AESTHETIC ATHLETIC
Sportswear continues to outrun its competitors on the cat walk and leave the rest of us in the dust. Whether to do with Olympic fervour or a general love of everything track and field, the looks this season are enough to persuade us to go out and play.
Interestingly in the past the look has been primarily the sole domain of Alexander Wang, seen left, whereas now the trend has crossed the Atlantic with fresh appeal. Take inspiration from Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant with relaxed tailoring and luxe trackies. Early interpretations on the high street can be seen at ASOS and American Apparel with contrast trim trousers and sweat shirts. For real lovers of the trend take inspiration from Lanvin and go monochrome. However, to stop looking like you have just come from the gym, go for clean fresh make up and loose groomed hair. The result? A look that can take you from the lecture hall to cocktails in town.
Gentlemen’s fashion upholds the famous credo: who dares, wins. Opt for bright colours to encapsulate the trend, a look seen at both the DSquared and Burberry Prosum catwalks. For the less daring man go short this summer, all the menswear shows featured loosely tailored shorts stopping just above the knee, creating the rare look of stylish, on trend and practical.
PERFECTLY PAISLEY
Paisley has been a precarious fringe trend for sometime, but after a while in the wintery fashion wilderness, paisley has been welcomed back to the fold. Perpetuated by indie and psychedelic bands such as The Vaccines and TOY, paisley 
might have some dodgy 70’s connotations or remind you of childhood outfits hideous enough to provoke trauma, but please don’t reject it. Leading the new way forward was Jil Sander, notorious for their tailoring and pared down design, their use of the print can be seen as an affirmation that paisley is most definitely back. Make the most of paisley in your transitional wardrobe allowing you to incorporate some Spring (wherever that might be!) without freezing. Early high street contenders include House of Fraser’s reinvented Biba and French Connection.
A continuation of the print trend was big enough on the catwalk to evolve into its own style category. Forget everything you know- from classic 70’s shows to the Boden catalogue, paisley will not turn you into the next Christopher Plummer or the ‘trendy’ Dad. Paisley, much like the womanswear, is paired down in print, brighter in colour. With these modern basics you won’t look like a vintage junkie rather the sleek groomed man of Summer 2012. If buying into the trend, go for tailored pieces but no oversized collars or cuffs. Modernise and tone down a shirt with a cool pair of chinos, or toy playfully with the look with this JW Anderson vest under a denim shirt.
VINTAGE AMERICANA
The American Dream is always on the fashion horizon. Think of long lost days and longer country roads. The trend hinges on relaxed styles and a relaxed attitude; a denim jacket thrown on an oversized vest or some vintage clubman glasses with a cord collared shirt.
Vintage Americana demonstrates that 50’s pinup some of us have a hankering to be! However this time around think sleek rather than poufy prom-esque skirts. The trend was led by Prada who produced the covetable ‘muscle car’ motif – a look sure to dominate the high street. Other looks included, as seen at Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler and Valentino, preppy chic in pastels. When purchasing the trend this can be seen as a golden opportunity to go vintage! Or if this is not your thing look out for high waisted pencil and A-line skirts, as they are classic pieces. With classic pieces don’t be afraid to indulge a little as you will end up wearing them for seasons to come. For those with honed and toned abs- what about the exposed midriff? As a sleeker version of the peek-a-boo trend it gives just a hint without the need to expose everything.
When thinking Americana for Spring/Summer 2012 think of yourself as a modern day freeloader and not a frat-boy. Invest in tailored jackets and trousers, however to put that modern spin on it and to keep with this seasons laid-back vibe go for a softer silhouette with unlined jackets and low-rise trousers. If buying trousers this season, and you want to go for that teddy boy look, buy them cropped. The cropped trousers will take you everywhere this summer, as it plays a nice alternative to the traditional formal look- try out this pair from Topman for an easy style fix. To finalise your look the shirt/jacket is set to be the hottest item for Spring/Summer 2012. A variation of the new softer tailored look, this piece will update your wardrobe for the entire season.