Introduction
Whilst a lot can be said for classic British menswear, let’s face it – it’s not for everyone. Some of us don’t want to wear a three-piece suit unless we have to, and a large majority just feel much more comfortable and confident in casual gear.
London is providing the greatest inspiration within this field, with many innovative young designers coming through and challenging the status quo. For several seasons the likes of Astrid Andersen and Shaun Samson have made casual wear their calling-card, with streetwear inspiration becoming a huge part of London’s collective fashion voice.
Nineties grunge and skateboarder style is set to make yet another comeback this spring/summer, but this time there are interesting twists that help bring the look firmly into 2013. Aertex fabrics, oversized silhouettes and creative layering are key components, and this look can take you from autumn/winter right into high summer with the correct wardrobe evolution.
On The Runways
Topman Design
The guys at Topman Design veered very sharply away from the current AW12 range with their latest SS13 offering. Instead of dark monochromes and heavy textures, the brand showcased an acid-bright skate inspired collection, which looked like it had come straight out of nineties California.
Neon pink, orange and yellow were complemented by grey short suiting in aertex fabrics, whilst sportswear jerseys came in differing lengths to allow for layering, along with matching shorts.
Prints were also prevalent, whether on graphic tees or blazer/short combinations in florals and abstracts. Slouchy neon knitwear completed the typical grunge look, and accessories such as beanies and skateboards filled in the blanks.
Overall, it was a fun and bright take on the skater trend:

Shaun Samson
Shaun Samson’s SS13 collection was also inspired by skate culture and streetwear, but was much more subdued in comparison to Topman Design.
In true Shaun Samson style, the silhouette was oversized and slouchy in every aspect. Checks and stripes came in the form of long board shorts and oversized shirts (with a hint to pyjama dressing) and there was a big emphasis on texture.
The materials utilised were unusual for a streetwear collection – sheer and metallic fabrics combined with jersey and cotton to create depth without becoming too feminine.
Large cat slogans gave the collection a playful edge, whilst pops of bright coral helped to lift an otherwise muted colour scheme into spring/summer. Kurt Cobain meets Star Trek:

Astrid Andersen
The SS13 offering from Astrid Andersen also played with stereotypical streetwear/skate references but gave them a modern, directional twist through unusual detailing and combinations.
Sheer overlays, lace and satin were incorporated to provide a juxtaposition between masculine and feminine, whilst oversized slogan tank tops and tracksuits formed the bread and butter of the show.
Andersen’s choice of colour scheme also helped this play on the gender clash, with soft lemon and crimson complementing the otherwise darker, masculine pieces.
Accessories were kept sparse (except for the occasional bum bag!), and even though the models were sent out barefoot, a decent pair of trainers would complement these looks perfectly:

How To Wear: Spring/Summer 2013
As previously mentioned, this trend will be perfect for a transitional wardrobe as we get closer to spring/summer, but there are aspects that you can adopt straight away.
The catwalk examples highlighted above show a more defined and fashion-forward version of this look, but the brand lookbook below provides much more wearable inspiration. With this in mind, feel free to take it as far as you like, or tone it right down depending on your personal style.
Modern Skate/Streetwear Inspired Lookbook

Key Pieces
For the current winter months, the key is to pick your pieces carefully so as not to fall in the trap of looking sloppy or scruffy. Prints are imperative, with camouflage, acid wash and typical streetwear inspired graphics providing a sense of grittiness and authenticity. These can come in the form of chinos, denim, sweats, tees or outerwear, so pick pieces that will integrate well within your current wardrobe and don’t be afraid to clash smart with casual.
Accessories should be well considered, as they will help emphasise and define the look you are going for. With this in mind, a beanie hat may become your best friend for a while. Opt for neon or bright colours – not only are these spring/summer appropriate, they are also a subtle nod towards the upcoming SS13 colour trends and will inject a shot of life into any of your current everyday outfits. If beanie hats aren’t your thing, consider a hard wearing backpack, bold/vintage sports socks or a snapback.
When it comes to outfitting, the silhouette is one of the most important aspects of the entire look. Make sure you experiment and find out what works best for you and your frame, but try and incorporate oversizing into some/all of your outfit. For example, play with traditional layering techniques by throwing a large baseball/basketball jersey over a tee or sweat to create some visual interest.
Finally, in terms of footwear, trainers are the obvious choice, but to step away from the crowd why not try some hybrid trainer-boots with neon accents? These will be particularly appropriate for the transitional months ahead.
Current Inspired By Pieces
- Boy London T-shirt With Logo

