The Fall/Winter 2004 Trend Report

It seems every season a color is elevated to the exalted status as “The New Black”. This season is no different, except for one twist – black is actually the new black. Nothing is as sophisticated as black, nothing evokes more urban glamour. The freshest way to wear black this fall and winter is with the new accent colors. A shot of salmon, pink, light blue or plum will take you from gothic to mythic status. The other big accent for the season is metallic and shine. Silver is important, but a little goes a long way. Get your metallic punch in the detailing of the piece (buttons, snaps, a strategically placed zipper). Want a little more? Go for a colored or dark grey metallic. A great blue metallic vest or jacket is modern without being space age.

Denim is here to stay. This season has two extremes – a dark dressed up denim or totally distressed. Dress up a casual shirt with a dark tailored jean or relax a dressy one with a pair of distressed jeans. Casual sportswear has really dressed up this year. Casual no longer means basic or grunge. This season’s casual shirts come with more tailoring and even french cuffs. The biggest news in men’s fashion is the return of the sportcoat. Worn with a fitted, patterned shirt and a pair of jeans and you’ve got the look of the season. Not that uptight? Choose a distressed blazer over a hoodie and you’ve got a look that’s all about comfortable chic. Casual dresses up further with chalk pinstripes and other patterns and fabrics usually associated with traditional suits. Want the most mileage out of your clothing dollars? Suit separates. The jacket is cut a little shorter and more fitted, while the trousers are cut leaner. Worn together, you’ve got a very modern suit, throw the jacket on with jeans or the pants with a sweater and you’ve not only stretched your fashion dollars, but your style muscle as well.
Complete the look with a pair of sleek shoes. Your shoe should always continue the lines of your clothing. Wear a slim narrow toed shoe with a low heel to compliment a trimmer fit pant. A great distressed, blunt toed boot is perfect for those relaxed denims or khakis.

Let’s face reality. It’s Chicago. It’s cold. It’s windy. You’ve got on the season’s hottest shirt, you’ve spent weeks finding that pair of perfect jeans and you reach for that old, nondescript coat to cover it all up. The rest of your closet is sleek and modern; your coat should be as well. The classic trench has been updated to serve just that purpose. It’s black, it’s got a slimmer fit and hits at the knee, any longer and it’s your father’s, any shorter and it’s your sister’s! Trench not your vibe? There are plenty of options out there. Look for trims and detailing in contrasting textures. Fur trim on the hood of a down coat, velvet or corduroy on the collar or cuff of a leather jacket. As always, style is in the details. The little things add up to big fashion.

View photos from His Stuff's Glam Slam III fashion show in Andersonville.

This trend report prepared by:
His Stuff
5314 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 989-9111