Jeans, plaid shirts, and boat shoes... if there's anything that's getting the most sartorial shout-outs on the runways this season, it's classic American sportswear. To cash in on the recent proliferation of all things USA, brands are digging deep into their own history and updating their image for a fresh take on all-American dressing. From a mall store waiting to be rediscovered to a label looking to reclaim their '80s heyday, here are five brands and their unexpectedly cool new looks for the season.
Cole Haan: Outfitting The American Urban Hipster
Inside The Official Hipster Handbook, we expect to find entries for most of the central figures in Cole Haan's latest campaigns shot by Todd Selby. Harley Viera-Newton, Moses Berkson, and other artist-types introduce an edgier new looklook illustrated with banjos, DJ turntables, street bikes, and other hip-kid staples. The shoes itself are now sleeker, slimmer, and way more appropriate for urban 20-somethings than suburban 40-somethings. We like!
Tommy Hilfiger: Retro Americana Gets Chic Once Again
Tommy Hilfiger: Retro Americana Gets Chic Once Again
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Tommy Hilfiger's fall show might have fallen through the cracks at Fashion Week, but the collection of preppy and structured pieces marked an important new phase for the brand. Peter Som was brought on to consult for the line to create an entirely unexpected parade of chic jackets, heeled duck boots, and paper-bag waist skirts. And without a tri-colored logo in sight, the new Tommy Hilfiger is definitely something we can get behind.
Above: Images via Style.com.
L.L. Bean: Bringing Sophistication Back To The Great Outdoors
L.L. Bean might have been what your outdoorsy big sis used to wear, but as she's grown up, glammed up, and moved to the big city, L.L. Bean decided to follow suit. Their new Maggie Rizer and Missy Rayder campaign images showcase vintage-inspired items in wearable (but not fuddy-duddy) prints and cuts. Even their iconic boat shoe and canvas tote got a facelift and is available in new colors, washes, and weather-proofed materials.
Esprit: The '80s Giant Gets Hippy Dippy
Featuring bold, stenciled prints on athletic-looking American sportswear, Esprit was the brand of the '80s, but as they kept growing outside the states, the brand became something of a fashion dinosaur within the U.S. However, with their recent Daisy Lowe-helmed campaign featuring soft, boho florals and classic casual basics like denim jackets and plaid shirts, Esprit seems to have been imbued with a new energy to outfit the next generation of loud and proud Yankees.
Ann Taylor: Mom's Fave Store Gets Snazzy
Ann Taylor's fall preview party brought the likes of style-stars Christina Hendricks and Leighton Meester, and have been making quite a positive stir on fashion blogs ever since. Rocker-model Karen Elson is their face for the season—a good choice for a brand that proves looking elegant is never frumpy.