Sun’s up guns out! Yes, spring is finally here and we are dying to show off that summer-bod we’ve been working on all year for. Allow me, however, to show you how to flex something else, your style! The 2018 spring/summer men’s collection is fresh, bold and just the right motivation for you to jump on the fashion wagon and make a statement shirt-on or shirt-off this summer!

Stylist tip: Trends are meant to enhance your personal style not become your personal style, pick and choose. Do not go with the flow. When it comes to choosing trends I have 3 recommendations: flexibility, functionality and durability. Flexibility, that is pick something that you can style with a wide variety of other clothing and is suitable for a range of different occasions. Functionality, let’s be honest, some trends catch on for the sake of being obscure and have no other value other than that, stay clear. Lastly, durability, since trendy items are in demand, they tend to be pricey so buy things that will last a long time so that you get your money’s worth. 

#1 Tonal dressing

This might take you back to your pre-school days when your mother colour coordinated your outfits for school or any other event. I guess it’s true what they say; mothers know best because this season, tonal dressing is plastered over the cat-walks. In case you aren’t familiar, tonal dressing is whereby you wear varying shades of one colour from head to toe, with three being the recommended number of shades at a time. Pastel shades are the way to go here. Tonal dressing can give an otherwise casual outfit a bit of flair thus having you look dapper without much effort. This is a practical outfit option for Uni as it is easy to put together, given you have a specific colour as direction or guidance. Colour coordination, in general, has a great appeal as it gives the impression you gave thought to your outfit. It is ideal therefore for networking events, interviews and such.

#2 Vertical Stripes

Stripes are a classic. However this season the focus is on vertical stripes. These were prevalent across casual as well as formal wear. They don’t require much thought either. For a casual look, throw on a short-sleeved striped shirt with a plain t-shirt underneath and plain trousers to go. With patterned clothes, you never want to go overboard as you could end up looking comical. This is ideal for those mornings where you are behind schedule but still want to look stylish. My personal motto is “It’s better to arrive late than ugly” but with this outfit, you can look good and still be on time. When you do have ample time, incorporate spring into your outfit, play around with different colours and stripe thicknesses. When it comes to formal suits, however, fine stripes and classic colours such as black, navy or grey are the way to. This is one of those occasions where less is more. 

#3 Retro Sportswear

What better trend for a guy at Uni than sportswear! I mean hello! Comfort, functionality and that hint of “I got my life together, I go to gym and do it while looking good so hate on me” swag. This is basically injecting the 90s into athleisure (fashionable sportswear) which has been with us for about a decade now. The main items featured on the runways included matching two-piece tracksuits, zip-up nylon jumpers and side-stripe trousers. The play with colour and design here is infinite. Browse through different runway looks to get inspiration.

This trend is also very student-budget friendly because shops like Sports Direct provide an array of traditional as well as fashionable sports-wear at an affordable price. Shops like Primark and H&M also spot a designated sports-looks section for men where very cool items can be found at a modest price. As I said, this look is functional because not only does it provide styled comfort but it also eliminates the need to carry a separate gym outfit for when you hit the gym after lectures. Simply take off the zip-up nylon jumper and get to pumping!

#4 Tropical prints shirts

This trend comes in goes on the runways, however, it remains a constant in men’s summer fashion in stores. This year it was the Paris fashion week that featured strongly these tropical prints. The floral prints on these shirts are bright and loud and hence you want to pair them with something toned down. A nice pair of dark tailored chinos or jeans would do nicely for a lecture. Alternatively, for a super laid-back spring feel, a pair of plain pastel coloured shorts and sandals will complete the outfit beautifully.

#5 Technical jackets

It appears the nineties are here to cement themselves this year and with this trend, they come with an added twist as these mountaineering inspired jackets would normally be associated with men’s outdoor gear. Jackets, in general, have a way of injecting masculinity into a man’s outfit and are always a great finish. We are spoiled for choice this year the as these jackets come in an array of colours ranging colour-block to moody shades. The designs as well are varied and flared allowing you to add your personality to your outfit. Their diversity comes as a great benefit when going to Uni because they can be styled with anything; jeans/trousers, knits/shirts, sneakers/Chelsea boots, let your inspiration take you where it will. The multi pockets will also come in very handy for obvious reasons but mostly because it will help avoid that unattractive bulge that forms in your trousers or jeans when you have things in them. 

#6 Wide Leg Trousers

Personally, this trend will miss me in abundance, because I am a true millennial and all I know is slim or skinny fit. It has been bubbling under for the past couple of years but has made quite the splash this year being featured pretty much in all the major fashion weeks. To be fair wide trousers are ideal for smooth mobility which is ideal for those who must jump one building to the next throughout the day. They have a desired breathability as well and just general comfort space that all men who have worn skinny jeans can advocate for. Much like the technical jackets they too are quite flexible as they can be coupled with a shirt for a formal look or simple t-shirt and trainers for a more laid-back direction.

#7 Cuban Collars

It seemingly is a wide affair this year, wide-leg trousers and now wide collar shirts. The Cuban collars made a splash in the runways this year and rightfully so because they are both practical and versatile. For a sleek look, pair the Cuban collar with long formal trousers and a pair of loafers. The look can be instantly made smart-casual with a leather jacket on which the wide collar lapels lay beautifully for a stand-out finish. Just as well, a pair of pastel shorts and dark sandals with the shirt make a perfect chilled spring outfit. The flexibility of the shirt makes it perfect for Uni. Lectures, interviews, night outs, you name it, there is something in your closet that goes well with this shirt for the event. 

#8 Jumpsuit

This is the perfect way to wrap it up! Pun intended. I hardly think anyone thinks high-fashion when they think jumpsuits. Alas, here we are, 2018 and high-end boys are clad in these traditional one-piece work attires. It comes with no question of course that they featured style and the variety left nothing to be desired. From silk to denim, long sleeved to sleeveless, button-up to zip-up, you would be hard pressed to fail to find one that tickles your fashion senses. Unless of course jumpsuits in their entity are not your cup of tea. Anyway, these are simply perfect for uni. Being a one piece, they chow down morning preparation time. Majority of them are monochromatic thus making accessorizing a breeze. I believe these are worth getting even if they die out like the dungarees that dominated the trends a couple of summers ago, they will still retain their practicability. They have a boldness about their nature as well, so you could always wear them for a rebellious narrative. 

Stay kind Stay fly. Roman out. :P