This season’s collection of trends sees men’s fashion hanging out between the gentleman’s closet and the rebel’s wardrobe. A combination of “smart” and “casual” is the way to go this fall; we’re talking sneakers with suits and well-tailored coats unabashedly worn with a backpack.
Looks like it’s time to throw stale dress code conventions out the window. Change is good.
Where You’ve Seen It: A favourite of TV dads in the ‘90s, turtlenecks are back in full force this season. We like the suave sophistication of slim tailoring combined with solid colouring, as seen at Valentino.
How to Wear It: Switch up your office wardrobe and go turtleneck over button down. It’s a simple fashion detail that makes you look like you’ve tried, without actually trying. Bonus: Simply lose the suit jacket for an easy day to night transition. We suggest avoiding bulky knits and opting for lightweight takes on the trend—seen in the RW&CO look here—for added versatility.
Where You’ve Seen It: What happens below your ankle can be sporty and fashionable. Christopher Raeburn’s FW16 runway showed off a bootie version of kicks that understands high tops can inform more than on-court style.
How to Wear It: Jeans and high tops go together forever and always… but, mixing things up every now and then is a good fashion karma. For a pair of sneakers that go as well with a casual look as cocktail attire, choose high tops in an atypical khaki shade, like these Chucks, to elevate a pair of simple sneakers to another level.
Where You’ve Seen It: A grey coat is nothing groundbreaking, but FW16 sees this staple go from forgettable to must-have status. We especially like Matthew Miller’s take on trend, which ranged from the classic gentleman’s coat—long with clean lines—to a motorcycle style that channeled the energy of a woodland rebel.
How to Wear It: Fall has a way of pushing darker shades to the forefront, but it’s nice to soften your wardrobe’s edge (i.e. breakup its browns and blacks) with a pale grey. This look from Zara offers the handsome charm of versatility, pairing as nicely with a suit as a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt during weekend outings.
Where You’ve Seen It: This accessory is no longer strictly a back-to-school essential; a backpack can be worn by anyone, on multiple occasions, to complement a variety of looks. This season, designers, such as Coach, are offering up plenty-a-playful-versions for men inclined to fine leather craftsmanship.
How to Wear It: When perusing your options, we suggest settling on a backpack that is functional, while unique in style. It’s the little details that count when it comes to this accessory. Go for something fun and colourful like this option from Herschel Supply.
Where You’ve Seen It: Olden day masculinity charged the FW16 runways, encapsulated in this season’s bomber jacket trend. Labels including Burberry modernized classic styles with bold colour and zipper details, transforming the jacket into new fall staple.
How to Wear It: For a jacket that goes with just about everything, stick with an olive green option like this bomber from Gap. Match it with a button up or a turtleneck to achieve a Brit-inspired mod look.
