10 Style Tips Real Guys Can Learn From Pitti Uomo

What the massive Italian menswear tradeshow can teach you about looking good.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

uomo

Not Available Interstitial

Image: StreetFSN

The 81st iteration of massive menswear tradeshow Pitti Uomo is underway in Florence, Italy. If you've been keeping up with blogs, twitter, and tumblr feeds of the #menswear-obsessed, you're probably aware of it. The thing is, most of these clothes won't even hit stores for months, and let's be honest — we'll never be able to afford a lot of these costly designer duds.

That doesn't mean there aren't a few things we can glean from the numerous photos of stylish guys and press previews of upcoming collections. For us regular dudes, the takeaways we can get aren't to duplicate the looks by buying the same exact things, but get a feel for what's hot and make it our own — either by wearing the clothes we already have differently, or seeking out similar, more affordable alternatives. For those of us who aren't big shot buyers or respected fashion editors, here's 10 Style Tips Real Guys Can Learn From Pitti Uomo.

texture

Not Available Interstitial

Image: StreetFSN

10. Texture

Fabrics like tweed and corduroy are classically casual, and known for having a distinct feel. We're noticing a lot of coats and outerwear with a slubby, rumpled look — think of your favorite knit sweater after a few months, when the fabric is all pilled. That rugged, worn-in characteristic adds a laid-back vibe to any outfit, whether paired with a denim jacket or shirt and tie. Think about rocking a corduroy blazer or pair of tweed pants to bring a little Italian flair into your kit.

shawl

Not Available Interstitial

Image: Josh Peskowitz

9. Shawl Collars

A shawl collar like this — with a rounded shape, is a little more formal than the notched lapels you normally see on outerwear like peacoats. It's a classy look made popular by the smoking jackets rocked by Hugh Hefner and numerous tuxedos. Any guy can put one on and all of a sudden look a little more luxurious. This shawl collar peacoat from Rag & Bone is a perfect example.

backpack

Not Available Interstitial

Image: Justin Chung

8. Simple Backpacks

A military-inspired rucksack is ten times more stylish than the JanSport you had in middle school and the technical bag you use for camping. It's a great balance of masculine design and modern practicality. Plus you won't look like you just got out of class.

casual

Not Available Interstitial

Image: The Sartorialist

7. The New Casual

Here's the men's fashion world's big secret: we don't dress up in shirts and ties all the time. That doesn't mean you'll catch us outside in a velvet sweatsuit or ill-fitting jeans. The new casual is all about simplicity and subtlety. Dark colors, untucked shirts that are still slim but not tight, cuffed pants that are just a little uneven, shoes that toe the line between formal and casual, and versatile parkas that can be thrown on over anything.

camo

Not Available Interstitial

Image: StreetFSN

6. A Pop of Camo

Yeah, yeah, camo is everywhere. That doesn't make it any less cool. Throw on a camo shirt jacket as a layer underneath a denim jacket or a chunky sweater. Bring it all together with a simple blue oxford shirt to anchor the look. Pops of camo are also prevalent in upcoming collections from Italian brands like L.B.M. 1911.

patternmix

Not Available Interstitial

patternmix2

Not Available Interstitial
Image: Grazia

4. Advanced Pattern Mixing

Feeling bold? Mix crazy patterns like camo and fair isle, or navajo print and plaid. It's the same philosophy as before — looking like you know what you're doing. Mostly, it's about having the balls to do it in the first place. If you have to ask if you're pulling it off — you're not.

cuffing

Not Available Interstitial
Image: Guerreisms

3. Cuffing Season

Here's a trend that's not going anywhere soon. Slim, cuffed pants are easy to pull off, make sure they stop a little before your shoe so you can show off your cool socks for the ladies. Or just go sockless... if that's your thing.

patches

Not Available Interstitial
Image: Jak and Jil

2. Elbow Patches

Elbow patches are one way to add instant style points to any garment. You can order them online and have a tailor put them on a blazer, cardigan, or sweater for under 20 bucks. If you ever wanted to breathe new life into something you haven't worn in forever, put some patches on it. A beat-up, slim-fitting jean jacket or military-inspired shirt with elbow patches is a next-level move your boys won't give you shit for.

accessories

Not Available Interstitial

Image: Grazia

1. Bright Accessories

We already told you that bright gloves are a winter style risk worth taking, and it seems we're not alone in that mentality. Red gloves or bright bags add some vibrant colors to an otherwise drab cold weather wardrobe. Should you rock both at the same time like this guy? Maybe on the weekend, not the workplace.

Latest in Style