Finally some warmer weather here in Central New York has me thinking more about spring and summer, cookouts, drinks on the deck, breaking out the bike and….men’s fashion?  Yes, men’s fashion. I typically struggle this time of year as I wrestle with whether or not to stock the closet with warm weather gear, store the cold weather outfits and permanently retire outdated styles from both seasons.

So what to wear for spring and summer 2014.  Do we grab what we see on the mannequin or thoughtfully plan out our look for the season? Option A is easy and hit-or-miss at best. It requires you to trust that the store buyer is up on modern trend. Option B requires research. Have no fear though because I have scoured the interwebs for themes on men’s fashion trends for spring/summer 2014 and I, out of extreme generosity, will share them with you here.

The key for us hominids over 40 is to take these themes and fashion them to our own particular stage in life. Fashion is often a young man’s game so take the themes and apply them age-appropriately.

Theme 1 – The Whiteout

Head-to-toe white is a cool look for the summer.  You can go all white or throw in a splash of color with a shirt or pocket square.

White OutDolce & GabbanaTheme 2 – Double Breasted Blazers

It’s a classic that’s always on time.  Try pairing the blazer with a pair of shorts.

Whether it's just the jacket or full suit, you'll class up the room no matter the occasion.
Whether it’s just the jacket or full suit, you’ll class up the room no matter the occasion.

Theme 3 – Block stripes and color blocking

Select for suit or jacket or shirt. Make a subtle or bold statement.
Select for suit or jacket or shirt. Make a subtle or bold statement.

Block stripe shirt

Theme 4 – Warm Weather Leather

Designers have removed the lining and made the fabric as thin as possible to be appropriate for the season. Try a nice shirt. Don't let me see your old ass walking around in leather pants, please.
Designers have removed the lining and made the fabric as thin as possible to be appropriate for the season. Try a nice shirt. Don’t let me see your old ass walking around in leather pants, please.

Theme 5 – Floral Prints

Pants, shorts, shirts, blazers…I’m seeing it all.

Work it in but remember your age. And for god's sake don cheat by dusting off the old Tommy Bahama shirt in the back of your closet.
Work it in but remember your age. And for god’s sake don cheat by dusting off the old Tommy Bahama shirt in the back of your closet.

Theme 6 – Sporty

The athletic motif is in this season. This doesn’t mean breaking out the old Penny Hardaway jersey. Be fashion conscious about working in the sport that you are fanatic about.

Sporty

Joe’s wish list

I’m putting these reptile skin gladiator sandals on my list just because…I’m a bad mutha…..

Gladiator Sandals

Other things to keep in mind are colors for spring and summer 2014. A few previews have mentioned very light grey, various shades of pink and purple.  Make it pop! Adopt a few of these to give yourself a fresh look this season and when we see each other, we will salute with the Man Up Hominid casual head nod.

Do any of these float your boat? I’m interested in knowing.

Cheers!

 

Published by Joe "Bleezie"

A public media professional living in Central New York. I blog about lifestyle and personal growth. Host of Life in HD, Pop Life, and The 315 podcasts (links in "Websites") About The Making Of A Miscreant: The Making Of A Miscreant is my deconstructed memoir. It's a collection of stories from events in my life that I believe have significantly contributed to the man that I am today.

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