Readers, I've spent a lot of time the last few days thinking about color blocked shirts. I've done extensive online research, even exploring the Saks Fifth Avenue menswear website, where there were a number of color blocked shirts available. And they were all on sale. (This look is not taking the world by storm.)
Here are what I consider the very best color blocked shirts out there. I don't really heart any of them.
Phillip Lim:
Jill Sander:
ASOS:
Color blocking gives off a bit of a Logan's Run vibe -- 1976's idea of how we'd be dressing in the space age. Instead we're dressing like Nineteenth Century gold prospectors and knitting our own socks.
So after considerable self-reflection, I've decided to make two shirts. The first will be solid red, no contrast anything. My Elliott Berman fabric really doesn't need novelty. Plus, it's easier to make a dressy shirt casual (don't tuck it in), than it is to make a sporty shirt dressy. I want to keep my first version simple and elegant.
Here's where things stand as of this evening: Back, fronts, and one sleeve (and torso side) done. So far, I love it.
You know what this fabric reminds me of? (Am I right?)
The second shirt will be made with what remains of the red (which is a lot) and the half yard of black. It may be a short-sleeve shirt, which I think is more in tune with casual vibe of color blocked mens shirts. As you can see up top, I made a little mock up of a color blocked version.
Once I'm working from scraps, I'll feel more relaxed and open to experimentation. As long as I don't end up with something like this, I'll be happy.
Anyway, thanks for all your feedback and excellent ideas. I think the two shirt idea works best, don't you?
Have a great day, everybody!
Peter - That bottom shirt is absolutely brilliant. Don't sell it short. That plaid along with the dots and the deep red placket? Priceless.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Looks like that's your Christmas present sort Michael!
Deleteyour instincts are spot on...can you tell i just found Merchant & Mills? just exactly how many $ is 144L?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a plain navy sleeve just hanging around with the red and white spot shirt. I don't know why ....
ReplyDeleteAnd out of the bits left over - a kicky daydress for Suzanne! Black top, red circle skirt?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I knew you'd use the fabric creatively and wisely.
ReplyDeleteI know I came down hard on the patchwork shirt idea, but when you call it colour blocking its just so much cooler! Actually though, I think you're quite right about them being a bit different and some of the colour block examples you've shown have been quite nice. I think what still worries me about them is how the proportions of the shirt are altered depending on where the light and dark panels are. I think the ASOS shirt has got it right, but the Philip Lim one makes the guy's neck look skinny and his shoulders are half gone which gives his body a rather odd shape. Clearly the fabric placement takes a bit if thought! Your mockup has the same good lines as the ASOS one, which kind of emphasizes broad shoulders and slims the hips.
ReplyDeleteSir, you have written a blog post and chosen "A two shirt solution" for the title. I am howling with laughter and this alone has made my Friday, and it's only 8 am around here. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteStef
I like this solution. Thank you for the picture of a young Michael York. He was my first crush. He's aged well, but be was so beautiful when he was this young.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to discover Michael York has become a member of a private men's club I belong to...ad he's VERY nice!
Delete...a gentleman.
I thinks the red shirt will be lovely and I really look forward to the black/red combo- I know you'll come up with a creative item! (And OMG Michael York wasn't he everyone's first crush in the Zeffireli Romeo and Juliet - ambiguously beautiful and just possibly a bit of a cad?)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! The last shirt looks cool. Retro style
ReplyDeleteLuv the two shirt answer.
ReplyDeleteI had a Lite-Brite; enjoyed the smell of it, and pushing those "lites" through the holes into that thick, but penetrable, black paper.
That last shirt is an example of more skill than sense, more money than taste.
The Lite-Brite! I loved mine. Thanks for bringing back that memory. -Ellie
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your impeccable taste asserts itself! The two shirt solution is wonderful. I love how the red shirt is looking. I think I would also love a solid black one, but your mock-up is good looking.
ReplyDeleteI like your color blocked mock up. Chic and stylish without any kitsch. Thank God.
ReplyDeleteI like your examples today better than most of the past few days. The 2 shirts is the way to go. I especially like the mini-mockup that started your post. All little things are cute. (It applies to your dogs, as well.)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could wear that last one with those blue and white print pants you made. :) You'd be so far past, you'd not be able to find the top. And you'd turn heads too! a bonus.
ReplyDeleteThe ASOS is a nice look and I like your mockup.
I really like the bottom shirt. It works! Don't write it off, colour and pattern blocking is a strong statement so go for broke.
ReplyDeleteI actually kind of like that last shirt:-) tho I can assure you my DH would never wear it! Red and black color blocking reminds me of bowling shirts. Do you belong to a league? You'll need a place to wear it!
ReplyDeleteHahaha Peter - LOVE that last shirt pix! Not on anyone's body, but for an example of a little too much quilting/patchwork fever applied to garments. I can't wait to see what you do with your red and black!
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