Ruly Ruth on MEN’s Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Trends

Ruth received a complaint last year that she was leaving out men in her fashion analyses.  So welcome to the first Ruly Ruth on men’s fashion trends blog post!

Since we both don’t know very much about men’s fashion and our spouses dress more in a classic, unaware-of-fashion way, we had to consult another source for guidance.

Esquire magazine produces their own list of spring/summer menswear looks. Read here for their best looks of spring/summer 2012.

I edited these down to trends the average man might consider wearing if he were to pay any attention to fashion at all. And read on for Ruth’s take.

**Please note that when it comes to fashion there are many opinions out there.  I included all of the items below because I think they are fashionable.  As you can see, Ruth and I do not always agree.

Maritime blue

Esquire indicates that maritime blue (a medium to light ocean shade of blue) is the menswear color of spring/summer 2012. They like it worn with masculine colors like brown. It would be a shame if you happen to have blue eyes and you don’t wear this trend.

	Ruly Ruth says: “This particular version is a super casual shirt—only for casual weekends and silicon valley!
	Ruly Ruth says: “Hmmm….hate this version of this shirt. Not tailored enough at all–looks sloppy!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “too casual–see the first one.”

Ruly Ruth says: “I PREFER–IN various blue themes:”

Mustard yellow

A dark mustard yellow color called “dusty marigold” is another trending color for men. Esquire indicates that these tones of yellow are the best way to wear yellow in general for men.

Ruly Ruth says: “I HATE THIS COLOR–SO DON’T WEAR THIS PLEASE!~ And if you do–don’t be seen with me!”

Military colors

A military-inspired color palette of sand, army green (although we know that in the U.S. it is really army blue!) and grey are popular.

Ruly Ruth says: “I am a Marine Corps wife—and proud of it–here’s my skinny on the take of the military look to popular appeal. The Exchanges on military base created a line called 1775—it’s truly inspired by military and appropriate for civilian wear. They need to make it mainstream because it would be a huge hit!!”

	Ruly Ruth says: “I really really like this masculine color–I hate this shirt. It looks raggedy and unfinished.”
	Ruly Ruth says: “My husband would love these–they are really high-priced–but I love them!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “I like these—make them in the green seen above and we have a deal!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “This looks like it belongs on a ’50s military uniform–and not in a good way. NO!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “I LIKE THIS A LOT!!!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “Gray–not a military color, really. And I don’t like this color–if you do wear it–make it into a complete suit with jacket and place the Robert Graham Rattler shirt mentioned above under it! Now dark gray–is a different story…

Colorblocking

Bright pops of orange and yellow on otherwise neutral colors like burgundy and khaki are a trend. The accents are subtle and appear on small trim areas like the cuffs of polo shirts and the soles of otherwise ordinary-looking dress shoes. Occasionally, some bold choices like orange pants but toned down with a navy shirt and jacket.

	Ruly Ruth says: “Fabulous–the hipper bunch will wear the orange stripe–but great classic shirt–definitely pops!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “Too much orange for me–but love the concept!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “My husband owns shirts just like this–they are his classic go-tos!!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “LOVE IT–again my husband owns these. Fabulous!”

Motorcycle/James Dean Jackets

While men like my husband will probably claim that when it comes to warm weather fashion, a jacket is simply too “hot” to even consider wearing, he would like the fact that motorcycle jackets are in vogue.

Ruly Ruth says: “I have to agree with Anne’s hubby—these are cool-weather items.”

	Ruly Ruth says: “Extremely stylish–love it!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “Very European–not classic in material–perfect for clubbing and hipsters.”
	Ruly Ruth says: “I HATE VINYL CLOTHING–don’t buy this! Looks cheap!”

Striped and Colorblock Swim Trunks

Bright, bold swim trunks in striped patterns are hot for the beach or the pool.

Ruly Ruth says: “My son just bought a Volcom pair similar to these—so cute! Love this look–hope it lasts for a very long time!”

	Ruly Ruth says: “Simple, classic.”
	Ruly Ruth says: “Mmmmm…teenagers will love these with the neon. That and San Francisco! (and my friend’s Dermatologist–another hipster-type!)”
	Ruly Ruth says: “Actually–I hate this one–the cut is too short. Go longer but keep the colors!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “LOVE IT! Everything Victorinox makes is golden!!
	Ruly Ruth says: “Love love love it!”

Ethnic/Tribal prints

The print trend applies to men too. Patterns reminiscent of indigenous peoples are in fashion.

	Ruly Ruth says: “I love jewelry on men–yet I married a man who never wears stuff like this. But I love it! Go for it!!”
	Ruly Ruth says: “HATE THIS SHIRT! But love the tribal tattoos–not I have a single one of any tattoo sort–nor desire one–but I love the look.”

So there you have it! Our inaugural men’s fashion guide. How did we do, men? Would you wear any of these fashions? Ladies, what is your take on mustard yellow? Is this a color that men like but ladies don’t? Please share in the comments.