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Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
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Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
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Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
The Influence of Trends
Trends represent a big segment of fashion consciousness, this is an indisputable fact. For the last couple of seasons the nautical, preppy, town meets country and military trends have had a huge influence on the clothes we buy and the looks we create. More recently the biker trend, block colours and new, more vibrant patterns have gradually been permeating the male fashion world. Without trends I’m sure a lot of people probably wouldn’t really know what to wear, we rely very heavily on them to dictate our style, irrespective of whether you are a strict trend follower or prefer the style of the ever ubiquitous, sartorial gent.
However, this reliance on trends does of course create issues. In this instance I want to concentrate on key items; the pieces that create the trends we all love to follow, the things that fill our stores and wardrobes, the things we consider fashionable.
But what is the problem with this? Surely we need these items because they play such a pivotal role? In this particular case it is something that we have touched on a great deal in previous articles but never really discussed in any great detail; key items becoming too common. I should point out however that I don’t just want to create a list of items that could be construed as over worn or clichéd, I also wish to consider whether or not this should actually have any impact on our choices.
As we have said numerous times before, fashion is an entirely subjective beast and we base our decisions on what we as a person find attractive or fashionable, but does a quest for individuality drive us away from pieces that we might have invested in otherwise?
The Items
This issue isn’t restricted to one particular season or item, it goes across the board; after all, key items don’t just feature in one particular trend. Often these items can adapt to numerous trends and are very useful when creating outfits that fuse a number of looks or developing a more classic, timeless style. When you consider that a transitional wardrobe is something all fashionable men should be striving for, this debate becomes a lot more important.
Below are just some of the items that could well be considered to be style overload.
The Boat Shoe/Espadrille
I thought I would start with shoes because as we all know they are arguably the most important part of any outfit. I have grouped together espadrilles and boat shoes because they serve much the same purpose and niche of the footwear market, so what applies to one more often than not applies to the other.
It is fairly obvious just how popular both these styles of shoe have become, in fact it is now very hard to walk down the street without seeing at least a few pairs and they are available almost everywhere. This has been the case for the last couple of seasons and you could be excused for beginning to consider them a little too common or lacking in individuality; certainly there has been some level of market saturation, one only has to look at TOMS for an example; irrespective of their great cause and company ethic, from a fashion point of view, everyone seems to be wearing them (I also wonder sometimes whether people actually realise what the company itself does, rather than see them as a nice shoe that is currently on trend).
However, although I personally don’t wear either shoe (I’m not a fan of the style), I do think they both still have a very important role to play in both current and future trends as well as within timeless fashion. Boat shoes in particular play big roles in the preppy, nautical and heritage trends, while espadrilles are the perfect alternative to the many more formal styles – a good way to introduce individuality to your outfit as a whole. It is perhaps more an issue of HOW you wear them, rather than WHAT you are wearing.
Cuffed Jeans/Trousers
The subject of much fierce fashionable debate all on their own, cuffed jeans are a good example of a trend whose popularity has sky rocketed within a very short period of time; this being the cause of debate, is this a good or bad thing?
Much of the issue stems, I believe, from the cut. They often come as carrot, banana or drop crotch jeans, meaning you are mixing two very new and different designs that have very little in common with the standard denim we are used to. They also suffer from a great deal of stereotyping and appeal (for the most part) to a very strict demographic; certainly not a look to be enjoyed by everyone, but we should also consider the factor of geographical location.
This is a topic we touched on before when discussing Brand Association and it rings very true here; on a recent trip to Birmingham for example I noticed an overwhelming prominence of cuffed trousers and jeans, whilst in other places they are much less common. While I think this is a factor, I also believe that it is also an example of a specific style becoming popular in a particular area; it suits their dress sense and fits in with the majority of the people they know. In the end they can still be seen as current fashion and being on trend, but it might not be what you personally consider to be fashionable.
Quilted Jackets
As mentioned previously, this is not a problem specific to a certain season (although it does seem to affect the spring/summer more.) Quilted Jackets are another example of an item that has gained popularity very quickly and quite coincidently, is often seen paired with cuffed jeans, boat shoes or espadrilles. But before we become all stereotypical and judgemental we must consider all the angles.
For a start, these jackets are hugely versatile; light enough for spring and even into early summer but thick enough to be worn throughout autumn and, if layered properly during the winter, they offer the perfect year round outerwear choice. They are also very easy to wear and can be thrown on over almost anything. Finally, like boat shoes, they adapt and play a very important part in many trends, most notably heritage and town meets country – a good example of easy fashion.
But as with many other key items, they suffer from a lack of individuality and a certain level of bad association. Perhaps another candidate for the HOW you wear it cause.
The Check Shirt
We here at FashionBeans like check shirts, as items go they sit firmly in the timeless camp but that still doesn’t make them immune from the worn too much by too many virus. Their popularity arguably stems from the ease with which they can be worn, the very simple nature of their design; no fashion based bravery needed and the huge diversity of colours and patterns available.
