Dressed Down Trousers

Another season, another set of fashion weeks have come and gone. Designers showed off their latest collections, trends were predicted and hundreds of lenses shuttered as models and regular people alike tried to look natural on the streets of the world’s fashion capitals.
Personally, one of my favourite menswear events that I look forward to each season is New York Fashion Week (NYFW) – and September’s SS15 showcase didn’t disappoint.
But instead of previewing the key trends or pieces that we will be wearing next summer (as this is always covered in depth by FashionBeans anyway), I thought I’d bring you a rundown of my five favourite looks sported by the stylish individuals with invites in their hands and nodding looks of approval on their face – i.e. industry experts, menswear personalities and celebrities.
There were plenty of street style photos to choose from and it was hard to narrow down, but I just about managed it. As you will see, I tried to pick a wide selection of looks that highlight all the key elements of great style, while still leaving room for alterations and individual interpretation.
So let’s get to it…

Look 1: Dressed Down Trousers

Image Credit: Tommy Ton For GQ.com

I’ve started with this photo because it sums up NYFW SS15 perfectly. With temperatures reaching the mid-twenties, it was all about trying to beat the heat by thinking outside the box. Both of the gentlemen above are doing different things to stay cool and stand out at the same time.
Firstly, they’ve nailed the fit of their clothes, which is always priority number one. It will instantly elevate any look to the next level. Secondly, they’re showing how versatile navy suit trousers can really be, especially if they’re in a seasonal material like linen or wool.
If your trousers are comfortable and keep you cool/warm (depending on the season), why not wear them as often as you can? You can either create a business-casual vibe by pairing them with a shirt, tie and fitted denim jacket [left] or keep things simple by throwing a cotton crew neck over the top in a neutral colour such as grey, white or black [right].
But what really makes these outfits great are the finer details: the two very different document holders; the key chains; the neckerchief; the rolled up sleeves; the bracelets – these are all things that can add a point of difference to an otherwise standard look and help make it your own.
You could always swap the suit trousers for some neutral chinos, if you’d prefer, while the denim jacket could be substituted for a bomber, Harrington or leather biker and would still look just as good. A casual jacket adds a nice contrast to any smart look, instantly relaxing the overall aesthetic.
Finally, if crew necks aren’t your thing, a v-neck jumper, shawl neck cardigan or cable/waffle knit would work just as well in the right hand look.