Key Points
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Embrace current trends alongside classic staples to create your own standout style.
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Investing in quality items helps you build a wardrobe that will look great for years to come.
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In the end, you're the person wearing the clothes, so your style choices must be your own, or you'll look just like everyone else.
Legendary designer and fashion magnate Ralph Lauren once said, "It's easier to follow fashion than to have personal style." If there's anyone you should take seriously on matters of fashion and style, it's Ralph Lauren himself. He can pull off four kinds of denim at once, hiking boots with a tuxedo, ski sweaters with swim trunks, and plenty of other wild combinations that somehow just work. Lauren's opinions and bold attitudes have been informing menswear, especially within the USA, for decades
Looking good in the latest fashion trends has a lot to it, even at the surface level of clothing and accessories. Should you embrace every trend as it comes, surfing the fickle waves of fashion? Should you find one classic style and stick with it, never wavering or adjusting with the times? What about statement pieces?
Since you're here, you probably know the secret to great personal style is to combine these approaches in your own unique way. This article is here to help you look great, embrace your individuality, stay comfortable, and find 2023-appropriate looks that will outlast the next wave of trends.
Cargo Pants
For quite a while, cargo pants (and cargo shorts, for that matter) were reserved for the supremely unstylish or the cutting-edge elite of fashion and streetwear. There wasn't much in between.
Over the past few years, however, a few fashion movements have fueled a revival in cargo pants throughout the style spectrum: outdoorsy aesthetics and gorp-core (hiking-oriented and outdoor-inspired clothing), workwear, and heritage military designs have all been on the rise.
Utilitarian Aesthetic
In 2023, you can easily buy cargo pants and cargo shorts from the usual suspects like Patagonia, Dickies, and Carhartt as well as brands like Levi's, Filson, Stone Island, GAP, and even Ralph Lauren. Rugged, utilitarian looks are in!
Check out a few options below:
by Levi's
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Levi's XX Chino Slim Taper Fit Men's Cargo Pants
How To Wear and Pair Your Cargo Pants
To create stylish and versatile outfits with cargo pants, match them with casual-yet-refined flannel or Oxford shirts, worn untucked, for a look that's considered but not fussy. Most plain black or white t-shirts work well with cargo pants, which makes sense — it's how soldiers first wore them during and after military service.
Pro tip: Consider the fit, fabric, and color of your cargo pants when you're looking to match a top. If your pants are slim or tapered, you can probably get away with something somewhat refined like a button-down shirt. If your cargo pants are baggy, sticking with a casual and unstructured top is the way to go — that means leaning into an oversized t-shirt, a loose work jacket, a baggy sweater, or maybe even an anorak.
What shoes to wear with cargo pants depends entirely on the look you're going for. Sneakers are easiest to pair with slightly slimmer and more cropped pants; chunky hiking or work boots, on the other hand, go well with both slim and baggy pants. Chunky Chelsea boots, such as those sold by Blundstone, are a great choice too; you'll see that pairing from Long Island to L.A. and everywhere in between.
Balancing Casual and Fashionable Looks
Master the casual-yet-fashionable look with your cargo pants by paying attention to colors, materials, and accessories. Opt for neutral or earthy tones, as they'll easily blend with everything else in your wardrobe. Choose high-quality materials (check the zippers, buttons, and seams for signs of cost-cutting or sloppy work) and pay close attention to the fit.
Cargo pants are like many other so-called "statement pieces" — you must wear the pants your way, rather than letting the pants wear you.
Earthy Tones
Beige, mustard, sage, and terracotta might not seem like exciting colors at first glance. However, once you put on a sweater, shirt, or pair of tailored pants that fall within this classic color palette, you'll get a feel for the complementary elegance of the so-called earthy color family.
Hidden in this color palette's basic nature is the ability to make any outfit look more elevated, elegant, and well-made. For some starter inspiration, look no further than current offerings at Banana Republic — you don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.
Versatility in Your Wardrobe
You can never go wrong with earthy tones, as they create a sense of harmony and balance in your wardrobe. They're versatile enough to mix and match with various garments, and they complement any skin tone.
Associated Psychological Effects
Earthy tones communicate a sense of stability and warmth, making them ideal for building a calming and grounded wardrobe. These colors are perfect for developing an unpretentious yet stylish appearance. They also evoke feelings of reassurance and comfort during uncertain times — just what you need in the rapidly changing world of fashion. What's more, like all classic things, these color palettes never go out of style.
Best-Suited Clothing Items
Some clothing items lend themselves extremely well to earthy tones. Think of tailored pants, chunky sweaters, or even bomber jackets. Anything that looks and feels cozy works wonderfully in earthy colors. These tones are also suited to both formal and casual settings, so don't be afraid to incorporate them into your professional wardrobe or laid-back weekend attire.
Graphic T-Shirts
For a younger, bolder flair in your wardrobe, graphic t-shirts are an easy go-to. From your favorite brands to your favorite places, activities, and organizations, a graphic logo or design tells people a lot about you: Maybe you travel to an exotic location or belong to a local running club. Perhaps you want to represent the school you graduated from or a favorite sports team (Homage Clothing does retro sports designs extremely well). More power to you!