- Maison Martin Margiela 10 Mens Printed T-shirt

- American Apparel Baseball Henley Top

- Allsaints Nelson Crew Jumper

- Huf Shirt Hbt

- Allsaints Hamer Shirt

- Topman Black Acid Wash Denim Shirt

- Asos Bomber Jacket With Acid Wash

- Topman Burgundy Nylon Wadded Bomber Jacket

- Topman Grey Lightening Bolt Printed Sweatshirt

- Paul Smith – Jeans 292m Light Grey Zipped Sweat

- Brooklyn Nets Road Replica Jersey – Joe Johnson – Mens

- Rick Owens Mens Boxer Pod Shorts

- Topman Grey Denim Acid Washed Shorts

- Asos Skinny Jean With Mid Acid Wash

- American Apparel Unisex Cuffed Acrylic Lined Beanie

- Topman Pink Neon Mixed Yarn Beanie

- Topman Floral Printed Snapback Cap

- River Island Cap

- River Island Snapback Cap

- Topman Black Leather Sporty Rucksack

- Porter Jam Day Pack

- American Apparel Stripe Calf-high Sock

- Lacoste Enriko Sport Socks

- Vans Classic Slip-on Plimsolls

- Balenciaga Arena Creased-leather Sneakers

- Nike Blazer Hi Vintage Suede

- Allsaints Rule Hi-top

- Nike Mens Wardour Max 1 Sneaker

- Vans Vault Buffalo Boot Ht Lx Harris Tweed Sneaker

Conclusion
So, there we have a quick guide to one of the key looks the industry is pushing for spring/summer 2013 – but what do you guys think of the more extravagant direction taken by designers for the next season?
It may take confidence and a strong sense of personal style to wear a sheer tank top – but I say, why not? If all else fails, I can move to Cali’ and be at one with the sun-kissed skaters, who will truly appreciate the acid brights.
Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
Men's Long Hairstyles
Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Safari
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring






























