Menswear gets an Italian-style makeover

In the world of fashion, menswear often comes second place to the fast-changing world of women’s fashion. Why? Is it because men are much happier to wear the same jeans they’ve been wearing for five years? The much loved, well-worn trainers they can’t quite bear to part with? Or is it just that menswear, especially on the high street, doesn’t actually change that much from year to year?

But hang on gentlemen, things are changing; and before you settle back into that favourite jeans and shirt combo, consider taking a leaf from the Italian menswear style book – because this season, that’s exactly where it’s at.

Italian style is all about sharp silhouettes coupled with a cool laid back attitude. The smart camel-coloured chinos paired with boating shoes look has been around for a few years now, so it’s little wonder that Italian influences are creeping into the UK menswear scene even more. To take it up a notch, try layering outfits from the same colour palette, like in our example (from Moss) above.

So, for instance, a crisp summery jacket in a biscuit tone would look great teamed with a shirt in a darker coffee-coloured shade. It may sound rather 1970s in your head, but when done right, with a well-tailored jacket and shirt, and no garish kipper tie in sight, it really works. Plus, it’s a look that’s yet to be embraced by absolutely everyone. So, if you like to stand out from the crowd but prefer to do it without being seen as totally ‘wacky’, this subtle matching of colours could be a look to embrace.

What’s also great about Italian style is that the essence of it is mostly concerned with how you wear a particular look. You don’t have to turn up to work on a Lambretta, but you do need to wear your outfit with attitude. Italian style is all about confidence, and knowing what works for your body shape. It’s about having a bit of fun with your clothes, and not being afraid to do things a little bit differently. It’s also a fan of detail. Different coloured buttons on the cuff of a classic suit adds a sense of fun, a bold splash of colour on a vintage-style cravat will add a pop of colour, and a pair of long-length chino shorts will keep a jacket and shirt informal in the summer months.

Pictured product is the Ventuno 21 Slim Fit Light Grey Suit from Moss, layered with the Ventuno 21 Slim Fit Single Cuff End On End Grey Formal Shirt and accessorised with the Ventuno 21 Black and White Stripe Tie.