Expressing Individuality
Graphic t-shirts allow you to express your personality and showcase your artistic flair, communicating the brands you prefer and the places you spend time in. When chosen carefully, they make a powerful sartorial statement.
To stay on-trend, look for unique designs featuring pop culture references, eye-catching patterns, or abstract shapes. This makes you stand out without overshadowing the rest of your outfit.
Cultivating an Artistic Style
Creating an impressive artistic style starts with a keen eye for design, color, and quality. Select graphics that resonate with your personal style and aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer tiny prints, retro design elements, corporate logos, or something else entirely, there's a graphic t-shirt for you.
Find inspiration from different sources, such as modern and contemporary art, music, and even your travels. This leads to a wardrobe that communicates a meaningful message and reflects your unique identity.
Choosing the Right Graphics
When selecting graphic t-shirts, consider the resonance of the patterns or images and how they work with your overall ensemble. Avoid loud or overwhelming prints, and ensure that the graphics complement your clothing choices.
Opting for 100% cotton or a cotton-poly blend is a solid start toward finding good quality. Ensure that the graphics won't disappear after a few wash cycles, though some distressing and fading might fit your style.
Pairing Options
Because they're so casual by default, graphic t-shirts go with just about anything. If you're feeling bold, dress down a blazer or even a suit (in the right context) with your favorite graphic tee. Rock a graphic t-shirt with any variety of jeans, casual pants, or athletic wear.
Stick with subdued or plain bottoms when you're wearing a graphic top. You don't want patterns or designs to clash between your upper and lower halves.
Leather Jackets
The visual effect of a good leather jacket lends your wardrobe a rugged edge. The right leather jacket looks just as great over a shirt and tie as it does over a plain t-shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater.
While a great leather jacket can be expensive, it's something you'll keep for the rest of your life if you take care of it. Buy something handsome, timeless, and well-made so you never need to buy another one.
Classic vs. Modern Styles
Leather jackets offer endless opportunities for self-expression, whether you prefer classic, iconic designs or contemporary, avant-garde cuts. Timeless models like the biker jacket, the bomber, or the racer appeal to those who appreciate tradition and function. Great brands to check out include Schott NYC, Golden Bear Sportswear, and Taylor Stitch.
On the other hand, modern styles feature unique cuts, asymmetrical lines, or bold colors for a more distinctive appearance. See Helmut Lang and Rick Owens if your tastes lean more toward the future than the past.
Selecting the Right Leather
To ensure longevity, focus on the quality of leather used for your jacket. Full-grain genuine leather offers durability and comfort, while synthetic leather options provide a more affordable (and cruelty-free) alternative. In general, avoid bonded leather or low-grade polyurethane substitutes.
When selecting a leather jacket, look for soft yet sturdy materials, avoiding anything that may crack or fade over time. For longevity, protection from the elements, and lifelong good looks, thick genuine leather is the way to go.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care ensures your leather jacket remains in excellent condition throughout the years. Invest in specialized cleaning products — like leather cleaner and conditioner — to keep your jacket looking its best.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and store your jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any discoloration or damage. It's also worth noting that the higher quality your leather jacket is, the better it will look with years (and years and years) of wear.
by NIKE
Retro Sneakers
Another trend that's as current as it is timeless is throwback sneaker designs drawn from basketball, tennis, and running shoes of yesteryear. Certain retro sneakers fall in and out of favor with trend chasers (remember the Stan Smith craze in the late 2010s?), but they'll always have a place in the stylish man's wardrobe.
Nostalgia Meets Fashion
Retro sneakers are the perfect footwear choice for men who want to stand out. They evoke feelings of nostalgia with their classic designs painted in a fresh color palette and modern materials. This trend is all about blending iconic sneaker styles with contemporary aesthetics for a visually appealing and comfortable package.
Retro sneakers are terrific for dressing up and down with different outfits you already have. Clean white leather sneakers pair well with a dark suit and tailored clothing, and practically any retro sneakers work with casual clothes, athletic wear, and loungewear.
Notable Sneaker Brands
Popular brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, and New Balance have all embraced the retro sneaker wave, bringing back some of their most iconic models. These shoes are now infused with the latest technologies and updated designs for improved comfort and style.
A few options that are trending in 2023:
by adidas
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Adidas Samba
by Reebok
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Reebok Club C 85
by TRETORN
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Tretorn Nylite Plus
by New Balance
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New Balance 550
Keep an eye out for limited-edition releases and special collaborations — New Balance frequently teams up with Aime Leon Dore, Todd Snyder, and J. Crew — as they offer unique and exclusive twists on classic models.
Pairing With Different Outfits
It's easy to integrate retro sneakers into various outfits for a stylish appearance. Pair them with slim-fit or tapered pants, as they create a clean silhouette. For a more casual and laid-back look, complement your sneakers with cropped trousers or cuffed jeans.
by New Balance
Whether you pick up Nike Blazers, Adidas Sambas, or New Balance 574s, you'll get comfortable and versatile shoes that quickly spruce up an otherwise plain outfit.
