Top Summer Looks for Men

For those of you who are wanting to update your wardrobe with some stylish summer pieces, now is a great time to do so, as the warmer weather will have just started to roll in. When it comes to choosing garments for this summer, there are a number of noteworthy looks that have been seen across runways, featuring everything from oversized shirts to wide legged trousers to baseball caps.

Knee-Length Shorts
While there were plenty of thigh-grazing shorts seen on the runways, this is perhaps not going to be as much of a wearable look as the knee-length styles that were also popular. The best length to go for is something that sits directly above your knee, either in a tailored cut, or a lighter, more breathable fabric, such as silk.

Wide Legged Trousers
While many may have grown fond of the skinny shapes seen in men’s trousers in recent seasons, it is now time to go in the opposite direction, opting for wide-legged styles instead. Whether with trousers or jeans, wide-legged shapes are easiest to style with a casual shirt and a pair of trainers.

White Trousers
From formal chinos to casual jeans, white is set to be one of the hottest colors this summer. This shade complements a variety of skin tones, and always looks great when paired with items that feature a pop of color.

Overalls
Expect to see plenty of overalls in stores this summer, and they are definitely a style worth trying. The hottest colors to look out for are dark blacks and denims as well as moody greens. From Givenchy to Alexander Wang, there are some great overall styles around, and can be worn in several different ways. While Alexander Wang dressed his overall-wearing models in all black, just like the overalls themselves, other designers kept things more low-key, with a simple white t-shirt and casual shoes.

Distressed Jeans
Distressed jeans have slowly been making a comeback recently, but they are set to explode in popularity this summer. From jeans that look as though they have almost been destroyed, to others that just have a few slight tears and bleached areas, the key to this look is making sure that your jeans appear to be at least somewhat lived in.

Baseball Caps
Baseball caps are one of the hottest men’s accessories to complete your look this summer, and they are completely unlike the baseball caps that you likely remember from your childhood. Instead, these styles are made from high-end, luxury fabrics, from leather to exotic animal skins, and feature contemporary design details, that make them appropriate to wear just about anywhere. Just about every designer out there has their own version of this classic accessory, so there is definitely a style out there that will suit your own personal taste.

It is often the case that summer looks for men are quite unwearable, more suited to an avant-garde runway than the streets of your average city. However, this is not the case this summer, with the top looks being ones that can be incorporated into such a huge variety of outfits.

Sustainable Spring Fashion

The fashion industry has frequently been under attack for having a disregard for the environment, but, in recent years, this has begun to drastically change. This is largely down to consumers themselves, as they increasingly want to know more about the products that they are buying, from where and how it is made to the larger issues that each brand as a whole supports. All of these evolving consumer demands have led to incredible innovations when it comes to sustainable fashion, with experts predicting eco-friendly trends that are truly exciting.

Guilt-Free Fabrics
There is no doubt about the fact that wearing animal products is not at all sustainable, which has led to the development of some beautiful imitation fabrics, often of a much higher quality than the actual original. Faux fur has always been a great alternative to fur, and brands are now experimenting more with these materials, creating faux furs in bright and vibrant spring colors. There are also fantastic arrays of vegetable leathers that look just as spectacular as the real deal. While cotton may not be a fabric that comes from animals, 16% of global insecticide releases come from cotton, making it the opposite of eco-friendly. This, in turn, has led to a growth in organic cotton as well as alternative plant-based fabrics, made from ingredients such as soy, bamboo, wood pulp and corn. Designers and brands are even looking to fruits for fabrics, coming up with products such as Pinatex, which is a fabric made from pineapples.

Vintage
The vintage trend has been around for a while, and it looks like it could be here to stay for even longer. Buying vintage is a great way to decrease your global footprint, while wearing a piece of clothing that has its own unique history. In terms of spring 2016, Victorian-style pieces are going to be extremely popular, whether it be layering a corset into your outfit or picking vintage pieces that feature exquisite florals and feminine details.

Ethical Bags
A bag is often used much more frequently than an item of clothing, which is why bags have received extra attention in terms of being sustainable and ethical. Thanks to the increase of guilt-free fabrics, as mentioned above, there are now some great alternatives to leather, many of which are just as durable and reliable. For those who want to begin making more sustainable fashion choices, bags are one of the best places to start.

