I recently had a fun styling session with my friend Flynn, where I played around delving into the interplay of silhouette, color, texture, and motifs through a variety of layered looks, drawing inspiration from my research on coastal dressing. Each ensemble was crafted to investigate visual themes while reflecting the practical yet stylish nature of clothing suited for coastal environments.
The first looks featured a classic white shirt paired with a blue and black striped TEKLA dressing gown. The stripes, reminiscent of the Breton French navy style, provided a nautical influence, gave off a relaxed vibe.. I added a white Dr. Martens shoe bag and a beige cotton beanie, and the way I positioned the bag reminded me of where divers might stow their shells after a day at the beach. This look made me think about the idea of a formal male skirt, which could be an interesting addition to the collection.

Next I introduced a beige hooded cotton outerwear piece with a front pocket, layered with a bright yellow sleeping bag pouch and a black shoe bag. The combination of beige and vibrant yellow captured the essence of coastal landscapes, where sun-bleached and weathered hues meet bright colors of beach accessories. This prompted thoughts of ruching and pull elements that enhance the silhouette, much like the adaptable and functional styles found in fishing technical workwear. Adding the dressing gown belt emphasized lines and layered shapes, while scarves and accessories were incorporated to evoke a colder climate aesthetic, reminiscent of breezy evenings.

Continuing the exploration, I focused on the use of vertical, diagonal, and horizontal lines across the silhouettes, adding structure to the designs. One standout ensemble included a Lime Yellow Montbell X Outsiders lightweight puffer, accessorized with red, black, and blue neck ties to emphasize technical elements and shape, reflecting the innovative materials often used in workwear and at sea.

Throughout the session, I played with various hats to change the mood of each look. The last outfit featured a huge bronze puffer that I styled in different ways to add some volume. This was a nod to the versatility needed for coastal dressing, where the weather can be unpredictable.

Overall, this exercise was a great way to explore layering and consider how colors and textures can shape menswear.. Each look can potentially offer a unique narrative tied to coastal living. My findings reinforced the idea that the range can transcend traditional boundaries, while remaining rooted in practicality.
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