Top 10 menswear trends for 2010

Sometimes I have dreams of dressing exclusively in men’s clothing. Whenever I go shopping with my hubby — which, let me tell you, is about as rare as an honest politico — I end up buying a few things for myself, too. The John Varvatos and Thom Browne lines make me drool. There’s something about the subtle complexity and the whisper of high luxe that these brands offer that make me want to promptly ditch my five-inchers in exchange for some cool mocs or spiffy oxfords. I don’t have the frame to carry men’s trousers, nor the wrist girth to wear men’s timepieces, but I settle for some tees and jackets and lots and lots of hats. So every season, I keep close watch on the men’s runway collections, pretending like I have to do it for work. Mainly, though, I’m just gleefully entranced. Here are my top 10 trends in menswear for 2010.

Escapism

This is all about traveling and adopting diverse looks along the way. It’s laid-back with a hint of exotic. Key looks: shorts layered over leggings, tunic shirts, draped jersey tops, sleeveless tunic shirts, unstructured fine-gauge knits

The new tailoring

Designers played with soft layering, using the unstructured suit as their base. Key looks: unpadded shoulder line, soft suits, wrinkled suits, easy blazers, full-legged pant shapes, unstructured shorts

Sun-bleached neutrals

Explores a palette of subtle sun-bleached neutrals like bone, ivory, sand and soft dusty skin tones. This look works best when colors are layered together in tonal dressing.

Checks

This is an evolution from past season’s tartans and plaids. It’s a look that can be grunge or preppy, depending how you carry it and accessorize.

Weightless transparency

Menswear lightens up. Transparency worked in everything from tailoring to shirts, tops and outerwear. Fabrics include semi-sheer organzas, techno-nylon blends and super-fine muslins.

Print and pattern play

Time to throw out the rulebook. Watch out for mosaic and tile-inspired patterns, repetitive graphics, woodblock-style motifs, tie-dyes, dip-dyes and flora and fauna imagery.

New jersey

Jersey is a key fabric trend for 2010. This trend updates the basic polo shirt. And innovative fabrics like viscose and devoré worked into softly-swathed tops and shorts are key looks. Watch out for liquid metallic jersey and burn-outs. We’re going to be seeing lots of new interpretations of the basic T.  Suddenly, 100-percent cotton will seem so primitive.

Mesh and perforation

One of my favorite trends from the runways was the use of mesh and perforation seen on cotton, jersey, basic knits and even on leather. I heart Prada’s mesh vest.

Collaged

Designers experimented with piecing and patching to create a play on color, pattern and texture. Optical illusions and trompe l’oeil patterns were the results of combining unexpected fabrics together.

Retro denim invasion

Designers move away from the over-bleached and distressed finishes to more retro-inspired classic dark-rinse finishes — a great revival look that can be paired with a structured blazer or a V-neck tee.

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For questions or comments, e-mail me at Top10for2010@gmail.com.