Key Points
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The fashion industry's top designers continue to shape contemporary menswear with different trends to choose from.
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Playing with silhouettes, textures, prints, colors, and statement sneakers adds depth and diversity to any wardrobe.
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Pick and choose styles that align with your aesthetic and wear them with confidence.
If you keep up with fashion, you understand how quickly trends cycle in and out of contemporary menswear season after season. Although it's essential to keep abreast of what hits the runways of Paris, Milan, New York, and London, it's best to think of fashion as your own personal buffet table. Pick and choose pieces that interest you and adhere to your unique style code.
Some helpful questions are: What works best within your wardrobe? What do you see yourself wearing two years from now? No hard and fast rules exist regarding style, but the answers to the questions above inform what style direction to head towards. Above all else, wear your clothes with confidence and pride; it shows. Here's a closer look at some fashion trends the top design houses are incorporating into the archives.
Cropped Trousers
Cropped trousers have long been a fixture in the streetwear and skate communities but have since been thrust into the mainstream fashion spotlight. Hedi Slimane from Céline and former Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele are two designers who advocate for cropped pants, pairing them with everything from refined formalwear to everyday casual clothing.
Balancing Proportions With Cropped Trousers
Although not new to menswear, cropped pants once again prove their worth in men's fashion; look no further than the recent Dior Men Spring 2024 Menswear collection for proof. Cropped pants draw attention to your footwear, whether you're wearing leather wingtips with fitted suit pants or high-top Converse All-Stars alongside dark-wash denim jeans.
Styling Tips for Different Body Types
Choosing the right style of cropped trousers for your body type is vital. Individuals with a slim build are better served by a more tapered cut, while those with broader physiques should consider a wider hem to avoid an overly tight fit throughout. Additionally, choose the appropriate length for your cropped trousers — aim for one or two inches above the ankle to ensure a modern, well-proportioned appearance.
Seasonal Versatility of Cropped Trousers
Cropped trousers aren't limited to any specific season, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Experiment with lighter materials like linen or cotton for the spring and summer months to maintain breathability and comfort. During the cooler months, opt for wool or heavier fabrics to keep warm, and style them with statement socks and boots for added interest.
Best Cropped Trouser
Under the creative direction of Luke Meier, OAMC is a shining light in the contemporary menswear scene. The label's Black Dusk Trouser is a straight-leg cotton twill pant that juxtaposes just as fittingly with a button-down shirt and loafers as a crewneck sweater and sneakers.
Oversized Blazers
With design maestros like Demna Gvasalia and Kim Jones embracing oversized silhouettes, it was only a matter of time before bulky blazers hit the top of everyone's fashion wish list.
Achieving a Modern Look With Oversized Blazers
Oversized blazers are a versatile trend that adds a contemporary touch to whatever outfit you wear. Design houses like Balenciaga and Saint Laurent have been championing billowy blazers for years, using them to toggle back and forth as statement pieces in casual ensembles and sharp formalwear looks. The key lies in striking the right balance between fit and proportion. Opt for a more structured shoulder for clean sophistication instead of an ill-fitting drop-shoulder silhouette.
Pairing Oversized Blazers With Wardrobe Staples
One of the key aspects of oversized blazers is their versatility, as they're easily adaptable to different outfits. Pair your blazer with a simple white T-shirt and denim jeans for casual outings. For a more polished look, combine it with a turtleneck sweater and tailored pants. Keep the rest of your outfit minimal to emphasize the blazer's unique silhouette.
Exploring Different Fabrics and Textures
Experiment with different fabrics and textures when choosing your oversized blazers. Textured pieces with patterns, such as houndstooth or check, add depth to your outfit. In transitional weather, a heavier fabric like wool provides welcomed warmth on cooler nights, whereas lighter fabrics like linen or cotton promote breathability in the balmy summer months.
Best Oversized Blazer
ASOS is quick to embrace what the top fashion houses send down the runways of fashion week. It offers stylish yet affordable interpretations of what resonates with fashion lovers worldwide; the brand's Collusion Oversized Pinstripe Blazer is proof. It features a roomy silhouette and a drop-shoulder top reminiscent of what the best brands offer. The blazer's vertical stripes elongate your frame, helpful for those who want to appear taller than they are.
Pastel Colors
Although pastel hues allude to balmy summer days and sun-drenched tropics, many brands inject soft shades of primary colors throughout their catalogs year-round.
Integrating Pastel Colors Into Everyday Wear
Pastel colors offer a refreshing and modern take on men's fashion. Integrating these soft hues into your wardrobe reinvigorates everyday wear. Start by introducing a single pastel piece, such as a shirt or sweater, and build from there. Pairing pastels with neutral shades like white, beige, or grey creates an elegant and visually appealing ensemble.
Popular Pastel Color Combinations
Color combinations play a crucial role in achieving a harmonious look. Experiment with complementary colors like lavender, soft green, pastel pink, and baby blue. Regardless of the tone, going the monochromatic route is a surefire way to pull off clean sophistication. Remember classic neutrals, too: Navy, black, and white pair well with pastels.
Pastel Color Accents Through Accessories
Accessories provide an opportunity to subtly introduce pastel colors into your look. Incorporate a pastel-hued tie, pocket square, or belt to add a pop of color. Pastel-colored socks or a statement cap showcase your playful side without overwhelming your outfit.
by BOSS
Best Pastel-Colored Piece
BOSS has never shied away from swerving left when most others divert to the right. The heritage label does so poignantly with its collection of Cotton Crewneck T-shirts. Those looking to inject playful sportswear vibes into their everyday wardrobe would do well to pair this pastel top with chinos or board shorts.
