The Style Counsel

With my boyfriend’s birthday coming up, I’ve been taking an unhealthy interest in men’s fashion recently. And here are my findings…

If you’re a guy that hasn’t embraced the harem pant, fear ye not, there are plenty alternatives, as showcased in this past couple of weeks at the Milan and Paris fashion shows. So if you want to stay ahead of the fashion game, here’s what you or your man should be filling his wardrobe with on his next shopping trip.

His summer look, he’ll be pleased to know, is not as un-wearable/unbearable as we usually expect from the menswear catwalk collections. The Missoni and Versace shows kept in line with the safari theme of last season, which means that you boys can hold on to those crummy combat shorts a little while longer – so long as they’re khaki or white/cream linen. If you are still clinging to those camouflage monstrosities, now is the time to throw them where they belong, i.e. in the bushes*.

Distressed fabrics are still as hot as ever, thanks to the Emporio Armani collection, so faded, ripped denim and distressed khaki t-shirts, no matter how boy band they may feel, still make a hot combination. Keep your Autumn/Winter greys at the top of the drawer and throw in some brightly colored vest tops and plain t-shirts. Add a touch of color to it all with hot orange, yellows and reds, which also featured heavily.

“But where can I buy, Nikki?!” I hear you scream. Well, I’m glad you asked that, because there is a whole lot going on for men and their fashion in Beijing right now. Step up, newcomer to Jinbao Place, Bilancioni. For high quality linens that scream ‘rich Italian businessman on yacht’ style, this is the place to go. Unfortunately, unless you actually are an Italian businessman with a yacht, your funds will probably fall short of affording your desired linen get up.

For a more modest approach to dressing in the seasons most desired attire, check out Zara for men. Loving the khaki chinos and stone safari shirts there! Also make a beeline for Levis and stock up their cargo carrier shorts, in both grey, british khaki (whatever that means) and white. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to stay in touch with fashion but not let the boys down for being the ‘fashion fussy’ sort, you can pick up some fine, ‘hardwearing’ combat shorts from Quiksilver. Named ‘Nova shorts’ and available in a variety of catwalk friendly colors. Just promise me that you won’t be enticed by those floral swim shorts with the gigantic Quiksilver logo down the side of your leg, ok?

Nikki Aaron

*Or please donate them to a poor trouser-less chap, or at least sew up the leg holes to make a handy flask holder for yourself. Either way, don’t throw them in bushes and tell the policeman that Nikki from City Weekend told you to do it. Thankyou muchly.