It’s that time of year again when we break out our chunkiest knit sweaters and thick socks to brace ourselves against the freezing cold. As the new season approaches, you may want to update your current wardrobe. Throughout January, we saw fashion-goers wander through the streets of Milan and Paris in pieces we could only dream of. Pop-color sweaters, ripped jeans, and androgynous stylings are making it big this season, plus plenty of wild cards we didn’t see coming, and frankly, we’re here for it. These are the top ten fashion trends we have spotted at Men’s Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2024 that are sure to inspire your next shopping trip.
1. Pop Color Knits
Who said you should avoid color in cold weather? This fall, we’re bringing the sunshine with us with these bright color knits. Last season, we saw the rise of knitwear on the runway, and it made its way into the zeitgeist of everyday style. Chunky knit sweaters in blue, green, and yellow give a fresh twist to a traditional style. They can be styled with a pair of dark jeans or straight trousers – this is a great alternative for an everyday office look. If you’re feeling a little edgy, take inspiration from Gucci and Loewe and pair your new knits with contrasting colors to add even more dimension to the outfit.
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2. Cargo Pants
Who would have thought that cargo pants would be one of the season’s coveted staple pieces? But in 2024, it’s all about embracing practicality and fusing it with effortless style. Humble cargo pants have gone through a radical makeover in the last few years, becoming a go-to for men who yearn for a casual style but want to add an extra dimension to their outfits. Traditionally, these pants have been only available in beige or brown, but since its reinvention, you can choose practically anything that speaks to you. Pair them with a plain T-shirt and a jacket, a sweater, or an oversized hoodie – the juxtaposing texture and silhouette of the trousers will create a multi-dimensional outfit that is sure to turn heads.
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3. Statement Puffer
It’s no secret that puffer jackets have become a mainstay in winter dressing. Still, if you’re totally over the conventional (and sometimes boring) silhouettes of a regular jacket, then it’s time to make a statement. Gamechangers like Rick Owens and Moncler have revolutionized the outerwear game with exaggerated collars and shoulders, bright colors, and intricate needlework. Deter the gloomy weather with a splash of neon yellow or orange, and let your body feel wrapped in the warmth with melodramatic padded silhouettes. Of course, if you can’t see yourself in eye-catching colors and prefer dark shades like black or navy, lean into texture and silhouette to spice it up.
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4. Orange Pops
If you’re on the hunt for a fun way to introduce color into your winter wardrobe but unsure where to start, let us introduce you to a pop of orange. As a secondary color, you can work it with a range of complementary and contrasting shades, such as blue and purple, but it really stands out when paired with neutral shades like white, black, and stone. To style the look, we recommend using accessories in small doses to create maximum impact – hats and shoes in orange are subtle choices that really pack a punch. But if you’re ready to go all out, why not wear a bright hoodie or shirt?
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5. Skirts
Fashion is completely cyclical; what was revolutionary decades ago becomes a statement piece in today’s world. The same can be said for men’s skirts, which have been a part of menswear for millennia; in modern times, it has been associated with punk subcultures and grunge, but it was Thom Browne’s tailored aesthetic that catapulted it back into the mainstream. To style this conversation starter, we recommend pairing it with contrasting elements, such as a blazer or coat, trousers, and high socks, or adding a leather jacket and chunky boots to engulf yourself in the punk aesthetic. Remember that gender is a construct, and the clothes you wear should reflect you, not society.
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6. Unique Ripped Jeans
Lovers of ripped jeans, rejoice! This season, we’re ushering back the ripped jeans trend, but we’re turning things up a notch. Rather than a simple slash at the knee, fashion-goers were pulling out all the stops, shredding the fabric from thigh to ankle in an organized yet chaotic way. Whether you love the look of Rick Owens’ aesthetic or prefer something a little closer to streetwear, this trend is easy to recreate. Use the mangled fabric as a focal point in your outfit by sticking to block colors and avoiding patterns altogether – but throwing in a concentrated print in a similar shade is a surprisingly cool way to create harmony and dimension in your outfit.
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7. Androgynous Style
Despite what some people may say, there are no exact rules when it comes to dressing. The same is said with gender-specific pieces and how we style them; opting for an androgynous look has been a mainstay in the scene since the ’60s, and although it’s adapted and changed over the decades, the end result stays the same. For a modern interpretation of this style, we recommend choosing key garments that teeter into both traditional forms of genders – this can include a structured blazer and handbag paired with men’s trousers and chunky boots. Alternatively, add a skirt with a button-down shirt or cardigan, a bomber jacket, and a beanie. Ultimately, you want to blend elements of every aspect of the genre spectrum and combine them to create something completely your own.
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8. Wide Leg Trousers
We’ve well and truly said goodbye to the days of spray-on skinny jeans, embracing wide-leg trousers in all their glory. These comfortable and sleek pants are perfect for upping your smart-casual game and can be worn in myriad ways. Made popular by sailors in the ’30s, this elevated menswear has also been featured by the likes of David Bowie, Frank Sinatra, and, most recently, Harry Styles. Pair your favorite camel or cream trousers with a beige or white shirt, finished with a long coat or a chunky knit sweater. If you’re leaning towards something a little more laid back, a simple hoodie and sneakers perfectly juxtapose the trousers’ clean lines and weeping fabrics.
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9. Exaggerated Shoulders
If the ‘80s fashion taught us anything, the bigger the shoulders, the better. This season, we’re continuing to blend gender norms and entering the world of oversized shoulders, using exaggerated silhouettes to create an interesting, multi-faceted look. Elevating the classic menswear style, you can work an oversized coat with a pair of jeans and boots or swap out a traditional blazer for something a few sizes larger than usual, worn with pieces closer to your true size for a dramatic effect. The fun doesn’t stop with tailored menswear and can teeter into basics such as T-shirts, sweaters, and leather outerwear – keeping the remainder of your outfit free from patterns and bright colors can help accentuate the jumbo jacket.
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10. Layering with a Hoodie
When temperatures drop lower than expected, the last thing you want to do is get out of your tracksuit, so why ever take them off? This season, we’re seeing a lot of layering of casual elements like hoodies and blending them with tailored and structured menswear, including blazers and long coats. A styling choice we’ve seen is wearing the hood over your head rather than letting it hang below the shoulders – this adds height to your look while keeping your head and neck snuggly. Despite seeing plenty of dark colors on the streets during Men’s Fashion Week, we aren’t opposed to throwing brighter hues like blue and yellow into the mix. Play with patterns, too, as this can add an unexpected element to take your outfit to the next level.
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Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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