We Asked 12 Men To Style Hawaiian Shirts And This Is What Happened
Hawaiian shirts are totally ~cool for the summer~. They're light, colorful, and an easy way for any guy to incorporate fun prints into his wardrobe. To highlight their greatness, we asked 12 New York-based fashion gurus to show us how they style a Hawaiian. They prove Hawaiian shirts are so much more than your dad's vacation staple.
“Hawaiian shirts were first made with the excess fabric from women’s muumuus. In Hawaii the shirts are formalwear; people will wear them to work in place of a suit. They're the reason we have 'Casual Friday.' The shirts are about embracing patterns in general, and come in everything from postcard to automobile prints—or in this case, Star Wars.
The inspiration for my look was Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo and Juliet. I'm imagining him on a Verona beach writing in his diary smoking a cigarette..."
How To Incorporate The Aloha Shirt, The Year's Most Surprising Fashion Trend, Into Your Wardrobe
Here’s the thing about fashion trends: when they do break big – to the point where you’re spotting them both on runways and the streets of major cities – typically a conversation (and commotion) surrounding how it all started (more specifically, who started it) ensues.
Which is exactly the case with one of the year’s most surprising trends: the comeback of the Aloha shirt.
Because not only were the colorful, bold shirts seen in the collections of some of the industry’s most respected labels (like Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten, and Gucci) and stalwart fashion retailers (like J.Crew and Topman), style-minded guys from all over have hit the streets wearing them with equal parts aplomb and personal flair.
But, if there's one thing that’s inarguable with the Aloha shirt trend, it’s where it all began.
Earlier this month, at the third annual Honolulu Fashion Week presented by Hawaiian Airlines, I saw firsthand how local designers are refining the beloved closet staple – seriously, every guy in Hawaii owns at least one – to look and feel contemporary, fresh, and more versatile than ever.
First things first: why is the Aloha shirt having such a big moment right now? Designer Ari South, who unveiled her collection at the Local Luxe show on November 11, says, “It's similar to vintage fashion. These classics are being embraced and seen with new eyes by young men (and women), and loved for the memories they bring back of growing up here. For those who have never been to Hawaii, it's almost like being able to experience (for just a moment) how it might feel to come here.” Designer Manaola Yap of Manaola, who showed his designs at the Live Aloha show on November 11, agrees, and adds, “The Aloha shirt gives you the opportunity to wear something more colorful outside of your norm. It has an effortless ‘wow’ factor, too.”
Make no mistake. The Aloha shirts of today are a far cry from the boxy, shapeless ones sported by your dad on vacation. South’s versions feature “a more contemporary fit with a bit of structure with a stand collar and great soft fabrics.” Yap also incorporates a lightweight, breathable cotton so his shirts never feel heavy or clingy in Hawaii's heat and humidity. In fact, he says “it almost feels like you’re not wearing anything.” And to align with the favored fit of today's younger, style-minded guys, Yap designed a style with a slimmer cut, called The Hilo.
As for how to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe? While “there are no fashion rules here in Hawaii,” says South, “I love seeing an Aloha shirt under a suit with tailored pieces.” It’s a simple, but bold way of conveying to the world that you’re serious – but not that serious.
If you want to keep your look relaxed and sporty, in true Hawaiian style, Lei Rowan, marketing director of Reyn Spooner – the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary this year – recommends pairing a short-sleeved version with board shorts for surfing. (Like the guy in the pic above.)
Perhaps the easiest way of adding a little something to your Aloha shirt? Simply roll up your sleeves. This twist was seen on a few models during the Reyn Spooner presentation, and I loved how the guys looked youthful, tough, and charmingly irreverent – a la Marlon Brando and James Dean.
Ladies, you can get in on the trend, too. South loves “when women wear a silk version to add that slightly masculine touch to a flowy maxi skirt, or with jeans.” Oversized Aloha shirts also double up effortlessly as beach coverups. But no matter how you decide to wear yours, she says, “It's always about your personal style.”
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Sales! Sales!! Sales!!! on JDConline.com.ng, available justified vintage summer shirts @affordable prices you can't resist. Call: 09086149184 or 08171804765 to place your order NOW.
Description: Easy wear, summer shirt, silk fabric, less sweat, colorful, no-iron, dry quick, none bleaching. Make your own order now for as low as N2,500.
Ever since the loafer trend skyrocketed, I’ve had so many people say they just don’t know how to wear loafers. You guys know by now that I really do love them, but I once thought they were ugly! Isn’t it funny how that happens? I think it’s great that the most popular shoe right now is a flat.
