Introduction
When it comes to fashion, menswear is one of the few areas where we gents have complete control. From the major fashion houses/designers right down to the individual customer, we can now select pieces that have had a male opinion dominate at every single point in our pursuit of style perfection. However, we can sometimes get it wrong. Men (myself included) too often get stuck in a rut, play it too safely or miss the mark altogether, and a little female opinion is becoming increasingly essential. That informed pair of shoes or on trend accessory can make all the difference when obtaining that second glance from a hot girl in the pub, and the fairer sex has a lot to say when it comes to menswear. It’s easy to ask your girlfriend/mother/sister for a style critique, but will they ever be completely honest with you? Believe it or not, your sartorial judgement may not be all that accurate. Although at times brutal and particular, the ladies in my own life have given me plenty of advice in relation to my wardrobe and here at FashionBeans, we’re passing on these golden nuggets of knowledge to benefit our kind worldwide. So pin back your ears and take note as we breakdown five spring/summer menswear essentials from a girl’s eye view…
1. Marl Sweaters – Martha, 22, Fashion Assistant
With a background in the fickle world of fashion, my friend Martha proudly claims: “I love a decent piece of grey marl ? a Sunspel sweater is always reliable and that one piece can make a man look like they know something about style.” Here at FashionBeans, we’re constantly pushing the benefits of luxury knitwear – it really is a wardrobe essential. Though the sun may be shining now, British climes are temperamental and you might find yourself reaching for that jumper in mere moments. A wide range of marled knitwear is available on the current market, from funnel and v-necks to thick cable knits, so you are bound to find something that will integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe. Throw a marl knit over a collared shirt/polo for a classic combination that will never go out of style. Marl sweatshirts are another great option for those that prefer a more relaxed style or are fans of sports luxe. The subtle speckled/flecked patterning of a marl piece will add a sense of texture and character to your look naturally, allowing for easy, effortless style – just pull on and go. Keen to offer more advice to our kind, I’m told it’s “cooler to be plain and not follow trends than be a slave to them and look out of place and too try hard.” Take heed fellas: over-thinking outfits and blindly purchasing the ‘next big thing’ is a sartorial sin in the fairer sex’s eyes.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- Allsaints Sprint Crew Sweater
- Topman Black Marl Night And Day Sweatshirt
- Polo Ralph Lauren Marled Sweater
- Brave Soul Marl Jumper
- Dean Grey Marl Crew Sweat
- Asos Sweatshirt With Crew Neck
- Easy Shoulder Patch Jumper
- Saturdays Surf Nyc Bowery Loopback Cotton-jersey Sweatshirt
- Sunspel Loopback-cotton Sweatshirt
2. Navy Tailoring – Helen, 23, PR Executive
After an influx of sharp seasonal garments, along with blue becoming THE major colour trend for SS13, many men have been steered in the direction of strong navy tailoring. Described as “confident, but more casual than black,” Helen recommends a semi-smart approach to crafting the perfect outfit. A navy blazer is a timeless wardrobe essential that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. If you already own a wool version then why not consider something in a seasonally-appropriate material such as linen or cotton? Not only will these fabrics keep you cool and sweat-free during the summer months, they communicate a more relaxed vibe that would be appropriate for a first date or evening drinks after work. In terms of legwear, these days simple denims no longer cut the mustard as clean lines and strong silhouettes take centre stage. Structured navy trousers or chinos set the foundations of a sharp look. Contrast the smarter bottom half with smart-casual pieces on your top half to strike your perfect balance. Any other pointers? “Never with pinstripes,” we’re advised, “they’re unbelievably banker w*nker and nobody wants a badly-dressed Liverpool Street city boy as a first date.” Noted.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- Topman Navy Textured Skinny Blazer
- Allsaints Suke Jacket
- He By Mango Flecked Tailored Blazer
- Scotch & Soda Blazer
- Topman Premium Navy Flannel Skinny Trousers
- Burton Navy Cotton Blazer
- Reiss Rocky Rib Bomber Stone
- Ps By Paul Smith Cotton-blend Bomber Jacket
- Nn.07 Franklin Loopback Cotton-blend Jacket
Final Word
Fashion advice from our female counterparts is always handy and although it’s nice to have control of menswear, a more delicate touch is most welcome. So spare a thought for what your girl mate, partner or that-woman-at-the-bar-that-keeps-looking-over thinks when contemplating your next purchase; it could be the catalyst of many a joyful situation. As we look to turn ‘Girl’s Eye View’ into a regular series, we want to know what other subjects you would like to hear a female opinion on. Maybe how to dress for a first date/night out? Or perhaps you have a specific query about grooming or hairstyles? Let us know your suggestions in the comments section…