The Next Spring Summer 2016 Press Day

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the Next Spring Summer 2016 Press Day and previews menswear coming our way soon.

Mannequins dressed in SS16 attire

The latest Next press day was held at the beautiful Victoria House in London's Bloomsbury. A grade II listed building built in the 1920's, Victoria House has played host to a huge number of events, and I have been here on a few previous occasions attending events as part of London Collections: Men

Yours truly in full selfie mode

Spring 16 menswear sees a real shift in trends. The smart casual look that has reigned for many a season is now a thing of the past. Formal and casual have returned to heir rue forms with much more individual identities to differentiate that work to weekend wardrobe.

A classic black briefcase

White soled brogues with contrast inserts

Formalwear takes a new direction for spring with key changes in colour, texture and silhouette. 'Past Modern' is Nexts sharp, hard edged tailoring story inspired by the rebellious attitude of the Teddy Boy and the rock and roll music. What would otherwise be a dark colour palette of charcoal greys and inky blues is given a fresh new slant with stones and neutrals.

Beautiful food was served throughout the day

When it comes to pattern, checks remain strongest; with prince of wales and windowpane still prominent, a micro gingham is introduced this season to add a new dimension. Neps and slubs are key yarns and can be seen in suiting and separates so attention to detail is a must with tailoring.

THIS jacket! Say goodbye to the bomber jacket!

Spring greens. A big colour for SS16

'The Revivalist' is the second formal story, think quintessentially British dapper gentleman. With a colour palate of fresh but earthy tomes, browns and taupes are grounded with pale blues and shades of grey.

The new menswear display at Victoria House

Hues of blues in plain and stripes

The formal trouser continues to be a key item and the pleat makes a welcome return but now as much more of a styling feature on a slim, ankle grazer cut. Team these with the reinvented blazer in a new textured fabric to give a timeless yet modern look.

Suede moccasins are big for SS16

Now down to the footnote, loafers are the must have shoes for spring. Whether its high shine leather or a soft suede, tassels or saddle detail - Be sure to complete your outfit with a pair of these.

Bacon ice cream anyone?

Casually styled mannequins at the Next SS16 press day

This season we have a return to a true casualwear with laundering and washing across all product areas. 'Neutrality' sees a utilitarian based story given an urban feeling. With a predominantly navy, black and grey colour palette this makes a great transitional story, adding highlights of oatmeal and tobacco to give it that fresh update for spring.

Suiting for spring is a staple from Next

Neutral and natural shades make a smart look

Print is a key focus, from geometric jacquards and stripes to clean texture and blurred polkadots on everything from knitwear and tees to casual shirts.

On legs the five pocket jeans are the go to style but with greyed off tones and ecru added to the mix. It's all about layering for 'Neutrality', the bomber silhouette in outerwear, knitwear and jersey is paired with longline knits and tees to create this look.

Next were showing off their floral displays at the event

A suede bomber jacket over a grey shirt

New style shoes and accessories for SS16

'Shoreline' demonstrates the emphasis on blue tones for spring. Ranging from deep dark navy, to indigo and bleached out pale shades it's the colour of the season. This story has a real coastal influence, with the Breton stripe being of huge importance, seen in all variations of width and paired down with an ankle grazing turned up chino.

Next continue to make a huge dent in the market with their suiting

Just a look I threw together

Harrington jackets are thrown over the shoulders for those windy beach days and the boat shoe is no more. It's all about a driver on the casual footwear front this season.