Men's fashions don't show much change from last year
By Ryan D. McGee Special to the Kansan
If men don't know what to wear this spring, they should try last year's casual styles and a sport coat. But not both at the same time — fashion has not changed that much.
While men's casual fashion during the past few years seems to have gone straight from reliving the '60s to revamping the '70s, with a stop at grunge station along the way, one major trend that won't dominate the world of men's fashion this year, several Lawrence clothing retailers said.
One interesting mix that is popular is a "surfer-grunge look," said Greg Schroeder, manager of The Buckle, 805 Massachusetts St. This look mixes the screen-printed T-shirts and loose-knit, washed-out shorts essential to the West Coast surfwear. The shorts have been popular in the past with the more current plaid flannels and loose fits straight from the pages of the grunge textbook.
Mix in some good old down-home Midwestern influence, and you get a typical outfit: a polo-style shirt layered over a T-shirt, both untucked, worn with a pair of knit plaid shorts in a relaxed, rag-tag way.
Jeremy Furse, owner of Britches Corner, 843 Massachusetts St., said relaxed also was the way to go in other sorts of men's casuals this year. Furse said
relaxed and baggy-fit clothing "started as a fashion, then people noticed it was comfortable."
The influence of outdoor-oriented styles that were popular last year is present this year as well. Win Campbell, owner of Campbell's Clothing, 841 Massachusetts St., said the utility and comfort of outdoor-style clothing was popular.
For dressier outfits this spring, men should not throw away all those ties with flowers, fish or Elvis on them just yet, although the trend is moving toward more conservative ties.
Dressing up in fashion this spring also means the revival of sport coats.
"Sport coats have been what we call a dead item for the past four to five years," Furse said. "You're going to see that totally reverse over the next three seasons."
And if men want a full-blown suit coat, double-breasted coats, which currently represent about 20 percent of the suitcoat market, are getting more popular Campbell said.
Whether single- or double-breasted, coats are moving toward a more tailored look, both Campbell and Furse said. While the fit will remain relaxed, Campbell said, coats are getting trimmer, giving the wearer a more defined silhouette and a style with more longevity than the baggy coats of recent fads.
Accessories add spice to last spring's fashions
By Deborah Bohrer Special to the Kansan
KU students should hold onto their credit cards — a new chic spring wardrobe for women may cost less than they think.
And they don't need to worry about the stylized fashions of yesterday. Today's individualized look is new for the '90s.
Last year's fashions for women are still in, with a few exceptions. Adding just a few new articles and accessories can spice up last year's spring fashions and help women students avoid the expense of a whole new wardrobe.
"Neutral colors are popular," Young said. Women should not be too quick to toss aside last season's baby-doll dress. The dress was also high on Young's list of fashions. Simply adding new accessories, such as a choker necklace or a cropped denim jacket, provides a whole new look to an old outfit.
Muted shades of green and blue and earth tones, including taupe and tan, are popular this spring.
A knit, tight-ribbed "poor-boy" shirt is an essential part of any spring wardrobe, said Elizabeth Young, owner of Cleopatra's Closet, 743 Massachusetts St. Whether worn under a jacket or with a pair of cut-off jeans, this is an easy way to incorporate this spring's colors, which reflect much of last year's style.
"Any length is fine, so it depends on your personal taste," Young said.
Jana Blackburn, an assistant manager at Maurice's, 708 Massachusetts St., agreed that a variety of lengths were in style this spring. But she said that fashions were getting shorter.
Silk and knit fabrics are also big this year and can give an outfit of the pasta '90s look. Palazzo pants, wide-leg pants popular in past eras, once again are dominating the fashion industry.
"I like being comfortable, but I'm not big on sweats," said Christy Cain, Topeka junior. "So Palazzo pants are perfect."
Jackets and vests, with or without a blouse, often are coupled with these pants.
Jan Hammerschmidt, manager of Saffees, 922 Massachusetts St., said that because some jackets and vests were lined, they were a practical purchase. The lining allows the jackets and vests to be worn in different seasons.
However, some of the popular vest styles this spring have a lighter look. Many are knit or crocheted out of natural-colored thread and range in price from $20 to $30 at Saffees.
If women want to spruce up a jacket or vest that they already own, pull that poet's blouse with the large ruffles out of the closet. This type of blouse is still very hip and can transform a plain jacket into a current spring fashion.
By simply mixing a wardrobe this way, it is possible for women to create some of the newest looks. Combine last year's fashion and save a trip to the mall.
April 6, 1994 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN SPRING FASHION
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