by Justin Tukes
Well, it’s that time again. As we bid farewell to the warm and reinvigorating embrace of summer, fall emerges with the promise of new ways of living and dressing, along with a return to some semblance of normalcy. People don’t want to be as they once were, and after such an extraordinary period of introspection, it’s not hard to figure out why. Chiefly so, the man’s wardrobe has become a point of conversation as it continues to metamorphose into something that trades the basic for the bold and classic. Men everywhere are investing more into themselves and seeing the impact their hygiene, mental health and personal style can have on their overall state of well-being. Once considered so gendered, it’s refreshing to see such openness and commitment to well-thought sartorial choices. One thing is for sure — this winter, we’re going to see the boys bringing their very best to the table. And honestly, whether that be through the perfect puff of an olive-hued Jacquemus Toggle Coat or something as simple as a pair of tried-and-true wool trousers, the effort is noticed and greatly appreciated.
Happy shopping!
The sweater vest
If you told me I would be wearing the same thing my mother forced upon me for picture day 15 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you. The sweater vest has made a very promising comeback as designers put their own spins on the age-old classic. From Y/Project’s calculated but effective disregard for traditional proportion to the culturally and color-rich Wales Bonner, it’s definitely time to raid your grandparents’ closets for more than their never-ending stash of caramels.
Suiting, redefined
What qualifies as a suit? Over the past few seasons, the definition has gone from something as simple as pinstripes and pleats to a sliding scale inclusive of various cuts and color combos. This season, designers are leaning more into the idea of the suit being a framework for something that can translate refinement just as easily as being casual. Mostly characterized by matching or coordinating two-piece sets, we’ve seen this update best displayed by the likes of Prada, Casablanca and Ermenegildo Zegna.
Tricked-out trenches
This season’s trenches continue to see designers updates that continue to play with proportion. Interestingly, no matter how much it’s reinterpreted, the classic continues to retain its sense of familiarity and wearability. At LV, Virgil Abloh elongated the silhouette with exaggerated collars and epaulets. If that’s not your cup of tea (or coffee, haha), look to Dries or Lemaire for a nod to a classic shape and sharp construction.
I guess it’s never too cold for shorts
Once a strict hallmark of the summer wardrobe, this fall season has defiantly proclaimed that the legs will remain out. Reinterpreted through dark-hued wintry fabrics and a mix of mini and Bermuda styles, shorts have become the new must-have for your winter wardrobe. (Yes, readers, that sentence exists now.)
Sweaters that wow
The statement sweater has increasingly become a staple of the winter wardrobe. Now more than ever, as we’ve put a strong focus on fashion that translates comfort and style, it has become integral in our transition back out into the real world. This fall season, designers have continued to infuse prints that evoke joy and reassurance but adapted to meet the season where it is. Placed over roomier silhouettes in mohair, wool and cashmere, this continuous trend has definitely encouraged us to go out … or stay in?
It’s more than a bathrobe
Not to much surprise, we’ve seen designers lean more and more into our lust for lazy dressing. Opting for outerwear with non-traditional wrap-around belting in unstructured cozy cuts, designers have injected work-from-home style with a spirit of much-needed indulgence and pure elegance. This season, Silvia Fendi sent models down the runway in quilted robe coats over tailored button-ups and straight-leg trousers. And if that’s not enough of an indication of our current status, models at Louis were toting their morning cups of coffee and newspaper while cascading from frame to frame in what appeared to be wintry dressing gowns. Is it really time for bed? I guess not.
Skirts
As we push forward on the quest to de-gender fashion, the skirt has become a sacrificial lamb of sorts in the blurring of lines between men and womenswear. This season, designers opted for hard pleats, dense fabrics and masculine motifs/patterns. Honestly, it’s nice to see the skirt became less of a “temptation” for men to indulge in and rather another bold way to exhibit personal style and striking individuality.
