What's In and What's Out in Men's Fashion
Men's fashion is constantly evolving, reflecting changing tastes, societal trends, and the influence of global culture. As we move forward in 2024, some styles are making a bold comeback while others are fading into the background. Here's a breakdown of what's in and what's out in men's fashion, helping you stay on top of the latest trends and avoid outdated styles.
What's In
Relaxed, Tailored Fits: Gone are the days of ultra-skinny jeans and overly tight clothing. Relaxed, tailored fits are taking center stage. Whether it's trousers, blazers, or shirts, the focus is on comfort with a polished edge. Think wider-leg trousers paired with tailored blazers or looser-fitting shirts that maintain structure without feeling too constrictive. This shift embraces both style and comfort, allowing for versatility and an effortlessly cool look.
Earth Tones and Neutrals: Warm earth tones and neutral colors are dominating men's fashion this year. Shades like olive, beige, terracotta, and soft browns are becoming wardrobe staples, especially in men's fall fashion trends. These colors not only provide a sophisticated and natural aesthetic, but they're also easy to mix and match. Whether it's in outerwear, sweaters, or everyday essentials, neutrals offer a refined and timeless look that's still modern.
Oversized Outerwear: Oversized outerwear continues to be a major trend. From long coats to puffer jackets and trench coats, the oversized silhouette adds a bold yet practical element to any outfit. Think boxy fits, dropped shoulders, and exaggerated lengths. This trend allows for layering, making it not only stylish but also functional for colder months.
Leather and Suede: Leather jackets and suede pieces are experiencing a resurgence, particularly in unique shades like burgundy, forest green, and navy. Leather bombers and biker jackets are timeless staples, while suede coats and blazers add texture and richness to any look. These materials lend a rugged sophistication to both casual and semi-formal outfits, making them versatile investments.
Retro Sportswear: The revival of retro sportswear continues to thrive, bringing back tracksuits, polo shirts, and vintage sneakers from the '80s and '90s. This look combines nostalgia with modern tailoring, offering both comfort and a playful style. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok are embracing their heritage collections, giving men a way to integrate sporty elements into their everyday wardrobe without sacrificing style.
Loafers and Chunky Shoes: When it comes to footwear, loafers and chunky shoes are making waves. Loafers, particularly in suede and leather, are versatile, offering a smart-casual option that works for both business and social settings. Chunky shoes, like platform sneakers and heavy-soled boots, bring a bold statement to any outfit. These shoes balance comfort with standout style, making them a must-have for 2024.
Layering with Knitwear: Layering is key in men's fashion this year, and knitwear plays a crucial role. Turtlenecks, cardigans, and textured sweaters are perfect for layering under jackets or over T-shirts for a polished yet cozy look. Neutral-colored knits or bold-patterned sweaters can elevate a casual outfit, while also offering warmth and comfort, especially during transitional weather.
What's Out
Super Skinny Jeans: The era of skin-tight jeans is officially over. While slim cuts are still in, super skinny jeans that hug the legs too closely are being replaced by relaxed and straight-leg fits. These looser silhouettes offer a more comfortable and modern alternative, providing better balance and proportion to the overall outfit.
Loud Logos: The trend of plastering big, flashy logos across clothing is on its way out. Subtle branding and clean designs are becoming more popular, as minimalism takes over. The focus now is on the quality of the garment and its fit rather than overt brand displays. Look for pieces that prioritize craftsmanship and understated style over branding hype.
Hyper-Masculine, Bulky Suits: Overly padded, boxy suits that emphasize exaggerated masculinity are falling out of favor. Modern suiting is all about sleek, fitted lines without the unnecessary bulk. Today's suits are designed to follow the natural shape of the body, offering a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance. If you're still holding onto oversized, heavily structured suits, it's time for an upgrade.
Overly Distressed Denim: While distressed denim was once a major trend, excessive rips and tears are being phased out. A more refined approach to denim is taking its place, with clean, slightly faded, or raw denim becoming more popular. A few minor distress marks are still acceptable, but jeans that look overly worn or destroyed now seem out of place in modern wardrobes.
Ultra-Formal, Stiff Looks: Formal fashion is becoming more relaxed, and ultra-stiff, overly formal outfits are falling out of favor. The modern man's wardrobe is shifting towards flexibility, whereas even formal wear includes casual elements. For example, tailored suits might be paired with sneakers, or dress shirts worn without a tie. This new wave of semi-formal dressing allows for personal expression and comfort while maintaining a polished appearance.
Athletic-Inspired Streetwear: While streetwear continues to have a place in men's fashion, the ultra-athletic-inspired look—complete with gym shorts, joggers, and performance tops—is starting to feel outdated outside of workout settings. Men's casual fashion is moving towards a more elevated, polished look that incorporates elements of streetwear without fully committing to a gym-ready outfit.
Bright Neons: Bright neon colors, which were briefly popular in streetwear and festival fashion, are losing their appeal. While pops of color still have their place, neon shades like lime green and electric blue are being replaced by more muted, earthy tones. This shift towards a subtler color palette reflects the growing preference for versatility and sophistication in men's fashion.
Summing Up
Men's fashion in 2024 is all about balancing comfort with sophistication, embracing timeless colors and modern fits. The shift toward relaxed tailoring, earthy tones, and minimal branding represents a refined approach to style that is both versatile and sustainable. By letting go of outdated trends like super skinny jeans, overly distressed denim, and bright neons, you can build a wardrobe that is not only on-trend but also timeless. Investing in high-quality pieces that reflect the current trends ensures that you're always dressed for success, whether in casual or formal settings.