Let me start off by saying that the loafers in this post are under N10,500 and are extremely comfortable! One of my best friends had the idea of pairing them with a boyfriend blazer, and I absolutely fell in love with the idea. I didn’t own a boyfriend blazer, but now that I have one, I am obsessed! It is slightly oversized yet still so flattering. The price on my blazer is so good. In fact, every single piece in my outfit is under N10,500.
Tips on How to Wear Loafers
My number one tip on how to wear loafers is to keep it simple. The best loafer outfits include simple colors and little to no patterns. Ripped jeans, a tee, and loafers are the easiest way to rock your loafers. You could even top it off with a leather jacket for an edgier look. If you prefer busier patterns and colors, I think they look better with a lighter color like tan or blush. (See my top loafer picks later on in the post!)
You can pair them with jeans, skirts or dresses. If you’re a trouser type person (I’m not at the moment), they look great with those too, which makes them great for work wear! A big trend right now is replacing heels with flats. I like to add a little height since I’m only 5″4, but I think it is SUCH a fun trend.
You can stick with a solid, or opt for an embellished, and some people are even wearing fancy socks with them for a unique combination. Some of my favorite fashion icons are wearing them, and I love that there are so many affordable options if you choose not to do the Gucci’s.
Yes, these are the sunglasses I have been mentioning and wearing non-stop! Great price point, perfect shape, and perfect size… what more could you ask for in a pair of sunnies?
I hope this post has left you with some fun and easy ideas on how to wear loafers. You can find some adorable and affordable loafers below, along with direct links to everything in my outfit.
Loafers, Loafers, Loafers
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Our favorite outfit accessory in 2016 so far is a pair of loafers. Sturdy but stylist, they are an underestimated addition to any look. Hailing from the 1900s, did you know that penny loafers originally got their name because wearers would slip a penny inside the slot on the front? But you certainly don’t need to worry about being old-fashioned, as this season loafer outfits have been seen on designer catwalks everywhere, from Alexander Wang to Tommy Hilfiger. With their comfortable slip-on, slip-off design, they are the perfect shoe for lazy fashionistas. And they are guaranteed to add an unexpected and quirky twist to any ensemble.
Loafers With Jeans
Adding a pair of loafers completes any casual outfit, and they are ideal for giving your staple jeans and T-shirt combo a more vintage appeal.
Wear your loafers with a pair of frayed skinny jeans and a button-down top – the masculine edge of the loafers perfectly sets off your outfit.
Throw an oversized cardigan over your jeans and to nail two trends in one outfit, add a matching fedora.
Wear your loafers with a pair of slouchy boyfriend jeans. You could add a loose jumper to complete the androgynous look, or offset it with a delicate pastel blouse.
For the ultimate off-duty look, a pair of denim overalls works surprisingly well with a pair of loafers.
Alternative Loafer Outfits
Quirky and unique twists on the original loafer design are everywhere this season, and we are loving this new trend!
Look for a pair of loafers with extra detail, such as a tassel or studs, to really take your outfit to the next level.
We’ve also seen fur-covered loafers, to give your outfit a really unusual twist. To put the emphasis on cozy comfort, wear yours with a thick jumper and add an oversized scarf.
To shake up your standard office attire, wear a pair of beige loafers with a pencil skirt or belted knee-length dress. So much more comfortable than heels!
Metallic loafers are another smarter take on the shoe – pair with a leather jacket and a LBD for your next night out on the town.
A pair of white loafers is perfect for an eye-catching outfit. Wear with a striped shirt and black jeans for a slightly nautical theme.
Styling Loafers For All Seasons
Another key reason to invest in a pair of loafers is they truly do transcend the seasons. Come rain or shine, loafers will take you through all seasons while still looking chic!
Go for an ultra-preppy look with a pleated skirt, black woolly tights and high collared shirt to keep you all wrapped up in winter.
For those in-between seasons, a leather jacket works really well with loafers for an edgier but casual look.
In summer team your loafers with some denim shorts and a floaty, summery top – you could also add a sunhat to keep cool.
This season, try wearing loafers with a floral tea dress to give a slightly more boyish feel to the whole ensemble.
With their versatile design, a good pair of loafers will take you from the boardroom to the bar and everything in between. Is there any outfit you can’t wear them with?
Featured Image: Looking for another way to wear a pair of leather loafers? Why not try pairing them with an oversized knit sweater like Katarina Lilius! This look is cosy, casual, and ultra stylish.
