Dressing Like a Man in 2010
From bright double-breasted blazers to suits with shorts to spectator shoes, VIEW OUR GALLERY of the most covetable looks from the Milan menswear shows.
Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo (2)
Call it what you like (man purse, murse, or simply man bag), the male alternative to the handbag was huge on runways. Carry-alls were seen on the likes of Burberry and Bottega Veneta. But it was Dolce & Gabbana who arguably introduced the world to the man clutch, perhaps the most effeminate example of a handbag for men. Coming in at a close second: the miniature fanny packs seen on Versace's runway. How much can one man can fit in an accessory so small?
Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo (2)
Seemingly as prevelant on Milan's ruways this past week as murses were scarves. Tied like an ascot or worn open and hanging long, the accessory is bound for increasing ubiquity come next spring.
Stefano Rellandini / Reuters; Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo
Metallic palettes were a dominant trend on women's runways last fashion week, and for good reason. In the midst of a recession, the luxe looks offered a hint of decadence and shine in an otherwise dark climate. The same appeared to be true at men's Spring/Summer 2010 shows, where jewel-toned iridescent suits cropped up on quite a few catwalks.
Giuseppe Aresu / AP Photo; Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo
Who wears short shorts? Not just women on the red carpet it seems. On numerous runways in Milan, the trouser alternative could be seen hitting well above male models' knees.
Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo; Daniele Schiavello, Catwalking / Getty Images
The ‘80s have been influencing fashion trends for months, and one dominant style in particular from the decade past appears to be sticking around come next spring. The double-breasted blazer, beloved by bankers and ‘30s mafiosos alike, was big in Milan this past week. Showcased in a series of fabrics and palettes, the most memorable versions were without a doubt those shown in a range of bright reds. Meaning, not only blazers doubling over for spring, they're bright as ever.
Chris Moore, Catwalking / Getty Images; Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images
Tom Wolfe would surely approve of one of the staples seen on quite a few runways in Milan: the all-white suit. While not exactly the most practical for dinnertime, sleek, slim-cut monochrome suits brightened up a number of runways. Whether you should wear this style after Labor Day, however, is up to you.
Chris Moore, /Catwalking / Getty Images; Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo
Model Jesus Luz set the playing field at Dolce & Gabbana soon after menswear shows kicked off in Milan. Madonna's beau sported a slinky black bikini brief that was one of many barely there swim trunks seen on catwalks this past week. In other words, as far as swimwear is concerned: Less is definitely more.
AP Photo; Daniele Schiavello, Catwalking / Getty Images
Like metallics, peek-a-boo and transparency, both major women's FW09 runway trends, surfaced on quite a few men's catwalks. Prada served up peek-a-boo styles by way of perforated shirts, while Calvin Klein's Italo Zucchelli revealed transparent collared shirts in a range of colors. Versace and Roberto Cavalli followed suit, leaving little to showgoers' imaginations.
Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo; Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
Shorts and trousers may have skimped on length, but a number of shirts seen on Milan runways surely didn't. The tunic appeared on a number of runways, including those of Neil Barrett and Versace. At the latter, tie-dyed tunics that hit just above the knee were paired with quite a few looks, while the former featured versions fashioned in paisley prints and as well as button-ups with leather chest panels and emaciated collars (another theme from shows this season).
Daniele Schiavello, Catwalking / Getty Images; Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
Finishing off the pinstripes and double-breasted blazers in Milan was another Mafia-approved staple: spectator shoes. But, if you're buying into the trend, beware—spectators bear the same sartorial stigma of all-white. In other words, they're widely believed to solely be appropriate for spring and summer.
Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo; Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images
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