Printed Shirts
Printed shirts have been a menswear staple for years. However, streetwear brands and luxury labels have recently pushed patterned camp collar shirts to the fashion forefront.
Bold and Artistic Designs for Printed Shirts
Printed shirts are a great way to showcase your style sensibility. Embrace bold prints like abstract patterns, florals, polka dots, or paisley designs to create a visually-appealing focal point. Keep the rest of your ensemble simple with solid colors and clean silhouettes to allow the printed shirt to shine.
Navigating Between Casual and Dressy Occasions
Printed shirts can be adapted for casual and dressier occasions, offering versatility in your wardrobe. For a casual outing, pair a relaxed-fit short-sleeved printed shirt with denim jeans or chinos. Choose a long-sleeve shirt with a subtle print on dressier occasions and style it with tailored trousers and smart shoes.
Tips for Incorporating Printed Shirts Into a Mix-and-Match Wardrobe
Build a mix-and-match wardrobe with printed shirts by choosing adaptable prints and colors. Look for shirts with two or three dominant colors that work with other garments in your closet. Opt for timeless prints such as stripes, checks, or geometric patterns, as they pair well with various styles and remain fashionable over time.
Best Printed Shirt
BODE may still be a contemporary menswear newcomer, but its impact reverberates across the entire fashion landscape. Emily Adams Bode Aujla often draws inspiration from nostalgic prints from decades past, as evidenced in the New York City Map Short Sleeve Shirt. This item is worth considering if you're into vintage patterns and motifs.
Statement Sneakers
Sneakers are so much more than a trending fashion item; they're a separate subculture altogether. Although some look at footwear as a complimentary piece to their full outfit, others prioritize sneakers above all else and choose tops and bottoms to go with their shoes.
High-End Designer Collaborations
Designer collaborations continue to elevate the allure of statement sneakers. Luxury labels like Gucci, Off-White, and Louis Vuitton find ways to remix classic sneaker archetypes using their distinct style codes. Keep your shoe rotation fresh with limited edition releases that add an exclusive touch to your sneaker collection.
Functionality and Fashion-Forward Styles
While aesthetics are crucial, pay attention to the functional aspects of statement sneakers. Look for sneakers that combine cutting-edge design with comfort, durability, and performance features. Innovative materials, cushioning technologies, and lightweight construction enhance the wearability and longevity of your investment.
Investing in Quality Statement Sneakers
Never compromise on quality when choosing statement sneakers. Prioritize sneakers crafted from premium materials, like leather or suede. Though they may carry a higher price tag, high-quality sneakers ultimately provide superior comfort and longevity, proving their value as a worthwhile investment.
Best Statement Sneaker
When it comes to the best statement sneakers, Nike, adidas, and New Balance are at the top of the list. However, based on industry hype and public fanfare alone, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more swoon-worthy shoe than the Travis Scott x Fragment Air Jordan 1 Low. The "Utopia" rapper and the sportswear giant have made sneaker magic many times before, and this iteration is no different.
Wide-Legged Pants
The misconception that wide-leg pants are relaxed, casual wear is drifting further and further into the rearview mirror, especially with labels like Gucci and Givenchy championing loose-fitting bottoms. Writer for fashion and lifestyle publication L'OFFICIEL USA Naomi Townsend explains, "Flowy pants, made in a range of colors and materials, are not only comfortable but extremely stylish. This relaxed fit does not detract from its style at all and only serves to highlight the duality of the garment."
Revival of the Wide-Legged Pants Trend
Wide-legged pants are enjoying a renaissance moment. Brands like Givenchy, Loewe, and KENZO push these relaxed silhouettes to the forefront, echoing a call for casual comfort. When wearing wide-legged pants, opt for a cropped or cuffed length to maintain a modern look that complements your footwear.
Comfort and Style in Modern Wide-Legged Pants
Modern wide-legged pants have come a long way from their predecessors. Today's designs are more refined and tailored to suit various occasions. Look for styles with pleats or a high waist for added elegance, and pair them with a fitted shirt or turtleneck sweater to balance the proportions. Opt for tailored, wide-legged pants for formal occasions and relaxed, loose-fitting styles for a casual look.
Styling Wide-Legged Pants in Various Settings
Wide-legged pants can be easily adapted for different settings with simple styling choices. Pair your wide-legged pants with a tonal T-shirt or polo shirt for daytime casual. For formal settings, combine them with a slim-fit blazer, dress shirt, and loafers. Embrace the relaxed silhouette and let the wide-legged pants be the star of your ensemble.
Best Wide-Leg Pants
Uniqlo is excellent at distilling what the top fashion designers are creating and breaking it down in a way the everyday consumer can appreciate. This is especially true for their Pleated Wide Pants. Whether paired with black Oxfords and a leather jacket or a knit cardigan and suede mules, these pants complement a range of outfit choices.
Keep It Trendy
The future of men's fashion promises exciting changes that will revitalize your wardrobe and personal style. The freedom to mix and match separates that play with proportions, silhouettes, tones, textures, and patterns is at an all-time high. With all these innovative trends making their way through men's fashion, now is as good a time as any to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with something new.
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