That Dapper Chap: next press day

Sunday 14 February 2016

The Next Summer Press Day

Craig of That Dapper Chap attend the Next Summer press day to see what trends and styles are coming our way this summer.

What do I pick for that forthcoming city break to Marrakech?

The new range for Summer 2016 from Next

It admittedly felt a little odd perusing rails of summer clothing on a cold and wet February afternoon, but it did get those memories churning of hot summer nights, and city breaks to warm and wonderful places, of sipping cocktails with the sun on your face, and al fresco dining. Roll on Summer!

Straw hats are still big news this summer

As always next have considered all options for us and have created a great collection of classic menswear. The big trends from Spring continue into the summer months and lightweight cloths are key here.

The colour palette is warm but muted in stones, khakis and greys. A splash of vibrant indigo here and there adds that summer element and reminds us of cloudless skies over the Med.

A lightweight stone grey suit, perfect for warmer days

Loafers continue to be a hot trend as are knitted ties

There's a military look creeping in a little too, yes, I know that a lot of menswear has it's roots firmly planted in military soil, but Next are offering us a more 'obvious' look with khaki fatigue pants and shirts with twin breast pockets. Attention!

As always the food at the Next press day was delicious!

A casual look that I styled ready for an evening walk on the beach

Rails of menswear for the new season from Next

Tailoring from next is a bit more relaxed this summer. Fabrics are textured and lightweight so look for something with a more interesting fabric to be totally on trend next season. Add in a knitted tie or a fine gauge knitted or jersey tee and your relaxed but elegant look is complete.

A textured blazer in a warm muted natural colour

Rails of summer, just waiting for you

Tones are paired back and natural

Don't forget to accessories to complete your look

Mannequins dressed for warmer months

The stone coloured denim jacket is hot this season

Textures loafers reign supreme in footwear

Sumptuous sandwiches at the Next Press Day

Footwear sees the loafer reign supreme for another season, whether tasseled, apron front, or plain, choose a textured material. Something in suede will look great or an embossing on the leather is very cool too.

Alternatively choose a trainer to wear with your suit. These are looking a touch more formal this season and are coming in interesting fabrics, and can look great when added to a less relaxed outfit.

More loafers, this time in indigo suede

My favorite suit from the collection, styled for summer. Marrakech maybe?

So, whatever you choose to buy for your summer wardrobe make sure you take a picture and add it to Instagram and tag that_dapper_chap and NextOfficialMan. Or add it to Twitter and tag thatdapperchap and NextOffical

Thanks for dropping in! :)

Saturday 28 November 2015

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.