Sustainable Online Shopping
In order to truly reach the masses, sustainable fashion needs to be available online, which is something that was previously lacking. There are now a variety of fashion websites out there that make it easy to buy eco-friendly pieces. Zedy and R.E.V focus on ethically made clothes and accessories, while the ASOS website boasts a Green Room that contains any items that have a certain eco-friendly element, be it the way that they were made or the fabrics that they are produced from. Mass market brands, such as H&M, have also been producing more sustainable lines, with their exclusive Conscious Collection already sold out in many places. This is a trend that other brands will soon adopt as H&M’s success is proof that fashion consumers are now much more eco-conscious than they used to be.

In order for sustainable fashion to really become mainstream, consumers today need to do away with “fast fashion”, choosing instead to invest in apparel for the long term, fixing it rather than replacing it if there is a problem. However, these spring trends are great steps forward when it comes to eco-friendly fashion, and it will not be long before even more brands begin to adopt sustainable strategies of their own.

Classic Fabrics are Back

Fashion is a cycle, meaning that trends tend to repeat themselves, whether it be ten or fifty years later. These trends can be anything from design details to silhouettes, but, for 2016, it would seem as though classic fabrics have made their way back into the spotlight.

Chambray
Chambray is a plain-weave fabric that is similar to denim, but differs in the way in which it is woven. Chambray manages to bring together elegance and comfort in a way that other fabrics cannot do, and is such a classic fabric that it deserves a place in everybody’s wardrobe. This versatile and timeless fabric can be styled in so many different ways, whether you choose to opt for a classic look of chambray pants and a crisp white shirt, or a chambray shirt paired with dark denim skinny jeans to highlight the unique qualities of the chambray.

Sheer Fabrics
Sheer fabrics are set to be extremely popular this year, with chiffon and silk making quite the comeback. The beauty of sheer fabrics comes from the way in which they suggest rather than show, and they can be manipulated into so many different silhouettes that they are actually more versatile than many believe. Temperley London has a Victorian full-skirt silhouette dress that contains design elements dating back to the 1700s, but, with the sheer fabrics that are used, the dress is instantly brought into modern times. Jason Wu has a few dresses that experiment with combining sheer and fringe, while Boss has designed a masculine structured shirt with beautifully feminine, delicate sheer sleeves.

Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics you can wear, and is expected to be seen in all shapes and forms this spring. For a light and airy printed silk blouse that will channel the colors of spring even if it is still cold outside, head to Banana Republic, while those who want something a bit more casual can find a printed silk t-shirt at Joe Fresh. Banana Republic also have some wide-legged silk pants that are the perfect silhouette for pairing with a fitted top. Of course, one of the easiest ways to incorporate silk into your wardrobe is by investing in a silk scarf, as this can be worn with just about any outfit, giving your look a timeless and sophisticated quality.

Satin
Satin is another classic fabric making a comeback, which is only a good thing, as this fabric always feels soft against the skin. Satin is related to silk, another fabric that will be extremely popular this year, but many consider satin to be much more modern and sexier than silk, while still retaining its luxurious and expensive feel.

Classic fabrics can be styled in so many different ways, and can be dressed both up and down, so it is always advantageous when they are back on trend. From floaty sheer sleeves on a masculine shirt to a fitted silk t-shirt, classic fabrics are being used in new and innovative ways, giving them a freshness that makes them perfect for this year.

In for Spring: Strong Shoulders

This spring is going to be all about exposed shoulders, giving any outfit a sexy and playful edge. Whether your style is romantic and bohemian or classically chic, this is a trend that will be seen in so many different forms this spring.

Shoulder Cut-Outs
Shoulder cut-outs are a great way to show some skin this spring, without having to bare too much. The beauty of shoulder cut-outs is that they are so versatile, and have been seen on a diverse range of garments. From Nicole Miller’s stunning navy jumpsuit to a tailored Vera Wang coat to a Jonathan Simkhai crop top, all of these garments may boast shoulder cut-outs, but they have each incorporated them in a beautifully unique way. Whether you prefer smaller, graphic cut-outs that show just a glimpse of the shoulder, or larger ones that expose a large portion of the arm as well, this is a style that just about everybody can embrace.

