Layering the Classics: How To Redefine Sportswear and Make a Statement

By Ryan Wallace on September 25, 2012

When looking at the Fall/Winter collections for the back-to-school trends, the obvious choice is to look towards the more comfortable pieces; casual wear. But it’s often the most formal sportswear that provides the statement pieces for the start of the year, in all of the preppiest of ways.

Filled with fitted blazers, hand embroidered detailing, elegant layering, and formal trends that can be seen at some of the most affluent boarding schools worldwide, this Fall/Winter 2012 the collections of a variety of sportswear companies are bringing a fresh and preppy look to menswear in time for the start of another school year.

The trends are simple and chic, and even easier to recreate on a limited budget. The key is to spend on the essentials that you’ll need, and then redefine them by different layering every time.  Some pieces will be more costly than others, but by investing in high-quality statement pieces you can be sure to impress all throughout the fall.

What you will need:

*A fitted statement blazer. I typically suggest neutrals for the fall season, blacks and tans, but you can really make a statement by choosing bold deep blues or reds.

*A chunky sweater. Button-down or pullover, v-neck or turtle-neck.

*A simple button-down. Plain neutral colors, or a simple print.

*Some dark denim. Indigo and blacks are perfect, but keep in mind that to keep the cohesiveness of the outfit, they should be fitted and slim.

*An array of neckwear accessories from bowties to scarves!

Now the fun begins! Layering an outfit is no simple task, but the great part is that you rarely can go wrong. My main suggestion is to keep colors muted and neutral as your base, then leave accessories or your outerwear for the bold statement pieces.

Your statement pieces can come in the form of a bold blue or burgundy blazer, or simply a small bright bowtie that brings a bit of flare to your outfit. Looks like this mix and match suit from English Laundry are simple to put together from a variety of prints, but notice the statement made by the bowtie and how all of the boldness is contained within the confines of an impeccably tailored suit.

But this fall, with designers taking on a bit darker of an spin on a variety of trends, try to make bold statements with pieces not colors. Try an arrow bowtie to draw attention, a velvet blazer, or something even as simple as a contrasting polo because even in a world of black and white, there is still a place for a bold and fashionable man.

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