Fall-Winter 2016: Men in Uniform

A visit to the Macy's on State Street in Chicago reveals that the flavour of the season for men is military silhouettes. And if that sounds like the usual machismo associated with the well toned army men, there is no denying that men in uniform do trigger a lot of fantasy.

Decoding men fashion is no less difficult then the ones of the women, but stylists say military shades are trending. Definitely the military style marked by camouflage print is back in the fashion circuit this season.

According to fashion experts, the military style is no flash in the pan and they are back in vogue in the autumn/winter collections.

"This season the fashion formula for men is military inspired silhouettes in olive green, gray, black and blue," says Patty Manglano, fashion stylist, Macy's, Chicago State Street.

So while the eight floors of retail space here in this iconic Chicago address is also about unparalleled merchandise selection, unique restaurants and architectural wonders like the Great Clocks and Tiffany Ceiling, for the studs who want to strut their stuff, the trends of the fall season is visible here in the collections.

While military silhouettes are ruling the season, copper tones are also the colours that are trending. According to Macy's in Chicago, a blend of copper, rust and sun-kissed orange intrinsically feel like fall and make everyone eagerly wait for the changing colours of leaves and the cooler climes.

Associate Style Editor of British GQ Nick Carvell in his article on the men's shows at London Collections Men, and in Milan and Paris writes: "While there was a strong representation of your traditionally autumnal navies, blacks, grays and dark greens, the colour that really stood out at the shows was copper. Replenish your stocks of the rich, orangey-brown shade now."

In  outlets like State Street Macy's you will find a lot of copper tones in the micro-suede bomber jackets that have arrived. You can wear those jackets with long-sleeve woven shirt.

So are the suede puffer vest over Chevron sweater. Or you can go for puffer vest over flannel shirt in cotton. or may be a thermal top under a flannel shirt and over it a vest in copper tone. Cargo khakis are popular too this season.

Besides military and copper, gray continues to inspire fashion designers for men's sartorial statement.

According to Macy's stylists, it is timeless and a bit understated. Macy's trend report says the newest shades of this versatile palette possess an unexpected amount of nuance and life thanks to undertones of green, brown and blue. So a gray suit is also considered a must have.

But autumnal navies are not out of fashion either. "The classic go-to hue is stepping up and out this season. Shades of blue are certain to look sharp and feel fresh- whether in heard to toe tonal suits or as an electirfying accent,"says the trend report of Macy's.

According to Patty Manglano, there are lots of brands to choose from.  "You can get the latest from brands like Tommy Hilfiger, G H Bass & Co, American Rag, Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein, Dockers, among others," she says.

Must Haves for the Fall-Winter for Men

Military Jacket with utility boot
Slim Cargo Pant with Henley (collarless pullover shirt, characterized by a placket beneath the round neckline)
Military jacket with henley shirt
Military jacket with Slim Cargo Pant
Gray Suit
Purple Dress Shirt with solid tie
Utility boot

Images shot at Macy's at State Street, Chicago