Americana Menswear

Jasper Johns, Three Flags, 1958, Encaustic on Canvas, 

Whitney Museum, New York.

Jasper Johns (1930-     ) had a dream one night about the American Flag, and the next morning he went off to get materials and began to paint it. Though Johns explains his reasoning for painting his flags through a simple dream, maybe his inspiration lies in a deeper paradox. It's not just one flag he paints here, but three. The flag isn't billowing in the wind like we usually see it, but reduced and flat. Five years before Johns painted this, he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Three Flags--patriotic or ironic? 

Whether or not Johns' Flags are patriotic or not, the symbolism is there, it's still an American Flag...and on this note, thinking about the American... it's time for some fashion :o)

Top 8 Trends in Americana Menswear

The Levi's Jean Jacket is a timeless piece that is perfect for all seasons...easy to throw on and showcase in Spring as well as a great piece to layer under a coat for Winter. 

Levi's + Jean = Americana all the way.

Levi's Store, $68

Skinny Knit Ties are perfect for the warmer months and don't always have to look hipster. Keep it classy with the nice accessory below.

JCrew, $49.50

When dressing Americana, it's all about the details that keep you shinin'. Enjoy the glory of tie bars. You can find really unique and very affordable ones at your local flea market, I promise.

J.Press, $69

How about we take Americana back, way back to the 1920s, where oftentimes gentlemen wore these collar pins to keep both their dress shirt collars and ties in place. Aren't functional accessories the best?

J.Press, $24

Khaki pants are very Americana, and these days the trend is for the cut to be slimmer with an added cuff to the bottom. 

JCrew, $65

The Oxford Half Sleeve is best by Band of Outsiders. Band creates great quality fitted shirts for men. You can tell when someone is wearing one of these shirts--it just looks really good on them.  By the way, those are little boats on the shirt, the nautical is very IN this season and next.

Opening Ceremony, $74 

Seersucker--either you love it or you hate it. But you have to admit it's such a nice, lighter fabric for the warmer months, and it's hard to deny its strong presence this season. American Apparel has plenty of seersucker to choose from among shorts, shirts, and bow ties.

American Apparel, $52

G.H. Bass started making shoes in Wilton, Maine during the 1870s. His Penny Loafers epitomized Americana "cool" when they were worn by James Dean in the '50s and Michael Jackson in the '80s. With a variety of styles and colors to enjoy, Bass shoes will forever be a staple in men's footwear.

Piperlime, $63.99

*This post is dedicated to W. Thanks for your inspiration!