Dissecting "Fall According VMan"~

       Ok, so the general consesus was that my previous post on the Tribes of Autumn photospread by VMan magazine was a bit baffling and pretty much went over many of your heads.  I'd gotten some feedback from a few of you stating the images, colors and garments in the photos came across as odd and that you guys didn't quite understand where I was going with it all.  Got it!  I knew those photos were going to present a genre of fashion that many of you have never been exposed to, which is why, toward the end of that post, I encouraged you guys to view the photos with a broader and more artistic eye.  High fashion photos such as those are what I call inspiration pics because they provide a wildly artistic and untamed image from which I can draw new & fresh ideas to incorporate into my wardrobe.  You may be wondering "how, on God's green earth, can I pull any of those pieces into my everyday wardrobe?" Fret not, fellas, because ya boy has your back as always.  When pulling ideas from high fashion images, you're not necessarily looking to duplicate the image in it's entirety.  Rather you're dissecting all of the different components of the shot and taking bits & pieces as the inspiration for your look.  "How do I do that?," you ask?  Below I've pulled a few of the photos from the Autumn post and have translated some of the components of each photo into pieces you'd wear as an everyday look as well as for more fashion forward occasions.  Let's get to it...

Main theme: Stark pieces in muted tones with a straight/linear cut and also either an elongated or shortened cut.

My Look: a boat-neck pullover (1st from left), a fitted blazer with horizontal stripes at the waist (2nd from left), or a long winter coat that falls at your lower-thigh and has with shaggy faux fur at the collar.

Main theme: Winter overcoats in bold colors/patterns, large buttons and cropped collars

My Look: a plaid zip-front coat or peacoat (black-on-red and black-on-gray would be easiest to find) with plain, long, linear stitching, large button detailing down the chest and collar that button close to the neck (a zip-front can also work, as well as smooth faux fur on the collar).      

.example:

Main theme: bold metallic pieces accented with pieces in softer tones.

My Look: a bold metallic blazer in mustard, gold or olive green (this is a very bold look, confidence is necessary!) paired with navy or dark pink trousers.  If a blazer is a bit to bold for your taste, you can opt for a sweater over a bold collar shirt (1st from left) or a muted tee with colored trousers.  The combinations are pretty much endless.

Main Theme: Monochromatic Checkered Patterns.  Slim, straight fit.

My Look: a sweater in bold checkered pattern but with muted tones like black, gray and navy (a small pop of color works like the fella on the right).  Keep the look anchored with straight, flat front, slightly high-waisted trousers.  The polished black lace-ups are a nice touch to any dark, casual ensemble.

Main Theme: '60s & '70s inspired cuts & textures, mostly dark earth tones.

My Look: This look is all about flair, both figuratively and literally, in that it's all about long lines and flaired collars and trousers.  Go for a thick wool sweater over a shirt with a pointed collar.  These trousers are dark and are cut high in the crotch and flair out around the ankle thus creating the look of long & lean legs.  I'm digging the side-zip boots with a bit of a sheen to them, they'll add funk especially when paired with slim, straight-leg trousers.  A quality peacoat is a classic finishing touch!

 Main Theme: Pattern-on-pattern over a white base, plush texture.

My Look: I'll admit I scratched my head on this photo, where do you even start?  Remember it's not about trying to be a replica of the photo, just take bits & pieces.  Pair patterned trousers with a pattern tie and a solid white shirt.  Rock a long, pattern jacket (cotton/faux fur lined adds texture) like the fella in the rear of the pic, it doesn't have to be worn with a total pattern ensemble if that's too detailed for yout taste.

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -UrbanGent