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Black takes a backseat to navy blue, plum, burgundy

Menswear: Bright blazers, statement collars and ’90s athletic gear hot for fall 2018
Menswear
J. Gregory’s William Van Unen displays some of the men’s fall fashion looks at his Caulfeild Village store.

When it comes to men’s fall fashion, who better to ask than Bill Van Unen Jr., who has been helping guys look and feel their best since he opened J. Gregory Men’s Apparel at Lonsdale Quay in 1987.

The sartorial expert, who continues to elevate men’s wardrobes at his shop in Caulfield Village where he relocated in 1996, says navy blue, plum and burgundy are big for menswear in fall 2018. “These three shades will (encompass) as much as 75 per cent of fall sports coats. Even in suitings, black is taking a backseat to the new brighter blue (which is being) accessorized with British Tan shoes and belts,” says Van Unen.

Casual workwear also continues to be trendy (and not just on Fridays). “A dressed-up go-to-work (look) now means a royal blue sport jacket coordinated with a navy pant and a fancy contrasting sport shirt (with statement) collar, trims and cuffs. A nice change would be a plum-coloured sport coat with medium grey cotton twill pants,” says Van Unen.

Among other popular looks for guys this season are sport coats and denim; dressy-casual cotton pants with fancy shirts and colourful socks; and zippered sweater jackets that are ribbed-quilted.

Marie Ng, manager at A’hoy Goods in Deep Cove, which specializes in high-end casual wear, says ’90s-inspired athletic wear is big for men right now. As such, she predicts hip packs from Herschel Supply Co., Vans sneakers, and A’hoy sweatshirts will be flying off of store shelves this fall, while the men in her life will be investing in Patagonia or Herschel Supply Co. fleece.

Meanwhile, Van Unen suggests men add such items as Bugatchi shirts, Marcoliani socks and Bugatti sportswear to their fall shopping lists.

Whichever brand or style you end up wearing, Van Unen says fit is more important than ever. “Styles continue to slim down. Even those that are used to fuller-fitting styles are requesting a more modern fit. This does not mean they want skinny, just not so much room in their shirts and pants,” he explains.

Finally, no outfit is complete these days without a pair of colourful socks: “And no, Justin Trudeau did not start this trend. He followed!” exclaims Van Unen.

 

Paris Streetstyle Report

– Vancouver-bred

fashion editor and stylist Steven Schelling, who is currently on sabbatical and living in Paris, shares the streetwear trends fresh from France’s fashion capital.

 

Menswear Essentials

– “Skinny jeans are still “au top” as they say here (in Paris) to the point where they almost look like tights and not pants on some guys,” says Schelling.

– “American-style varsity letterman jackets are suddenly everywhere!” he continues.

– Double-breasted blazers in a bright colour like electric blue.

– Nylon bomber jackets, (“but these are quickly being replaced by the letterman jackets above,”) Schelling explains.

– Oversized “ugly sweaters” (for men and women).

 

Womenswear Essentials

– Kitten heels (“sorry, they’re back!”) says Schelling.

– White leather sneakers worn with every outfit. “Even (with) business suits. (These are) mostly Adidas, but (I’m seeing) some ‘fashion’ kicks with black silk ribbon laces or pearl and gold closures instead of laces,” the stylist continues.

– High-waisted stonewashed jeans. “Not as ripped up as you see in North America though. Paris still represents a pretty preppy esthetic,” says Schelling.

– Navy and white striped Breton sailor tops. “These are all over France and have always been in style, but this year they seem more prevalent,” he continues.

– Biker jackets.

– Crop tops that land just along the top line of the high-waisted denim or pant.

– Shapeless “bag” dresses “for the really hipster set,” Schelling notes.