Off-the-Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder looks can be traced back to many centuries ago, giving them a distinctly vintage feel. However, designers have been bringing this style back into modern times by adding contemporary touches to off-the-shoulder outfits. Salvatore Ferragamo and The Row is where you will find off-the-shoulder tops with romantic billowing sleeves, creating a gorgeous bohemian silhouette, while Michael Kors, Chloe and Francesca Liberatore all have off-the-shoulder tops that feature ruffles and frills, giving the garments an ultra-feminine feel. For something more fitted, take a look at Prabal Gurung, who has a cord knit midi dress that cuts a sleek and flattering silhouette.

Asymmetrical Necklines
Asymmetrical necklines tend to only reveal one shoulder and are a stylish way to show just a small amount of skin. Versace, Christopher Kane and Antonio Marras have paired their asymmetrical necklines with vibrant prints, while Stella McCartney’s asymmetrical necklines are all black and very sleek. Vivienne Westwood, Mugler and Sonia Rykiel also have designs featuring asymmetrical necklines that are definitely worth checking out for those who love the style.

Halter Necks
Halter necks have been embraced by a number of different designers for this spring. Rag & Bone opted for spaghetti strap style halter necks, while Andrea Jiapei Li emphasized the sport elements of the halter neck. Other designers who have their finger on the pulse of this trend are Brandon Maxwell, who pairs halter necks with skirts, Oscar de la Renta, who designed some quirky plaid printed ruffled halter tops, and Givenchy, with a stunning halter top champagne evening gown that would be perfectly suited to the red carpet.

Exposed shoulders are set to be one of the biggest fashion and style trends this spring, and it would seem as though the majority of designers out there have at least one garment that exposes the shoulders. Whether you want a romantic billowing off-the-shoulder silhouette, or a sexy, floor-lengthed exposed shoulder evening gown, this trend works for so many different body shapes, giving an outfit a sexy yet flattering edge.

Urban Chic Styles for Spring

While it may still be slightly chilly outside, spring is almost upon us, meaning it is time for that annual wardrobe overhaul. There are many great pieces on-trend for this spring, and if you want to incorporate some urban chic into your look, check out these styles that are all easy to replicate.

Stripes
Bold, wide stripes are going to be huge this spring and are a great pattern to add to your wardrobe, as they give you some New England elegance that can easily be grunged down for a more urban chic look. A striped shirt with skinny jeans and knee high boots is always a stylish look, or, for something slightly girlier, pair a striped shirt with a bandage skirt and some Converse All Stars, topping off your outfit with a chic bowler hat.

Statement Jewellery
Statement jewellery is a great way to add elements of urban chic to a look, but you need to seek out the best pieces for this. Statement bib necklaces add instant cool to any outfit, while pearls are a classy way to dress up a more casual look. Chunky chains are also going to be hot this spring, and can be worn on different parts of your body, from around your neck to around your wrists. If there is a certain type of jewellery that you are crazy about, such as two-finger rings or large graphic earrings, make this your signature style and experiment with different pieces that fall within your chosen category.

Stefano Tinti / Shutterstock.com

The Backpack
A stylish backpack is about as urban chic as it gets, and luckily, backpacks have been given an exciting makeover for this spring thanks to designers such as Rick Owens, Burberry and Alexander Wang. Graphic handbags are also going to be popular this spring, so you could even consider mixing two trends into one, with a vibrant graphic backpack to complete your look.

“It” Shoes
Having an “it” pair of shoes can immediately transform an outfit, instantly taking it from regular to urban chic. The style that you pick needs to be one that you love, whether they are Nike high-top dunks, thigh-high boots or skinny kitten heels. For a true urban chic look, a casual pair of “it” shoes should be paired with a more elegant garment, such as Converse All Stars with a short little black dress, while dressy shoes always stand out when worn with a more laid-back outfit, such as a pair of simple jeans and a t-shirt. Of course, there are styles that work with just about any pair of shoes, such as a classic white shirt paired with black leggings, as this simple look allows the footwear to stand out and make a statement.

