JOIN USA visit to the Macy's on State Street in Chicago reveals that the flavour of the season for men is military silhouettes. And if that sounds like the usual machismo associated with well-toned army men, there is no denying that men in uniform often trigger fantasy.
According to fashion experts, the military style is no flash in the pan and they are back in vogue in the autumn/winter collections.
"This season, the fashion formula for men is military-inspired silhouettes in olive green, grey, black and blue," says Patty Manglano, fashion stylist, Macy's, Chicago State Street.
So while the eight floors of retail space in this iconic Chicago address is also about unparalleled merchandise selection, unique restaurants and architectural wonders like the Great Clocks and Tiffany Ceiling, for the studs who want to strut their stuff, the trends of the fall season can be seen in these collections.
While military silhouettes are ruling the season, copper tones are also trending. According to Macy's in Chicago, a blend of copper, rust and sun-kissed orange intrinsically feel like fall and make everyone eagerly wait for the changing colours of leaves and the cooler climes.
Associate Style Editor of British GQ Nick Carvell in his article on the men’s shows at London Collections Men, and in Milan and Paris writes: "While there was a strong representation of your traditionally autumnal navies, blacks, grays and dark greens, the colour that really stood out at the shows was copper. Replenish your stocks of the rich orangey-brown shade now."
In outlets like State Street Macy's, you will find many copper tones in the micro-suede bomber jackets that have arrived. You can match those jackets with a long-sleeve woven shirt.
Or wear a suede puffer vest over a Chevron sweater. Or you can go for puffer vest over flannel shirt in cotton. Or may be a thermal top under a flannel shirt and over it a vest in copper tone. Cargo khakis are popular this season too.
Besides military and copper, grey continues to inspire fashion designers. According to Macy's stylists, it is timeless and slightly understated.
Macy's trend report says the newest shades of this versatile palette possess an unexpected amount of nuance and life, thanks to undertones of green, brown and blue. So a gray suit is also considered a must-have.
Autumnal navies are not out of fashion either. "The classic go-to hue is stepping up and out this season. Shades of blue are certain to look sharp and feel fresh, whether in head-to-toe tonal suits or as an electrifying accent," says Macy's trend report.
According to Patty Manglano, there are lots of brands to choose from. "You can get the latest from brands like Tommy Hilfiger, GH Bass & Co, American Rag, Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein and Dockers, among others," she says.
Must-haves for men this season
Military jacket
Slim cargo pants with henley (collarless pullover shirt,
characterised by a placket
beneath the round neckline)
Military jacket with henley shirt
Military jacket with slim cargo pants
Grey suit
Purple dress shirt with solid tie
Utility boots