New York City’s first ever Men’s Fashion Week ushered in a diverse set of looks from a bevy of established and budding designers. Under the direction of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the four days of shows presented a wide range of styles for the spring-summer 2016 season. With the imminent end of summer ’15 looming, the series of shows kept summer on the brain with its varying degrees of relaxed and simple styles. From the seasoned refinery of Hickey Freeman to the synthesis of chic and casual from Asaf Ganot, inspiration crossed trends.

While the tailored suits of well-established designers came through as expected, I was personally captivated by some of the more basic looks. For me, summer wear is certainly best defined by the simplicity of t-shirts and airy bottoms, bright colors and light fabrics. In particular, I found that designers embraced a relaxed style that almost reminded me of medical scrubs or pajamas; perhaps an odd sense of inspiration which some designers expressed quite interestingly. Designer Robert Geller iterated this look quite eloquently:

The monochromatic quality of basic navy in this look, as well as the fabric’s sheen, together creates a laid-back yet formal expression. Paired with a jacket and smart shoes, this look could easily shift from day to night. With a more casual take, Tim Coppens accentuates basic hues with pops of bright as in this round-necked tee with orange and white at the seam of its sleeves:

Moving along the same trajectory, Asaf Ganot showed off his penchant for taking minimalistic looks and setting them against a luxurious air. In this look, he takes the simplicity of a form-fitted Henley short-sleeved top and sets it against a set of formal trousers. Again, the look is shiftable from casual to smart –dependent on the wearer’s choice of accoutrements.

Spring-summer 2016 is still two full seasons away, but with at least a few weeks left this summer, it’s not a bad idea to think ahead… Check out more highlights from Men’s Fashion Week New York here.

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All photo creds: cfda.com