Shearling Jackets
Shearling jackets are currently trending in the luxury fashion world. Everyone from Ralph Lauren to Tom Ford is rocking the look. But what is shearling?
Shearling coats and garments are made using sheep or lamb pelts. The animal's skin is tanned without the wool being removed as it is for traditional leather. The result is a soft, natural fleece material that's dense, weighty, and warm. The length of the wool fiber left attached can be fairly long in some cases, but it's typically cropped to less than two inches.
These jackets offer an opulent visual appeal while providing unmatched warmth and comfort in the coldest weather. Wear this versatile wardrobe staple with everything from casual denim to tailored wear. It's an appealing choice for men who desire both style and function.
Selecting the Perfect Fit
To ensure your shearling jacket looks its best, it's crucial to get the right fit. Go for a shearling-lined denim jacket or a leather coat lined with shearling. Both are casual, but leather leans edgier, whereas shearling-lined denim is much more down to earth (not to mention more affordable). Shearling-lined leather jackets tend to fit a bit longer in the torso, while stylish denim jackets with a shearling lining usually stop at your hips.
Ensuring Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
As a responsible consumer, you might be concerned about the environmental impact of shearling. Look for brands that are committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, like using ethically sourced shearling (or faux shearling) and reducing their carbon footprint. This gives you a clear conscience without compromising your good taste.
Statement Jewelry
Do you prefer to dress plainly? Perhaps you're a blue-jeans-black-shirt kind of guy, wearing subdued high-quality pieces that leave room for expression elsewhere. If you want to stand out without changing your wardrobe, statement jewelry could be your new best friend.
Types of Statement Pieces
Statement jewelry allows you to accentuate your personal style and make a bold impression. Incorporate items like oversized rings, chunky bracelets, and long necklaces into your wardrobe. Look for unique materials and finishes, such as textured metals, semi-precious stones, or even wood, to create a more striking effect.
How to Wear Jewelry Without Overdoing It
The key to successfully wearing statement jewelry is to balance the rest of your outfit. Keep your clothing simple and clean to allow your jewelry to shine without overpowering your style. Pair your statement pieces with monochromatic outfits or subtle patterns to create a harmonious look that turns heads for all the right reasons.
For hints on how to do this right, GQ's ongoing coverage of watches, necklaces, and bracelets sported by leading men is a go-to resource. As they reported on July 17, 2023, Brad Pitt wore a Vacheron Constantin 222, a statement watch (and, at over $50,000 MSRP, a complete flex), to Wimbledon. Pitt also wears pieces from Miansai, a luxe but affordable jewelry brand with stylish and tasteful offerings.
Turquoise and silver jewelry, for example, looks best with outfits that draw from Western wear and blue-collar style. Polished metals and shiny finishes are best paired alongside smart outfits, whereas brushed textured metals look more at home with casual and workwear-inspired clothing.
Choosing the Right Materials and Designs
High-quality materials and unique designs are essential for making a statement with your jewelry. Opt for items made from sustainable or ethically sourced materials to ensure they last and maintain their appearance over time.
Delve into various design concepts, focusing on unique patterns, innovative shapes, and remarkable color combinations to showcase your creative flair.
You Want a Watch, but Which Watch?
The right watch is a staple piece of jewelry that doesn't really count as jewelry. Wearing a timepiece is a great opportunity to express who you are. If you're looking to stand out and make a statement with your watch, you need to go deeper than Apple, Garmin, or Suunto.
Swiss luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Phillippe, and Audemars Piguet make some of the best mechanical watches out there (if you have $10,000+ to spend). For significantly less money, mid-market Swiss and German brands like Hamilton, Oris, Longines, Doxa, and Sinn offer sophisticated pieces. Brands like these make sturdy, reliable watches that could last you the rest of your life.
A few options worth checking out:
Asian watch brands like Seiko, Citizen, Casio, and Orient have terrific options for everyday watches within a young man's budget. Because of their rich heritage in watchmaking, these brands still get the nod from the most discerning watch collectors and enthusiasts.
Here are a few to consider:
by SEIKO
Seiko Prospex Solar Chronograph
Seiko 5 Sports Automatic GMT
by Casio
Casio Edifice EFR-107
Orient Neo Classic Sports Diver
Finding the perfect watch takes time, possibly even some trial and error. Spend what you can afford, choose as wisely as you can, and be willing to learn and adjust as your taste evolves.
Building Your Standout Style With Confidence
Embracing your individuality through the latest fashion trends is one way to demonstrate your personal style and stand out from the crowd. It's possible to find timeless and classic looks while shopping the latest menswear brands and hottest new releases.
Experiment with different clothing items, colors, inspirations, and accessories to craft a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality. Remember, the key to standing out and attracting the right kind of attention is a combination of confidence and style awareness. Be bold with your choices, choose the fashion trends that speak to you most, and above all, trust your sense of fashion.
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