Please: No more articles about neon-colored clothes, sweatpants or skater boy fashion.
Seconded
Third
Fourthid. Wait, is that even a word?
i grew up skating (rollerblading rather than boarding but the fashions tended to be similar), and for a good 10 years it was a huge part of me, influencing alot of my interests in life. So while im not going to pop sainsburies decked out like any of the pictures and risk being laughed at there is element of this style i do mix into my day to day wear. I think for this to appeal you have to have experienced the culture at some point in your life.
Agreed, this must stop.
You guys do know that there are a lot younger people who read this too that can risk, be socially accepted and even pull off these looks? Especially here in California? These articles are actually quite useful, especially for keeping up and starting up trends for us younger people (In California, I can’t speak for anywhere else) where we usually go all out. Though I would agree, I would feel a bit funny if I even saw someone 30 wearing this or neon.
But for the author of this article, I personally like these. Don’t stop writing them. After reading them, I might not immediately head to the shopping district to find exactly what I read, but will keep it in mind so when I do go, I can just integrate parts of these trends in to my wardrobe. As for others who disagree, there are many other article here on this website. Skip this article (or which ever you don’t like) and read one which invokes the trend you like or prefer.
Erm. No.
Hmm. Hell no!
Not happening for me either, I’m afraid.
No. Just no.
absolutely. the whole image of a skater is that they dress terribly and no one bats an eyelid at them. even avril lavigne told us so.
Haha. Where do I begin when you actually just referenced Avril Lavigne in an attempt to legitimise your rather childish and misinformed dig at skaters?!
I would argue that the image of most skaters today is built upon a solid pair of skate shoes at the bottom (e.g. Vans), with clothing inspired by American Workwear in the middle, topped off with a beanie or snapback on top! (All of which have featured heavily in recent fashion beans articles I might add!).
p.s I am not a fan of the 90s inspired ‘neon thing’ either!
“Skater boy” streetwear (however good or bad) in my opinion is not a new “trend”.
I haven’t seen a single 2013 trend that I don’t hate so far. Disappointed.
Wow, witness the dissension, lol. I think the lookbook looks are fine and the pieces are great, but the runway stuff is clearly an inaccessible revision of same. Skater inspired looks may not be a new trend but are definitely evolving and defiantly an increasing presence (in the UK at least) so I’m glad you posted this, in spite of the totem of disapproval above. Not everyone has to follow the same trend, and a fashion blog should cover what’s out there and not just what its editors want to be out there (or its readers).
As Rory says, there’s not a single 2013 trend I’m interested in so far. I’ll just go for a more classic and timeless style this S/S, sod the trends.
I always thought the skateboard look was originally anti-fashion. In any event I’m afraid this article doesn’t do much for me either – but that’s probably due to the fact I stopped skateboarding & racing BMX about 25 years ago. Maybe younger fashionbeans will be inspired by this piece?
Although I echo the general comments that I’m unimpressesed with the 2013 trends so far (will not be wearing shiny, metallic sweatpants) I enjoy reading articles like this which I think has been well written.
The runway outfits are frankly embarrassing, but that’s why I read this site. I’m not going to trade my fitted shorts for baggy cut-off combats but I may consider the smart burgundy bomber or the Paul Smith fleece. Always have to read about it before I can reject (and in some cases laugh at) it.
That said, casual wear should not look like Limp Bizkit (couldn’t bear a reference to dear old Avril).
wow, so much hate towards this one! this look is already really popular at my college where everyone is between 16-19, I’m not sure how old everyone else on here is, but i think this is definately a look for the younger man.
I still don’t like the look either though…
Much of this is about as far removed from ‘skater boy’ as I would imagine, with the exception of the khaki baggy shorts, a nod to early 90′s skate/punk scene.
IMO that’s the last revolution of skater ‘fashion’ (ie it’s just what dickies and skate companies sold, wasn’t a conscious fashion choice if you’d have asked anyone at the time) and nowadays it’s just trendy kids with skateboards, or skaters that are more fashion conscious and following other non-skating related trends.
I’d agree with John above, skate shoes mixed with american workwear (jeans, t-shirt, plaid overshirt in most cases) and a trucker hat (snapback for the yoof of today no doubt). And probably a backpack full of donuts and cheap lemonade.
Hear hear!
people used to dress like their favorite skaters and bands like the Beastie Biys. Some skaters came from gang areas (flannel shirts, dickies), some would be suburban (oversized stussy t-shirt, board shorts, tube socks) etc etc etc
I’m not care about skater boy or skater style. But I like the Top Man vibe in the picture. I love all the pattern. I hope runway pieces is not pricier than other pieces in their shop. Skater that pass the design process Yes. Authentic skater NO.
Initially I was quite exited about this. Having been a skater in my past for 7 years I still like to step out in some of the clothes and shoes made for the industry. But, as some pointed out, the skate look/style was more about anti mainstream and individuality an pleasing the masses. But on the whole, this catwalk inspired look is a screaming no from me. I’ll keep on with Etnies and Zoo York jeans. No day glo for me yta! X
as a younger reader of fashionbeans i am happy that articles like this are being written as for my age range there is really no point in owning a beautifully tailored three piece tweed suit. I can understand why many people may not like this ‘style’ or ‘trend’ however i would be (and already am) taking cues from this article to develop my own individual style even further.
thankyou and may i ask that you continue to feature trends such as these in the near future.
A lot of readers here would do well to remember that this site produces new content every weekday. That’s astonishing. It is constantly at risk of repeating itself – and sometimes does. But with that comes the liberty of eclecticism. I wouldn’t see the point in regularly returning to a site whose new content exclusively rehashed existing, trad or conventional style maxims.
I liked this piece a lot. Will be buying some high tops and some cooooool prints in the not too distant future.
Leave for the kids I think.
This epitomizes everything I wouldn’t associate myself with..
Calm down guys. Not every trend is going to appeal to everyone. I’d no sooner expect to see a 50-year-old sporting these clothes than I would an 18-year-old in a cardigan. I think this would be fun to play off of a little. The lookbook looks fine, and the runways look over the top (as they typically do). While I’m here, can anyone tell me if the top left guy on Astrid Anderson is wearing some sort of leggings or are those tattoos?
I can do a hint of bright colors with grays but in no way will it be over the top neon rainbow bright for me.
I don’t see why everyone is hating on this article. I am 18 and enjoy all types of fashion including this look. If you don’t like it don’t click on it. Easy as that.
it just does not capture what skating style truley is!
All these stylists trying to put together what they think is “skater” or “surfer” fashion trends is so far removed from what is really going on.
Here in Australia (and California too) skaters and surfers in the beach side city suburbs are generally extremely fashion conscious and stylish. It’s a pretty unique and relaxed yet fashionable style and is nothing like what is being portrayed here or wherever a surf/skate fashion article is written.
Very interesting article. IMO this trend is aimed at 18-27 year olds. There is alot of skate wear appearing on the dance (house) music scene, so maybe the bright colours are influenced from that.
i wear clothes like this because i’m 25 and i’m not ready to dress like my dad. I’ve got all the time in the world to do that.
Coming from a skating background, I’m familiar with the mind-set of skaters toward fashion and what it actually looks like. It really isn’t high fashion, so when these big designers try to emulate their style, it just doesn’t work.
I would seriously laugh my ass off to anyone who doesn’t skate but still tries to look like skater, you can tell immediately whether he’s legit or not.