debate, and here I am waxing lyrical on skinny jeans when I have hardly touched on the other half of the argument. Well, the time has come to consider the other side of this discussion.
While skinny jeans still remain a very much a force in the fashion world, The last couple of seasons have been awash with new styles and, fitting in with the vintage/heritage trends, a revamp of old styles. With skinny jeans playing a much smaller role on the catwalks, it was only a matter of time before their popularity started to wane, which has allowed different cuts to come to the fore, bringing with it new trends, different shapes and new possibilities. There has been an obvious shift away from skinny jeans to slim jeans, which afford the wearer much the same cleaner shape, and sharper cut but without the social stigma, more flexibility and a bit more practicality.
The new Banana and Carrot cut jeans have proved hugely popular, so to have the drop crotch styles and they all provide a much needed switch to jeans becoming more of a focal point in your outfit. These new cuts are just as much statement pieces as skinny jeans, really letting your make the look your own so you stand out from the crowd. They add a whole new edge to the big trends of the season and look to become a fashion staple, with many designers and companies releasing pieces.
Of course one cannot ignore the monumental rise of the Chino, particularly during S/S10. This revamp of a classic style has brought with it a wealth of possibilities, with its ability to switch between a casual day time look to formal evening wear at the drop of a hat. It also provides a very real alternative to jeans as a wardrobe staple, something you could wear everyday and is always hugely practical, especially when dealing with the heat (or what little we actually experienced). While they became big over the summer, it is clear that they are here to stay as their versatility means they can be worn all year round and incorporated into a number of trends, highlighting the importance of investing in transitional items.
Look Book:
Fashion Beans Top Picks:
The Reader’s Opinion
Whether you like skinny jeans or not, there can be no denying that they have had a massive impact on the fashion world. But I intended this article to create some kind of debate, so I need to know what you guys think! Personally I’m a big fan of skinny jeans; they are versatile, different and make you stand out from the crowd. To be perfectly honest I feel uncomfortable wearing any other cut of jeans now. There are many factors that affect our opinions of new trends, old trends and specific items of clothing, so:
- What do YOU like or dislike about them?
- At what point to skinny jeans become to skinny?
- Do you think they work on men?
- Do you agree or disagree with the stereotypes?
Let me know in the comments and have your say.
And for all of those that might have been wondering, I can assure you that no, skinny jeans do not crush your gentlemen’s vegetables.
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I got bored of the (properly) skinny look among men years ago and have never understood how men have allowed this to happen for so long. Being quite skinny with a 32″ waist, I actually tried them once out of curiosity. It was horrible. I know you said they don’t crush your gentlemen’s vegetables but I don’t agree; it felt like everything was gaffer taped. Forget feminine, skinny wearers must be sexless because I can’t see how else they can endure it.
The good news is I’ve become smitten with slim jeans and completely agree with your comments about them. I’ve discovered they create a new shape which can be both young and indie but also smart and (I have to say it) manlike. My blackish slim jeans look great with formal shoes and suit jacket or military boots and bomber jacket. So that’s me sorted for a couple of years.
Interesting article and comments. I was a bit dissappointed that a few contributors specified maximum ages. I am guessing that they had a stereotype older man in mind. Whetever age you are, you need to dress with regard to your personality and body shape as well as your age. I see no reason why older men should not be influenced by current trends if it is appropriate to them. It is more difficult, but with careful garment selection it can be done.
I would recommend Nudie Thin Finn’s to anyone who doesn’t want skin tight skinny jeans, they are so comfortable and most contain around 2% elastane. They work with just about any foot wear plimsolls/boat shoes/boots etc, I would avoid chunky trainers unless your a teenager! It took me quite awhile to find the perfect jean and now I wouldn’t buy any other brand. I would suggest you size down 1 or 2 sizes though since they do come a little big. They are definitely worth the £100+ price tag because the quality is far superior to the cheaper alternatives, they keep their shape after every wash, which is worth the extra money on its own.
@WillColman:
I echo David’s comment above. I turned 29 this summer and I never thought twice about wearing skinnies until just now. The cut off is 23/24? Too old to indulge the inner child? What does wearing skinny jeans have to do with indulging the inner child anyway? Most of my crowd wears skinnies, have done for the past three or four years, and we’re all past your deadline by now. In fact, with regard to the celebs pictured in the article, George Craig is only 19, but Zac and shia are 23 and 24. End of the line? After that you’ve got Wentz at 31, Hartnett at 32, Brand at 35, Fielding at 37, and Jude Law who turns 38 in a few days.
I have footballers thighs, but still wear skinny jeans. I’ve found that the H&M “Drain” skinny jean is the most comfortable to wear if you have larger thighs.
I recently got a pair of biege carrot chinos exactly like the asos ones pictured above.
