Brian Maynor March 5, 2014
March 5, 2014
March 5, 2014
After years of seeing everything embrace the ‘slim-fit’, ‘tailored’ and bodyconscious trend this spring we will get a breath of freshness withsofter, relaxed, generous cuts and the introduction of the new ‘slouchysilhouette’.
Say farewell to the stiff, fitted and slim linesof Mad Men and hello to the softer fluid lines, longer unconstructedblazers and roomier pants reminiscent of American Gigolo. It isimportant to point out that this trend is not about being shapeless,boxy or oversized. There remains an elegance with this new style withvery clear lines and definition, they just happen to be more fluid thanstiff. Here are some tips and ideas on making this new look work foryou:
1. The blazer. The focal point of the newsuiting, this blazer is all about softer lines in fabrics that cascadelike water. This is a rapid departure from the stiffer, close-cut,crisp look of the past few years, but not all of the rules have beenabandoned. There are three main points to focus on when distinguishingthis look from the past.
The shoulders, while still strong, withthe new trend they follow a more natural slope instead of a hardstraight line. They will also tend to extend slightly beyond yournatural shoulder line.
The cut still follows your shape and sets off your waist, but now it is more generous through the torso andarms. Gone are the extra-slim arms and high armholes. The new blazerhas wider arms with a larger armhole giving the piece a more relaxedlook.
The overall length of the jacket has risen over the yearsfrom covering your butt to sitting at your hips. The new trend has them falling on your lower hip. If middle of the hip is ideal, the newjacket sits just below that, but still not fully covering your butt.
2. The pants. This season we see looser cut pants that stillmanage to keep theirshape and definition. While the new pants are roomier through the hipsand thighs they are not tapered, rather they fall in a straight cut. The full width leg makes hemming them paramount. If they are too shortyou look like you’re wearing high waters, and if they are too long youlose the elegance and just look frumpy and unkempt.
Along withthis trend we will see the pajama pant return in full force for casualwear as well as longer Bermuda shorts. There is also one trend Ihate to mention, but we are seeing a return of pleats. While they maywork great in other forms, I still find pleated pants unflattering. Ican only hope that part of the trend passes quickly.
3. Fabrics. This is the last piece of the trend puzzle. To create the fluid look,the fabrics must be soft yet heavy enough to hang and drape. That means you want to look for treated wools, silks and blends of the two. Avoid anything stiff and rigid like cotton and canvas, especially if you optfor pleats. The idea is that the fabrics fall and flow effortless likewater.
As the temperatures start to rise this trend will keep you cool and airy, which is perfect for summer in the South. It also works great for all generations and seems ideal for everyone who wants luxury and comfort.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches inthe Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
