Apart From Casual
I was thinking of how prevalent the,” casual look”, is everywhere you go these days.
Is it a result of our financial times, or a general cultural statement of being “just comfortable”, or “laid back”? I think it’s a bit of both. At least in southern California that seems to be the way, which is what one would expect I guess.
Very common is a jacket, no tie and a pair of jeans. Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand that the venue or situation matters when deciding what clothes to wear. I also try to remember it depends on the city you happen to be in. I happen to currently live in a city where “casual -laid back” is the rule, but I’m more the dressier type. How ironic is that?
Stepping out of Casual
Speaking at London Fashion Week earlier this year, Gordon Richardson, design director of Topman, actually conveyed that men are starting to feel a need to start dressing a little more in order to be apart from the casual crowd.
Back in July, there were several looks that came out at a very influential show, Prada, in Milan that centered around “suiting”, or showcasing a blazer for Spring 2010. A lot of guys wear suits but not really in too formal a fashion, often going without a tie. Perhaps that trend prompted so many ensembles that were featured at the show suggesting a tiny change in direction?
Thankfully there are still a lot of men, albeit more of the business professionals, whom would never go without a tie. I totally agree that a tie completely pulls together the suit, or any ensemble. I also tend to believe that how one present oneself can say a lot about them.
I’m hoping to do more traveling around the country in the near future to see for myself where the tide is turning. Places where the trend, (and overall attitude), is less “casual”, and boldly dressier. I’d really like see more balance.
Tags: Crowd, London Fashion Week, Prada