Csquared Menswear

Mens Fashion Magazine 

Neutral colors can be a constant staple in any mans wardrobe, and not just the usual black, grey and white – there are also various shades of beiges, browns and cream. This is the way to add a bit of variety to what could be quite a dull outfit.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

If you want to wear these desert tones then mix different shades on top and bottom, try a deep beige shirt with brown linen trousers for a cool summer evening, or pale chino shorts with a burnt orange top.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

In terms of accessories then go for browns and leather, for example a leather satchel or wooden beaded bracelets and necklaces. Footwear can range from brogues to flip-flops, it depends if you want to look preppy or casual.

Street Etiquette

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

The beauty of wearing neutrals is that they can be worn over and over again in many different ways, one day you can be wearing a pair of shorts, flip-flops and a cream shirt, then the next you could be wearing that same shirt with some fitted neutral tone trousers, colored blazer and brogues.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

If you have quite pale skin then try not to wear the shades with tones of red and orange, instead go for stone shades and soft browns; whereas if your skin is darker then you can go for stronger/darker browns and oranges.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

Desert toned neutrals are the perfect way to add a bit of warmth to the not so sunny summer, so give them a try, but remember that neutral tones can be used throughout the year so make sure you keep them in your wardrobe.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

Check out more CSquared Style Tips & Inspiration here

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores, South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

Image credit |CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Express Show/SDR Photo 

With winter finally behind us a pair of colored trousers is a great way to brighten the mood as well as your look. They sit well alongside almost anything in your existing capsule wardrobe and can create a striking look when combined and contrasted with heavy-duty clothing and materials.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

Inversely, if you’re yet to get on the bright bandwagon, now would be a great time – not only would you be purchasing trousers that would effortlessly see out the summer, but you are investing in a piece that is set to last for plenty of seasons after. 

Men’s Coloured Trousers Inspiration

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Avail Markham & Stuttafords

Pair With: Tailoring

A well-fitted, textured blazer alongside more daring trousers offers a whimsically stylish take on a timeless bit of tailoring. With a pocket square, brogues and tie completing the outfit, it is a look that is both contemporary and almost Dandy-like in appearance.

Mens Fashion Magazine| Summer Fashion:Colored Trousers

Pair With: Off-duty Casual Wear

Pair with a neutral sweatshirt and a jacket of your choice and you’ve got a quick and easy look that requires minimal effort.

Mens Fashion Magazine| SS12 Mens Colored Trousers

As for footwear, throw on a simple pair of sneakers or boots and you’re good to go. If you feel the need to accessorize, a hat of some sort would cement the casual style.

Ali Express | New Trend: Colored Trousers

Check out more CSquared Style Inspiration here

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores, South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

Image credit |CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Express Show/SDR Photo | Durban Fashion Fair / SDR Photo | Women in Mining Lekgotla 2012/SDR Photo

Color gives off a more jovial look/aesthetic and over the last couple of months we at CSquared have encouraged you to embrace color in order to set yourself apart and showcase some true personality. But how do you use color without looking like a fool. The everyday male needs to begin to learn the general rules and start by integrating colors naturally within their current looks.

Ola De Color | GQ Spain
 

The Faux Pas – Colour Confetti

Outfitting yourself with an unconsidered selection of colors may make you look as if you have no clue as to what you are doing. It is generally not our fault, as menswear has long been dominated by neutrals and traditional pieces. We have really only begun to embrace color within the last 12 months, and it has led to guys utilising some awful color combinations as they are not aware of the basics of color matching or coordinating. 

Color Clash | GQ Japan

Be aware that even if the pieces you wear may look great individually, it does not mean that they are bound to work in any circumstance. We have all seen this happen too often; a great looking piece is ruined by the overall outfit due to color mismanagement.

Know Your Colors

For a look to work, you first need to know the basics of color. Take additional care on how similar, complementary and contrasting colors combine, and keep a simple color wheel either in your mind or on your smartphone the next time you go shopping.

Being aware of what colors you have in your wardrobe and taking note the next time you make a purchase will give you a better idea of how to combine colors in an effective manner without going over the top. If you are regularly inspecting your wardrobe and taking an honest approach to where it needs work, then you should be aware of what colors/neutrals currently dominate your wardrobe and this will help sculpt your future purchases to colors that work with your current personal style.

Know Your Sources of Inspiration

Ola De Color | GQ Spain

While every individual has a particular style and their own personal sources of inspiration, keep in mind that others can be wrong. Looking at how stylists create an outfit, combine colors and textures and wear clothes in general is a very good source of inspiration, but keep in mind that not all they say is gold.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Fashion Express

Looking at stylish friends and acquaintances can be a great way of picking up color combinations or simple layering techniques but that doesn’t mean it will always be something you can incorporate into your OWN look. You don’t have to copy; inspiration is just that – adapt it for you personally.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | Durban Fashion Fair 2012

Neutralising Colours

One key way of pulling off multiple bold colors is via a technique known as neutralising, and it can be the KEY principle that makes or breaks your look. A neutralising color is something which cancels out the bolder color, so drawing less attention to it.

Image

For example, by layering a black cardigan over a bright blue shirt, the black cardigan works to neutralise (and sometimes even cancel out) the effect of the bolder color.

CSquared Menswear | Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

What you need to bear in mind when utilising bold colors is that you should be trying to anchor or neutralise them by integrating neutral layers and key pieces. Many of you will already have the items you need, such as blazers, knitwear, shirts, overcoats and macs, in timeless colors such as brown, grey, black, white and navy. Subtle patterns or graphic prints on things like t-shirts can also draw attention away from bold colors by catching the eye.

CSquared Menswear | Avail at Markham & Stuttafords

Classic & Minimalist

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Fashion Express

An outfit choice that works for a number of occasions is a classic minimalist look. This approach gives you clean lines and incorporates just two or three ‘colors’, which tend to be the classical neutrals such as black, brown, grey and white. Just because everyone is embracing color right now, it doesn’t means you have to – this minimalist approach is timeless and helps create a very neat overall look that works almost every time. 

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection | CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Fashion Express

There is no foolproof way of wearing colors, you have to be willing to experiment and find out what works for you. 

Check out more CSquared Style Inspiration here

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

Subscribe to Csquared Menswear by Email and stay tuned to Csquared’s Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @CsquaredSA for more stylin’ daily updates.

CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores, South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan and online retailer of international and local fashion brands Zando.com

Image credit |CSquared x 36MAN Midnight Express Show/SDR Photo | Durban Fashion Fair / SDR Photo