Adding elements of urban chic to your look does not need to be difficult, even if incorporating new styles into your own does not come naturally to you. Whether you look for some statement jewellery to wear each day or find new ways to style your favorite striped shirt, these tips will all lend an urban edge to just about any outfit.

Pinterest Beauty Predictions for 2016

At the end of each year, social media site Pinterest predicts what the next year will bring when it comes to fashion, beauty lifestyle and more. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the most exciting Pinterest beauty predictions for 2016.

Natural Hair
For those of you who hate spending precious time styling your hair, this Pinterest beauty prediction will make you quite happy. Pinterest predicts that this year will see us all put aside our styling products and tools and embrace our natural hair texture. Whether it be curly, wavy or straight, it is time to let your natural hair shine!

Coffin Nails
Coffin nails are an oblong shaped style, resembling the shape of a coffin. While this may seem quite dark, the nails are anything but, looking fierce but sophisticated at the same time. Pinterest saw a massive 4 million coffin-shaped nail ideas being pinned in 2015, and with this showing absolutely no signs of slowing down, it is something we can expect to see much more of in 2016.

Mermaid-Inspired Locks
Tying in well with the natural hair prediction are mermaid-inspired locks, which are all thanks to a new trend called fluid hair painting. This is a new hair dyeing technique, in which the hair is fanned out onto a large surface and painted in large sections, creating a beautiful gradient effect. Subtle pastel shades have been popular in 2015, and we all predict this to continue on throughout this year.

Clean, Androgynous Makeup
While 2015 was the year of contouring and strobing, Pinterest predicts that 2016 will pave the way for simple and androgynous makeup. This will be quite a change from the different beauty looks that we have seen in 2015, and OROGOLD is excited to see how the androgynous makeup trend develops.

Eyebrow Grooming
There has been quite an emphasis on eyebrow grooming lately, and this is a trend that will definitely continue. If you aren’t blessed with naturally thick brows, OROGOLD suggests trying out some of the many new eyebrow products that have appeared on the market, from gels to powders to pencils, all of which will help to create a bold and natural-looking brow.

Inspired by Adele
Adele’s signature cat-eyes are almost as distinct as her voice, and Pinterest predicts that we will be seeing this style replicated much more in 2016. There are many different ways to create this look for yourself, and if you truly want to exude an Adele vibe, OROGOLD suggests pairing your cat eyes with nude lips and the singer’s statement blush.

‘Men’icures
While manicures have always been popular amongst women, it would seem as though more men will be catching onto this beauty secret in 2016. The mani and pedi aimed at men is looking to become much more mainstream, so keep an eye out for it at your local nail salon!

From an exciting new hair dyeing technique bringing us mermaid-inspired locks, to even more of an emphasis being placed on beautifully groomed brows, it seems as though 2016 will be filled with style and sophistication. OROGOLD looks forward to seeing more of these looks as 2016 progresses.

Statement Eye Looks for 2016

OROGOLD always keeps a close watch on makeup trends, and we have noticed some exciting ones coming up for 2016. From a Cleopatra-inspired cat-eye to blazing blue eyeshadow, here are some of our favorite statement eye looks for 2016.

Cleopatra-Inspired Cat-Eye
Cleopatra and her love of gold is a huge inspiration to OROGOLD, which is why we are excited to see that a Cleopatra-inspired cat-eye is going to be one of the statement eye looks for 2016. With a thick and chunky cat eye created on the top lid, followed by layer upon layer of golden sparkles, right up to the brow bone, this look will add instant glam no matter what you choose to wear with it.

Blue Eyeshadow
When it comes to bold colors in makeup, it can be difficult to know exactly how to wear them. 2016 will see plenty of blue eyeshadow, worn in so many different ways that there really is no wrong way to go about it. From a smoky eye with a sparkly navy to a hit of cyan for a bright burst of color, OROGOLD suggests looking to the runways for more inspiration and experimenting with different shades of blue. For those of you who don’t want to go all out with blue eyeshadow, OROGOLD recommends swapping your usual black eyeliner for one of a navy shade, as this is a great way to add some blue to your look in a subtle way.

