Debenhams has revealed that a style of dress straight from Britain's building sites is now causing a sensation on high fashion catwalks around the world.Jeans, often torn, tucked into partially untied boots, worn together with tight men's t-shirts and stubble - the clothes worn by thousands of labourers, carpenters and digger drivers all over the UK - has created a powerful sales force over the last year, Debenhams sales figures reveal. Even world famous celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Seal are now copying the ultra masculine style, known as 'working man chic'.
Balmain fall 2011
Debenhams director of menswear buying, Paul Baldwin said: "Somewhere out there is a labourer whose dress sense started the whole thing off. The trend has created a billion pound men's clothing industry - but he probably doesn't know it." Debenhams sales of working man style men's boots have leapt by 106 percent in the last two months alone. Lumberjack style shirts, braces, and jeans with multiple pockets - classic clothing for the building trade - have also rocketed by 270 percent, 114 percent and 139 percent respectively since January.
Balmain fall 2011
The style has even appeared in Spring/Summer 2011 collections from leading designers such as Dolce and Gabbana.Paul Baldwin continued: "When demand began to rise three years ago, we first thought it was caused by genuine working men buying their working clothes from our stores."However, when the trend spread quickly to stores where a high percentage of our customers are young and fashion conscious, we realised that the style was moving from the building sites to the high street, pubs and clubs.
Balmain fall 2011
"We believe that the sudden popularity of 'working man chic' may say something about the changing role of men in society."For the last two decades, fashion conscious men wanted to look like successful city slickers."Now, when times are hard and banking has lost its appeal, they want to be seen as rugged but very dependable - the sort of man who has a large tool box as well as a warm heart."'Working man chic' has also found favour with leading pop groups such as JLS, the Wanted and teen heart-throb Zac Efron.
LONDON, Paris, New York, Milan... when it comes to fashion week, women's trends always soak up the spotlight. But fashion matters to men – and this season there’s a plethora of hot new looks to suit every type of guy.There used to be a time when a man could coast his way through spring in the same old hoodie and jeans. But this year menswear has been given a stylish makeover.
Prep for spring; Capture the old school look with this spring's interpretation of the classic preppy style (blame Glee). Crisp and clean, mix chinos, polos, blazers and college-knits. Turned-up jeans, buttoned up cardies and shirts are wardrobe musts.
Cotton is the number one fabric for blazers, tailored shirts and chino trousers -- worn rolled at the hem and partnered with deck shoes, espadrilles or loafers. Add a retro bowling-style bag or a weekend bag -- the bigger the better. Military shirts, satchels, kit bags and a khaki biker jacket will update your wardrobe without going too far down the freshly laundered route.
And finally- do not forget to finish your look off with some shades and this spring's must-have straw trilby hats which are everywhere on the high street to give the nautical vibe an edgier spin. Finish off your look with a few chic accessories. Go ahead, guys; it's high time you got noticed.
1. The fold wallet:Like a money clip, the fold wallet is a must-have accessory for any guy. It's a great way to tote around your ID, bank and credit cards in a slim, fashionable way. Sure, you can opt for classic black or brown, but why not add a splash of colour with a bold hue -- or go all out with a patent leather original.
2. Vibrant tie:A fashion staple since the dawn of time, the tie is one of those accessories that will never go out of style -- providing you stay on top of the latest trends. This year it's all about the bold plaid tie. I'm not talking about the electric hues that dominate the hipster wardrobe -- think deep greens, rich yellows and royal blue.
3. Dark-framed sunglasses:Speaking of hipsters, I've personally grown tired of the neon- and white-framed sunglasses they all seem to sport, so it is with open arms that I embrace this year's trend, which is an oldie but a goodie. The classic black-framed Ray-Ban Wayfarer's are back and are one of the essential spring/summer items for 2011. Simple, classic and stylish.
4. Punchy pocket squares:Pocket squares have moved from stuffy to stylish in the past few years as more and more business types opt to add a little oomph to their suits. Simple solid hues will always remain classics, but patterned pocket squares take the look to a whole new level.
5. The men's scarf:Guys always seem a bit hesitant when it comes to this trendy accessory, mostly, I think, because they aren't quite sure how to wear one. It's simple: just loosely wrap and go. Look for lightweight scarves that are a bit longer.
6 .The finishing touches: If you really want to push the envelope, try canvas belts in eye- popping colours and trilby hats.
