In case you didn’t get the memo, the official start of spring was March 20. Along with the warmer weather, you can expect to see new fashion styles with this change of season. This makes spring the perfect opportunity for men to update their wardrobe so it reflects the latest styles. So, what are some of the popular fashion trends that you can expect to see more of this spring season?

Bomber Jackets

Originally designed for pilots during the World War I, bomber jackets are making a comeback this spring season. Long gone are the days of single-style leather bomber jackets. Today, you can find this classic form of outerwear available in dozens of different styles, colors and designs. Regardless of your personal preference, chances are there’s a bomber jacket to match.

Shorter Shorts

If you’ve been shopping at any of the major department stores, you may have a noticed a trend with men’s shorts: they becoming shorter. It’s not a huge difference in length, but it’s still noticeable nonetheless. The 2016 spring season will likely embrace this trend, resulting in more and more men’s “short shorts.” So whether you’re planning a spring vacation, or if you intend to hang around town, pick up a few pair of shorts to stay atop of this trend.

White Chinos

Tired of wearing the same khaki-colored chinos? Perhaps you should test the waters with white chinos. According to TrendSpotter.net, white chinos are coming back in style for spring and summer 2016. When paired with a clean, single-colored t-shirt, it offers a simple yet sophisticated look that’s ideal for this time of year.

Salmon Colors

Spring fashion isn’t just about new garments; it’s also about new colors, one of which is salmon. Salmon — a variety of pink — has been picking up mainstream popularity in the world of fashion, and for good reason: it’s a bright, energetic color that reflects the spring season.

Pique Cotton Polo Shirts

Granted, pique cotton polo shirts aren’t new by any means, but they’ve become a staple garment in men’s attire — a trend that will likely become even more prominent throughout the spring and summer months. Pique cotton polos differ from traditional polo shirts in the sense that they are constructed with a unique weaving style. Often made with cotton yarn, they feature raised parallel cords and/or fine ribbing to create a textured, yet lightweight garment that’s perfect for the warm weather.

References:

http://www.fashionbeans.com/category/mens-fashion-trends/

http://www.thetrendspotter.net/2015/07/top-5-menswear-springsummer-2016-trends-to-try-now

Wearing the Wrong Colored Socks

Contrary to what some men may believe, socks are available in more colors than just white. When wearing a suit, it’s recommended that you choose socks in the same or similar color as your trousers. If you’re going to wear black trousers, for instance, stick with black socks. This creates a more uniform appearance while concealing your socks in the process.

Wearing Pleather

Pleather, also known as a faux leather, is a synthetic material that’s made to look and feel like leather. The only real benefit that it offers is the price. When compared to genuine leather, pleather jackets and garments tend to cost a fraction of the price. But this is one instance in which the mantra “you get what you pay for” holds true. If you’re looking for a new leather jacket or garment, stick with the real deal and avoid pleather.

Fastening All Jacket Buttons

Whether it’s a sport coat, jacket, blazer or any form of outerwear, you should leave the bottom button unfastened. Some men make the mistake of fastening all of their jacket buttons, creating an awkward appearance. By leaving the bottom-most button unfastened, however, you’ll create a cleaner and more appearance that compliments the rest of your attire.

Trousers Hiding Shoelaces

You can tell when your trousers are too long by looking at your shoelaces. If your trousers conceal your shoelaces, they are too big and need to be tailored. Wearing oversized trousers will create a messy, unflattering appearance, so it’s best to check your shoelaces before walking out the door.

Not Color-Coordinating Belt and Shoes

I think we’ve all been guilty of making this fashion mistake at some point in time: you grab the first belt you come across in your closet, without considering whether or not it matches your shoes. A brown belt with black shoes, for instance, creates a mismatching appearance, simply because brown and black clash. A better option is to wear a brown belt with brown shoes — or if you plan on wearing black shoes, wear a black belt.

Wearing Socks with Sandals

Being that spring is right around the corner, we have to mention the whole socks-with-sandals faux pas. There’s nothing wrong with wearing sandals, or socks for that matter, but the two shouldn’t be worn together. If you’re going to wear sandals, free your feet by not wearing socks.

References:

http://www.esquire.co.uk/style/fashion/news/a5024/worst-style-mistakes/?fb_comment_id=246607968822288_10166453/20/

So, you’ve been invited to a wedding, and now you’re faced with the task of trying to find something to wear. If you are the best man or a groomsman, you’ll be given specific instructions regarding the attire. But if you’re attending as a regular guest, it’s up to you to choose an appropriate outfit for this special occasion.

Skip the Black Suit

It’s best to avoid wearing an all-black suit to weddings. Even if it’s clean and tailored to fit your body, black suits are typically too formal for wedding guests, which is why it’s best to choose a slightly more casual outfit. You obviously shouldn’t arrive to the venue wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, but you also shouldn’t wear a suit that’s as formal or more formal than the groom’s attire.

Check the Invitation

Wedding invitations will often reveal information about the bride and groom’s preferred dress code for guests. If it’s a destination wedding that’s taking place at the beach, for instance, the invitations may state “beach wear,” in which case it’s perfectly fine to show up wearing khakis, sandals and a button-up t-shirt. If it’s a traditional wedding, however, it may say “semi-formal” or “black tie.” Regardless, you should check the invitations to see if a dress code has been specified.

When in Doubt, Wear a Suit

You really can’t go wrong with a traditional men’s suit when attending a wedding. A blue (not black) suit is an excellent choice for wedding guests, as it’s stylish, classic and formal, yet not too formal. Just remember to have your suit dry cleaned or pressed beforehand, as wrinkles will have a negative impact on your entire appearance.

Of course, there are alternatives to wearing a suit, such as a button-up dress shirt, indigo jeans, and a necktie. If you plan on taking this route, wear formal or semi-formal dress shoes to complete the look. We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but brown or black-colored oxfords are a great choice of formal footwear for men.

Choose Colors Based on the Season

A good rule of thumb to follow when choosing attire for a wedding is to base your colors on the season during which the wedding is occurring. For summer and springtime weddings, for instance, it’s best to wear lighter colors, whereas darker colors and heavier fabrics are recommended for the cooler fall and winter months.

References:

http://cladwellguide.com/blog/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding-for-men