Bold Lashes
While blue eyeshadow is going to be huge in 2016, bold blue lashes are also looking to make an appearance. For a fresh but bright look, OROGOLD suggests trying out cyan lashes with nude lips and bare skin, or for something more avant-garde, try lining your top lids with a blue liner, and then applying blue mascara to your bottom lash line. While some of these looks are quite out there, you can keep things subtle by opting for a lengthening black mascara, adding some false lashes to the outer corners of your eyes for extra intensity.

Sparkly Eyes
While sparkly makeup is usually reserved for the holiday season, it seems as though it will be making its way well into 2016. From a discreet and subtle shimmer to silver ‘fairy dust’ sprinkled across the lids, there are many ways that you can bring some extra sparkle to your eyes.

Pinks and Corals
Just like with blue, pinks and corals can be difficult colors to master, but it is most definitely worth trying. These feminine shades are usually used on the cheeks, but give a soft and effortlessly romantic look when used on the eyes. However, this look will only work well if your eyes do not have any redness, so keep this in mind when trying it out.

Experimenting with different eye looks is always fun, and 2016 will be bringing us some exciting new looks to try. From bold blue eyelashes to pretty pinks and corals, we expect that we will all be seeing these looks in many more varieties throughout the year.

Latest Trends in Men’s Fashion – OROGOLD Reviews

When it comes to menswear, fall/winter 2015-2016 is set to be an extremely stylish season. From draped outerwear to bold prints and patterns, menswear is once again ignoring conventions in order to provide men with a much greater variety of trendy fashion options. ORO GOLD offers insights into the latest trends in men’s fashion.

Woollen Coats
The trend for the majority of menswear garments seemed to focus on looser cuts, and this was especially so in the outerwear that was shown at all of the major fashion weeks. The most popular coats for the season were cut and draped from wool, featuring soft shoulders that enhanced the over-sized and slouchy vibe.

Super-Sized Pockets
The super-sized pockets trend will be welcomed by all those men who hate to carry bags around with them. This season, pockets are going to be bigger than ever, and will most likely be the focus of many outerwear pieces. The pockets, iPad Mini sized at the minimum, will be cut from contrasting fabrics and attached onto the garment in prominent positions, offering style and functionality at the same time.

Bold Patterns and Textures
Bold patterns and textures that stand out were seen on looks by many designers, and were applied to a variety of garments, from classic suits to full outfits. The more fashion forward styles were the ones that featured unconventional prints and patterns, although there were also plenty of plaid looks that were seen, which are great for men who aren’t as keen on taking risks with big patterns. If you are looking for other toned down designs, there were plenty of square patterns and patches seen on the runways, used in both big blocks of color, but also used more subtly on jeans and coats.

Layered Knits
Once again, knitwear has made its mark on menswear. Sweaters were seen on many runways, often paired with tailored trousers for a casual yet classy look. Different textures were mixed together in one outfit, emphasized by the ways in which different knitted garments were layered over each other. As was seen on the Pringle and Margaret Howell runways, an easy way to layer knitwear is to purchase a thin rollneck, made from merino wool, that can be worn under thicker knits. Rollnecks were seen peeking out from other knits, such as handspun cardigans and cashmere pullovers, at many shows, and white rollnecks, as seen at Balenciaga and Sandro, seemed to be a new trend all on their own.

Green and Gray
In terms of color, grays dominated many runways, in a whole variety of shades and textures. Although gray is a common color in menswear, the way that it was styled and used in both tailored garments as well as tracksuit bottoms, has turned the color into a big trend for this season. The second most popular color was green, again in a huge variety of shades, from forest green to mint green to military green. These two colors were present on all of the major runways, including London, Milan and Paris, so you can expect to see more of them this season.

One of the best things about keeping track of menswear trends is learning how to later incorporate them into your own personal look. From layered knitwear to super-sized pockets, these garments are likely to dominate men’s clothing stores this season, so it is a good idea to decide in advance which would work best for your own style.