Not only are they the comfiest things I’ve ever tried on, but they give off a ‘old skool’ baggy look and at the same time have that slim look which is perfect in my eyes!!
I see young lads wearing them, I see middle aged men wearing them and I see middle aged women wearing them.
As for the girls….they still stare, anyone thats seen wearing new, up to date different/fashionable clothing has an instant air of confidence around them…which women (and men) love.
So whack on the carrot jeans/chinos, their here to stay!!!
I’m 44 and not looking to get on the skinny jean wagon; however, I did try them. They were the best fit. I haven’t worn jeans in 20 years because I didn’t like the baggy look. For my body type, they simply work the best. I’m stocky with average thighs and larger calves. I also look younger than I am. They save me from an adjustment from the tailor. So, I believe the age thing should not factor into the decision process. Will, I wore normal jeans in the ’80s, and they happened to be somewhat slim/skinny. That was the cut at the time. Will, find what you are comfortable with as there are other pants that better convey sophisication and maturity. Jeans should be that wonderfully comfortable slipper in your wardrobe.
I’m 64 years old, (5′ 8″, 128 Lbs.) and have been wearing 514′s and now 511′s since I retired. My wife picks out my jeans for me . They are extremely comfortable to wear, and they are the only items i wear now along with T-shirts. The 511′s have saved me from going to the boy’s dept. to buy jeans. I lucked out and kept all my hair through the years, and maintained it’s light brown color for the past 25 years. It’s kind of fun to wear skinny jeans to the Doctor’s Office to keep my meds up to date.
P.S. You don’t have to be overweight or inactive to have high blood pressure, and high cholesterol numbers. I could care less what anybody thinks of me wearing skinny jeans. My wife likes my butt, and that is only thing that is important to me.
cool…looks more adventurous…
Really interesting the diversity of opinion on skinnies. To me, a married guy, fashion is about pushing the envelope. Firstly let’s get one thing straight – skinnies are not uncomfortable, especially if they have some stretch – as the skinnies detractors like to suggest. However, female fashionistas have long since accepted that there may need to be a comfort compromise in the interests of fasion. Yes, you have to be blessed with thinnish legs, but too thin legs make skinnies look like normal straight jeans. Wear them as tight as you can stand. This is a matter of personal confidence. People always admire fashion boldness, even to the point of edginess/dodginess but you have to synergise the look. You have to make your clothes ‘work for your look’. One example, skin tight jeans with a belt with prominent buckle, a short biker jacket (i.e. a ‘Perfecto’), or cropped jacket, collar turned up, white framed Wayfarer shades, a fedora hat and most important , cuban heeled chelsea boots – white or patent white. Make sure the shirt has some white in it (e.g. collar) to contrast from the black jacket. Another look is a cardigan with brightly coloured edging, white shirt and a skinny black leather tie with skin tight black jeans and Converse hightops, again with a fedora hat and suitable shades like black or coloured framed Wayfarers. Shock/horror I hear?
Well I’m sold, perhaps I was a little naive with an age limit, fashion and style is after all ageless and timeless. It is perhaps a little more about how you wear them, than age. But If you are pushing middle age and still have jeans down below your arse then we perhaps have an issue.
Will
My wife’s friend’s husband is over 60. He still has an excellent frame and he can pull off the skinnies look so that his age is simply not an issue. Agree looks silly that with jeans so low that when you sit down the waist is around the top of your legs.
I agree that you need to wear the correct combination of clothes to look good in skinny jeans. Nobody wants to see a bare butt of a sixty year old man at any time.
Looking good in skinny jeans has nothing to do with age. They can look awesome on a 60-year-old and a disaster on an 18-year-old.
It’s all to do with the TOTAL image: other clothes worn with them, hairstyle, appropriateness for body shape, and overall attitude and coolness.
Hear hear, Justin,
Henry
Well, first of all, I don’t think age is an issue at all, except if we are talking about meggings (that should be worn by EMOs only) or those ridiculous butt sagging jeans (which NO ONE should wear). What really matters is the overall style and the frame of the person. Two notes here: real age and biological age (the age your body is based on your health) are two different things. Many people with a certain real age look like they are at least 8 years younger and many younger people that don’t exercise, eat crap, smoke like chimneys, look like pappys. Furthermore, in the 17th-18th century MEN wore TIGHTS!!! White ones I should add. And no one ever thought that looked effeminate at the time. The point is, society defines what is feminine and masculine, yet these are only definitions…it is not written in stone and opinions change in time. During the 40s, the great style icon Carey Grant openly said that his parents thinks he dresses like a slob…yet no one would agree with such an assessment. Same goes with leather jackets in the 50s that were considered a form of rebellion that only high school kids wear. Now leather jackets are commonplace. That is ample proof that our opinions as a society evolve over time and always will. Soon, skinny jeans will be just another style amongst others without being attached to a specific age bracket.