look back to look forward for spring-summer 2015 menswear

There exists, within the umbrella of timeless style, subsets of trends that are never fully démodé, but rather come and go as staples you can invest in, which will boomerang back into the magazines and fashion vernacular more than once in a lifetime.

This is called “staying power,” though the phrase is sprinkled too arbitrarily to describe any fashion theme Details deems fit. Cuffed jeans! Unconstructed blazers! Pajama shirts! The jury is still out on those trends, IMHO.

Nonetheless, there are some actual stalwarts. Think wayfarers, leather deck shoes. This year, I noticed a couple of worthy staples reminiscent of scenes bygone. Gregory Peck, Scarface.

Clueless.

Small, round eyewear. By bringing those rims down to scale, your face looks focused and understated. Quiet style.

À la Oliver Peoples, Oliver Spencer, Warby Parker…

Double-breasted suits. When cut slimmer, shorter, and paired with slim trousers, they don’t look half bad. Very fresh, but I see a reemergence.

One problem: you sorta have to have them buttoned at all times, unless you want a bunch of fabric flapping in the wind. *shudder*

As it turns out, my recollection of dapper double-breasted suiting in Scarface was incorrect. Al Pacino has his unbuttoned most of the movie, and those collars…

For a modern take on 80s fashion, see A Most Violent Year. Available to rent on iTunes now.

Calvin Klein Collection. I asked a blogger friend what “Calvin Klein” meant to him, and he said “outlet shopping.”

Sadly, the once storied brand has, like meiosis, split and redefined itself many times into the form of haploid gametes, or daughters with half as much DNA as their parent.

With brand dilution and liberal license agreements, its no wonder Calvin Klein means many things to many people.

The Collection line sits at the top of the CK heap. It has been somewhat unremarkable in recent past, but this season, shines a bit brighter. Lines are clean, and colors are richly monochromatic.

Items are made in Italy, with what looks to be an exquisite attention to detail.

Maybe it’s only ringing my bell. But those colors! Black, gray, white, and deep brown. Swoon!

And, like everything I like, there’s just a touch of cheek in this season’s offerings. I mean, a nude t-shirt under a nude tank? And a leather racerback tank? YES>

In 1995, Alicia Silverstone espoused the authority of Calvin Klein (he says its a dress, so it’s a dress). I’m not sure he has that clout in 2015. But that’s OK, very few designers define segments anymore. At least he can be relied upon for continuity, creating simple, sexy designs.

To somewhat of a lesser extent, slicked hair is on my list. Or maybe I am just in love with this model, who says to me: villain, talented lover, gentleman, intellectual. All things I get a kick out of.

His personal style is very retro too, meshing with most of the modeling work he does. It harks to touches of Clueless, pleats and longer inseams, etc. This look works well only on the slimmest of frames. (Am I ready for pleats? My favorite Incotex shorts are ever-so-minimally pleated.)

Even in 1995, Christian had a retro, timeless look.

In looking back to make updates to my wardrobe this season, there are some strong themes of “cycle.” I always tout investing for the long run in clothing and accessories. You never know when you’ll want to whip them out again, and be able to use the the hashtags #heirloom or #vintage.

I resurrected my Prada tessuto messenger bag, circa 2003, for new duty this month. Even had it repaired to fix a rip in the side seam. Almost good as new, and forever a classic form. #enameltriangle

Check out all the Spring-Summer 2015 Menswear on Pinterest.