London Collections: MEN – Key Trends For AW13

Introduction

In this fickle world of fashion, nothing is ever constant for long. It is still freezing outside, yet retailers and brands are gearing up for spring/summer 2013, with high summer products already dropping in stores and their current campaigns/lookbooks firmly fixed on the coming season.

Whilst this forward planning may seem strange to some people, designers and press look even further ahead, with fashion weeks across the globe showcasing collections for autumn/winter 2013 – a full two seasons ahead of the present.

Last month saw the second ever London Collections: MEN (LC:M), London’s very own dedicated menswear show schedule, and the event brought with it some exciting trends and key pieces to look out for next autumn/winter. What’s great about looking to the future is that it can help shape your purchases NOW. There is nothing better than picking something up at a huge discount in the current winter sales and knowing you will get great wear out of it for the next twelve months.

With this in mind, if you like to stay ahead of the fashion curve, here are some of the trends we can expect to be wearing later on this year and how you can start to adopt them immediately.

Key Trend 1: Tonal Outfitting

A wide range of designers showcased tonal looks at LC:M – multiple garments in similar shades of the same colour being worn at the same time.

Nicole Farhi, Richard James, James Long, Topman Design, Meadham Kirchoff and Richard Nicoll all championed this technique, with some opting for subtle and minimal styling whilst others dialled up the drama.

This trend may not seem like a particularly new approach – especially when we have already championed the all-black outfit – but this time outfits came in tones of cream, grey, orange or navy.

Wearing head-to-toe tonal pieces requires careful consideration, as you want to ensure that onlookers know you have done this on purpose. Make sure that each piece is a slightly different shade in order to provide essential contrast between items. Utilising multiple layers of differing tones/textures also helps to create visual interest and distinct segments.

In terms of shoes and accessories, coordinating them with the rest of your outfit really helps emphasise the look you are going for, whilst clashing these with your tonal pieces can provide a nice point of difference.

On The LC:M Runways

Modern Lookbook Inspiration

This is a technique you can utilise all year round, so why not begin experimenting with your SS13 outfits:

Tonal Outfit Examples

• Vivienne Westwood – Man Dl0207-40855 Blue Shirt
• Reiss Jenga Textured Crew Neck Jumper Navy
• Boglioli Dover Wool-hopsack Blazer
• Reiss Abyss Linked Diamond Print Pocket Square Navy
• Allsaints Suke Trouser
• River Island Constable Brogue Boots
• Allsaints Bay Crew Jumper
• Canali Slim-fit Cotton And Linen-blend Blazer
• Reiss Mason Mason Trouser Latte
• Topman Burgundy Smart Shirt
• Boglioli Slim-fit Unstructured Cotton And Linen-blend Blazer
• Lyle And Scott Regular Fit Corduroy Trousers

Key Trend 2: Statement & Printed Outerwear

As we all know, autumn/winter is all about outerwear. If you’re out and about, most people will only see a small part of your outfit due to your coat covering the majority of your clothing, so it’s arguably your most important consideration in the colder months.

A plain coat can begin to look tedious or downright boring day after day, but fear not, autumn/winter 2013 looks set to build on this season’s emphasis on statement outerwear. For those that have already invested in a ‘blockbuster coat‘, you are truly ahead of the game.

For those that haven’t, you are sure to find a quality piece heavily discounted in the current designer sales. Choose wisely and you will be able to utilise it through the transitional spring/autumn seasons this year as well as next winter.

In terms of key AW13 styles, we will be seeing colour blocking, bright colours and bold prints across multiple silhouettes. Katie Eary’s allover fuchsia printed number may be too outlandish for some, so for those that prefer a more subtle style Jonathan Saunders’ striped overcoat provides enough interest without becoming garish.

In terms of the rest of your outfit, let all the drama happen on the outside and keep the other elements fairly simple for maximum impact. Stylish and practical – the coat takes centre stage next autumn/winter.

On The LC:M Runways

Modern Lookbook Inspiration

Current Pieces

• White Mountaineering Mens Flannel Wm Camouflage Print Coat
• Criminal Damage Floral Rambler Jacket
• Dsquared2 Mens Cotton Perfecto Jacket
• River Island Fielder Jacket
• Burton Montague Burton Check Car Coat
• Burton Montague Burton Blue Shetland Jacket
• Topman Villain Caleb Parka
• Plectrum By Ben Sherman Mfoo106 Silver Chrome Gingham Jacket
• Uniqlo Men Field Blouson
• Topman Bellfield Tottori Jacket
• Paul Smith Leather-sleeved Textured-weave Wool-blend Bomber Jacket
• Religion Portland Black Peacoat

Key Trend 3: Bright Colours

Whilst the majority of brands opt for a muted palette during autumn/winter – inundating us with rich burgundy, camel and forest green every other season – many designers at LC:M showcased bright pops of colour that wouldn’t be out of place on the spring/summer runways.

Cobalt blue, tangerine and fuchsia were the colours of choice and championed by designers such as Richard Nicoll, Katie Eary, Jonathan Saunders and Topman Design. Bear this in mind as we approach SS13, because layering staples such as tees, knitwear and polos will be able to transfer over to AW13 if you purchase wisely.

Don’t be afraid of embracing brighter tones during the winter months. For those who are wary of making too much of a statement, stick to a timeless outfits with one single pop of colour. Accessories are often a great way to add some colourful interest to an outfit – see Richard Nicoll’s tangerine beanie hats for an example.

On The LC:M Runways

Modern Lookbook Inspiration

Of course, bold shades are now much more acceptable to use all year round, which means you can begin to utilise key pieces during SS13 and transition them through to AW13:

Current Pieces

• Lanvin Slim-fit Grosgrain-collar Overdyed-cotton Shirt
• Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Gilet Down Filled
• Ps By Paul Smith Slim-fit Linen Blazer
• Asos Crew Neck Jumper
• Reiss Cooper Multi Stripe V-neck Jumper Citrus Yellow
• Nn.07 Miho Textured-cotton Sweater
• Soft Touch Heritage Scarf
• American Apparel Unisex Cuffed Acrylic Lined Beanie
• Topman Peoples Market Cejoy Blue Chinos
• Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs Mens Slim Trouser
• Polo Ralph Lauren Green Custom Fit Preppy Chinos
• Asos Slim Chino

Final Word

There you have it, three key menswear trends to keep an eye on come AW13. So, will you be adopting these trends either now or in the future? How likely are they to catch on? Personally, I love a bit of statement outerwear, and a tonal outfit can make an expert statement if you get it right.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.