Since the previous column focused on fashion faux pas made primarily by women -- I rarely see men making the mistake of wearing ponytails on the sides of their heads, socks with pumps or banana clips in their hair -- this week we'll focus on trendy summer menswear.
It's getting warmer out there and we all know what that means: the dreaded socks with sandals. Believe it or not, this is still a major no-no, because it still just looks yucky. The worst offenders will wear not only socks with sandals, but black socks, which makes it infinitely worse.
However, it is possible for a man to wear a sandal well, sans the socks. Banana Republic's Tafrout leather flip-flop ($68), Refined flip-flop ($68) and Tangier crisscross slide ($78) are casual but refined. J. Crew has Tulum leather thong sandals ($68), Tamarindo sandals ($78) and Belize sandals ($78), as well as yarn-dyed webbing flip-flops ($22.50), seersucker flip-flops ($24.50), Nubuck sport sandals ($29.50) and Nantucket flip-flops ($12.50), while Old Navy carries leather toe-wrap sandals ($19.50), men's cork flip-flops ($14.50), leather flip-flops ($14.50) and a variety of rubber and cloth flip-flops ($3.50-$9.50).
Then there's the oft-maligned man bag. Call it a man-purse if you want, but it's a far better fashion bet than wallet butt or -- shudder -- the fanny pack.
For the spendy man, Jack Spade (jackspade.com or Nordstrom), husband of the much-adored Kate Spade and brother of funny man David, carries the Unlined Bridle Leather Black Tool Bag ($495), the Black Field Bag ($495), the Prussian Blue Patrol Case ($395) or the Orange Patrol Case ($395).
Men's Express carries a canvas messenger bag with leather trim ($49.50) while Urban Outfitters carries styles from Lacoste (Nylon Messenger bag, $110), Diesel (Canvas Messenger, $130), and the plain old canvas messenger bag ($48). Target carries an urban messenger bag ($29.99), a Roma Atletica perforated messenger bag ($24.99) and a Mossimo messenger bag ($24.99). A variety of bags also can be found at www.internationalmale.com, including the Gravis yoga bag ($69), the road trip postal bag ($149) and the Hammad travel bag ($89).
Men's polo shirts also are in, and in a big way. Nordstrom carries a plethora of styles, including Puma Vintage Piqué polo shirts ($55), Lacoste Multistripe Piqué polo shirts ($95), 7 Diamonds "Here I Go Again" screen polo ($69), and Old Navy carries a variety of striped and solid polos ($14.50-$16.50).
Just when I thought the style was really, really gone, the '80s bad-cop aviator shades make another comeback. This style experienced a return to its heyday in women's stores over the past few years and is now making a strong appearance in men's stores. This time around, it's not even all about irony.
Express Men carries lots of styles ($29.50-$39.50), as does Ray-Ban (around $120). And this time around, the more ubiquitous the brow-bar, the better.
Speaking of Ray-Ban, the brand's classic Wayfarer (you know, "Risky Business") also has somehow made it back onto the men's fashion radar for about $89 new, although you know there have to be thousands of pairs of those things on eBay or at thrift shops for far less. Don't ask me how it happened, but I suppose if all manner of ill-conceived women's fashions can find a rebirth, the Wayfarer can, too.
I recall mentioning that metallic and glittery accessories are back in for women. Men, unless you're in a nightclub, avoid shiny clothing, and if even if you are in a nightclub, just say no. Please, we beg of you, just say no.
Maria Phelan is a reporter for the Green Valley and Henderson Views. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to mphelan@viewnews.com.
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