Mainstream or madness, I'll let you decide.

So, for those of you who don't know, I was lucky enough to get a placement in New Look's menswear buying department a couple of weeks ago, giving me a great insight into what I am hoping to be a future career. It did not disappoint; much of it was new to me but aspects were how I imagined it. Being in the menswear department was completely new to me however, but it gave me the opportunity to learn much more about the differences in trends and styles compared to womenswear. Hence, due to my inside knowledge of this autumn's and next summer's trends, I thought I would be kind and share it all with you! I'm sorry girls for focusing on men AGAIN, but hey, I'm sure boyfriends, brothers, friends etc would be grateful for the tips!


Flat Peak Caps (Yeh, one of those. I didn't know the proper name for them before either.)

With sportswear being a key trend at the moment with the Olympics approaching, sporty accessories are around now and here to stay for the rest of the year. These caps are being advertised profusely by celebs such as UK trendsetter Labrinth and rapper Wiz Khalifa, though Bieber obviously saw this trend coming a while back seen as he's been wearing one constantly since 2009...

I know it looks like it could be hard to pull off, but you're going to see them everywhere soon. Trust.



Leather


I don't want to scare you with the thought that all men are going to be walking around like these guys below, so I will point out now that it's merely ASPECTS of leather coming through this autumn/winter. Below is Yves Saint Laurent's edgy collection of tailored suits, jackets and trousers, with a large helping of leather.

The highstreet is pushing the leather accessories which are easier to work into outfits, such as bags, biker boots and boat shoes, though leather panelling and the classic leather jacket are there for the more confident. Topman is a great place to go for leather pieces; all the items below are currently on sale there.

Bow ties

 

Absolutely loving this trend. Before my placement I never really saw the appeal, but I have slowly grown to like them. Bow ties are going to be a must-have this autumn; just look at the celebrities already embracing the bows...



Quirky, colourful and fun, they're definitely worth a try next season. Go smart with a shirt and blazer, or casual with a short sleeve check shirt and jeans. Bow ties are no longer for just the preppy guys; they're versatile and show great character.

Onesies


Okay here's my thing. Onesies for men = giant babies. Kinda creeps me out, but I have been assured they will be popular this winter for lounging around the house. Still not convinced? No, neither am I, but thought I'd make a point of it anyway.

New Look are bringing in a range of animal themed onesies (not for everyone...) as well as some more stylish fairisle designs. Though their glow in the dark skeleton onesie is one to look out for! Topman have a range of jersey onesies, though being hoodless they actually look even more like baby grows...River Island are also in on the act, so it's got to be a sure thing right? I'll let you make your own minds up about that.