Double Denim

We all have a pair of jeans in our wardrobe, some of us might even have a denim jacket left over from the 80’s, but now it’s time to go all out with those jeans and jackets as the double denim look comes full circle for the Spring / Summer 2010 Season.

Not so long ago I found myself searching for my gag reflex at the thought of wearing double denim - it was possibly the worst fashion mishap I could endure, however, on the weekend I went out brought three outfits based on the double denim look... Yes, three outfits! After examining the trends of this season, it seems that the fashion houses are including the clean cut look into the double denim look with fitted shirts and fitted jeans. I must say, I am now a double denim addict.

So, I find myself asking “why”? Why denim? Why the colour? Why is it making a comeback? Well, the array of blue colours are perfect for the Sp/Su season giving off a more gentle aura than the browns of the military look, perfect for basking in the sun on the weekend. The dark and light blues are perfectly blended with the bright colours seen on the catwalks, making it a style to make you stand out from the crowd. If dressed properly, the DD look will also give you that vintage edge which is becoming more and more popular in today's society.

Who’s making us wear this style? All the major fashion houses had the DD look going on, mainly the Ralph Lauren and D&G collections, making it practically inescapable. Now, it has flooded down to the upper high street stores, namely French Connection and (even more prominently) Firetrap. Even the traditional British fashion lines (such as Ted Baker and Vivienne Westwood) have found themselves with some timeless denim pieces. And as for celebrities, everyone from David Beckham to Kanye West have been papped sporting jeans and denim shirts. Mr West has even been seen going for the triple denim look...

Now, it’s easy to make a mistake with this image: making you look more of an 80’s rock band reject than style icon. It’s important to stay away from black and dark colours (unless of course, you are an 80’s rock band reject). Use different shades of denim (of course, darker tones on the bottom and lighter tones on the top to make the most of your figure) and mix with bright colour t shirts and accessories.

My favourite summer look costs a total of £155 and includes pieces that can be mixed and matched with other styles.
A bright t shirt is needed for any Sp/Su look. This fitted “rocket red” piece from the DKNY Jeans collection is perfect for this summer. The picture really doesn’t do it justice, the real item has a much richer tone to it and looks amazing teamed up with the jean shorts.
(http://dknyjeansintl.com/collections/Spring-Summer-2010/men/Spring-Summer-2010--br-Look-18.aspx)

Now, a piece I fell in love with. This (once again following the clean cut trend) fitted denim shirt is a perfect item to throw on during those summer evenings. Wear with the sleeves half rolled up and one button fastened (or completely open if you wish) to give a casual sense to the outfit. Go for the stone wash rather than the indigo colour for this outfit.

(http://www.firetrap.com/Wicked-without-PRODFEAT71/)

As already mentioned on the blog, these Ted Baker shorts just scream “fashion” to me.

(http://www.tedbaker.com/men%27s/trousers_+_shorts/83068-dark_denim_turn_up_shorts/detail.aspx?pfm=browse)
With the darker tones, they’re perfect to team up with a brighter coloured t shirt and a lighter denim jacket. Mix with a pair of white plimsolls and white aviator sunglasses and you’re set to stun in the summer weather. Why not try wearing the top half with jeans and military boots for a casual evening look?

This look can include just the t shirt and shorts, or can include mixed and matched elements: it’s your personal style that will make any outfit dazzle. But, the number one rule for double denim? Make sure you get it right for your body type, there’s nothing worse than seeing an oversized middle aged bloke trying to pull off the look above.

The Trench Coat

We see them in almost every shop, whether it's a high street store like Topman or a more luxury store like Burberry but wherever we look, we can't escape them... It's the single must have of every male (and female) wardrobe: The Trench Coat.

Time for a history lesson: originally made for practical reasons during the First World War, the trench coat was designed by Burberry for the use of Officers in World War I, over the time it was adapted to suit the needs of World War II and was soon seen in other countries. Since 1901 (when the design was first submitted) it has evolved into one of Burberry's iconic designs and has been developed by pretty much every other fashion designer in the world (atleast in the UK and New York).

After browsing trench coats from Daks to Jaeger, Topman to Burberry and Asda to H&M my personal favourites are in the lighter colours, however, they work just as good in the blacks and navy's. As we move into Spring it's advisable for a more of a "jacket" than a "coat", a perfect example of a navy jacket trench coat can be grabbed from Topman for £60 and is sure to keep you going for the next three or more seasons. (http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=56915&parent_category_rn=38994&productId=1668004&langId=-1) Perfect for anyone looking for style but an affordable price tag and any male of any size. Definately for the casual look, dress it up with a pair of dark (but not black) jeans and smart black shoes you're ready to hit the swankiest bar in the city (plus it's perfect to wear to work over the usual office attire.)

Now, for those wanting to splash the cash you simply MUST have an iconic Burberry trench coat in their lighter colours, the creams work well to inject a bright atmosphere into those Autumn 2010 styles. For a price of £1659 you can grab yourself this magnificent number: http://uk.burberry.com/fcp/product/clothing-accessories/coats/single-breasted-ruched-leather-trench-coat/10000009835?colour=trench&lastcategoryurl=true . With minimal buttons, large pockets and cream leather this coat really gives off the "relaxed yet perky, stylish yet classy" look. However, not for the larger male as the belt will make that beer gut more revealing. Dress it with some Italian styled leather shoes and darker (try to stay away from black, keep to rich tones of brown) trousers this look will definately have heads turning as you grab your morning coffee for work.

These are just two of the coats that are out there, quickly walking Armani Exchange last weekend I noticed they were appearing in those windows. Topman always have an array of the jacket styles and Selfridges is always a good place to look (they have an affordable hight street section and an upper market design section).

Now, if you haven't got one already I suggest you hurry quickly to the nearest high street. You can easily nab one from GAP for £70 or for £60 from H&M. Not only is the "military" style becoming hot this season, your trench coat is sure to remain in your wardrobe for a long time as it provides a classic smart - yet modern look for any respectable gent living and/or working in the city. After testing and trying many trench coats I'd suggest going for one of the upper high street price ranged ones from designs such as Firetrap and Ted Baker, not only will you have it for the rest of your life (a good investment), the performance quality is much better than one grabbed off the rails at Asda, and the style / cut / material / overall look tends to be better when you splash the cash.