Versace is one of those unmistakable names in fashion that always scream 'luxury', the same ones that conjure images of weirdly cut pants and uncomfortable jackets. The Italian label’s collection for spring and summer of this year, however, yields some basic facts about dressing in the heat. Here are some of the lessons you should pick up without having to spend too much.
Embrace the V-Neck
Men’s fashion is stuck with countless traditions, like the one that says the manly man is one dressed to the hilt, in a shirt, necktie and suit. Versace, however, seems to want to buck this edict. V-necks are the name of the Versace game, and it’s looking like a very comfortable and summer-friendly game indeed.
Don’t be afraid to bare a bit more skin with a v-neck tee. After all, it’s one of the few skin-flashing styles that you can pull off without a gym-built body. You can afford to show off a little more neck, throat and collarbone even when you lack pecs, abs and all the other features of the standard Abercrombie model.
The fashion house was also kind enough to show how men ought to choose and wear a v-neck tee. Look for simple, un-printed ones, preferably with a neutral or light color so that there’s little to distract a viewer from all the extra skin you’re showing. Baring the extra skin is dramatic enough, so you can let that make the style statement for you.
Necklace Knowledge
Complementing Versace’s v-necks for the season is an expansive range of necklaces. Now, that’s a daunting style challenge for most men, especially since guys don’t do jewelry beyond watches, cuff links and wedding bands.
There is, however, a very good reason for you to take a stab at wearing necklaces in the summer. In the fall, you can create a very interesting outfit by layering different styles over each other. With the high temperatures of summer, layers aren’t really a realistic prospect. Jewelry and other accessories like necklaces give your outfit some personality without adding any weight – or layers, for that matter – on your body.
For guys, one or two necklaces is usually enough. Something masculine like a dog tag, or simple like a small pendant on a hefty chain, will do the trick. If you want to take them to the next level, however, wear your necklaces the way Johnny Depp wears his – all at the same time. It’s a quick and painless way to give your outfit an artsy, Bohemian feel.
Sheer Genius
Partially transparent and sheer clothing is yet another style minefield for a lot of men. Keeping your torso visible isn’t a very popular look for guys, whatever the season. The House of Versace, however, shows you how this could actually be pulled off.
Unless you’re going to a rave party, sheer styles simply cannot stand by themselves; you’ll look too much like a fashion victim from the 80’s. Balance out the transparency with opaque pieces – another shirt, say, or a jacket – to keep your exposure down to a tasteful amount. It’s reasonable to want to show small flashes of skin; it’s garish to display your whole chest to the rest of the world.
This kind of aesthetic is very hard to pull off if you have a less than ideal body, so it’s something you’ll want to think about before you try it. If you have a pigeon chest, say, or man-breasts, some time at the gym might be in order. Otherwise, there’s a number of less body-conscious styles out there for you to try this summer.
Remember that you don’t necessarily have to do all these combinations using brand name clothing. Versace is still firmly on the higher end of the fashion market. Once you know what makes each ‘look’ work, however, you should be able to recreate them using even the most plebian of wardrobes.