Unfortunately, it is exactly this versatility that pushes it closer and closer to the realms of the over worn. Regardless of differing colour or style, it is ultimately still a check shirt, fashion that every Tom, Dick and Nigel can wear; go for a night out on the town and checked shirts far outweigh any other – all worn in exactly the same way.
The reasons for avoiding check shirts seems overwhelming, but this shouldn’t be the case because their versatility is so good and they become the building blocks for the holy grail we all strive for – a timeless, capsule wardrobe. Chances are your shirt will be pretty much unique to you on most occasions (due to the extraordinary amount of styles and colours available now) so then it becomes up to you to style it correctly. Mixing it with interesting accessories such as ties and bow ties is a great start, as not many men can pull off a pattern mix shirt and tie combination. Other options would be to opt for more current styles and fits, such as small checks, gingham or plaid, in slimmer, more formal cuts.
Again it becomes HOW you wear it – but I know a lot of people who now neglect the check section of their wardrobe because of the increasing popularity. Are you one of these?
Wayfarers
In a similar way to check shirts, this is perhaps not an item that many would have considered to be overloading and to a certain extent you would be right – accessories are among the most versatile and timeless items of fashion you could buy; they go across most trends, help to accentuate your outfit regardless of what it is and perhaps most importantly, mark you out as an individual.
But we should still remember that variety really is the spice of life and if everyone is wearing the same pair of sunglasses (I’m thinking black Rayban wayfarers here) there is definitely no spice whatsoever. Sunglasses are also items that need to be carefully considered, just because everyone else is wearing them doesn’t mean they actually suit you – check out Matt Allinson’s Fashion Basics article on eyewear for more information.
The Wayfarer’s shape is iconic and it is only natural that lots of people want to cash in on that action but there are alternatives out there, even by changing the colour you alter their whole appearance. Definitely a timeless classic, but perhaps one that needs a little mixing up.
The Alternatives
So, I have identified just a few of the items that could be considered over worn or in danger of enter style overload and I have also suggested why this shouldn’t necessarily dictate whether or not we wear them, but what are the alternatives?
The Conclusion
As I have said before, this is by no means an exhaustive list, you might disagree with my choices or you might be able to think of lots more, you might even believe that there is no place in fashion for some of these items. Regardless of whether this is or is not the case we should still consider the virtues of each and every one, there is a reason they have become so popular (thus perhaps over worn) and we should always bare in mind that it could be argued that fashion is actually what the masses want and not what we personally believe or want it to be.
Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is fashion. Style it could be said is something completely different – but they are still intrinsically linked – one does not exist without the other, and before we rush headlong into a complete disregard of certain items we must first decide why we don’t like something. Is it because it just doesn’t work with our style? Or is it because of the connotations surrounding it? If it is the latter then we should also remember that HOW we wear affects WHAT we wear.
But now it’s time for your opinion:
- Do you think style overload is a problem?
- Does it affect your choices? What else affects them?
- Do stereotypes still impact upon your choices?
- What other items do you think are over worn?
- How much do you think how you wear an item affects the perception of it?
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Will
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A Guide To: Men’s Italian Style
Taking Style Inspiration From Others
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A very good article, and I often think “oh dear, everyone seems to be wearing this stuff now”, but this article makes you realise that it really is how you wear things. I don’t have a pair of boat shoes or a quilted jacket, but instead have some of the “alternatives” that have been mentioned above, such as desert boots and fisherman jackets – both are less “common” sights at the moment. So I definitely agree – it’s how you wear things that make the difference. If something becomes common, it doesn’t really affect my choice of wearing a certain piece of clothing, but I may choose a different colour or something. For example, I went for a blue denim pair of Toms – everyone else seems to have grey or navy.
In Liverpool, close to where I live, the “scally” and “chav” populations have suddenly become very fond of Vans shoes – which, of course, were originally popular with skaters. However, they wear them with contradicting outfits – particularly ill-fitting beige chinos or cargo pants, and they just look out of place. Again, it’s how you wear something that changes the perception of an item.
I’ve always found that, if you’re wearing some clothing that is quite ubiquitous, that pairing them with something a little more unconventional helps counteract it.
For instance, today I’m wearing some blue TOMs, navy chino shorts and a nautical tee, but I’ve thrown in a Cheap Monday denim jacket to wear on top.
I must admit, though: I do not ‘get’ carrot fit/drop crotch jeans/chinos. It seems to ruin the whole point/aesthetic of wearing them [specifically for chinos, which is a more tailored fit to your outfit]
I think the key as said in the article is HOW you wear an item, also don’t wear all of these things at the same time. Wear one of the items with your ‘normal’ outfit/style.
The other key thing I don’t think was mentioned is fit. Buy something that fits well and that will define you and help you stand out from the crowd.
Lastly which can make a small difference is buy your clothes from different stores/brands; this can stop you looking like you walked out of (for sake of the argument) Topman’s window display.
Love the article, i too question the individuality of following specific trends too closely – although, do i now need to buy some more sunglasses now that my black wayfarers are a bit too populist.
As the saying goes “it ain’t what you wear it’s the way that your wear it” i also think it depends on “where you wear”.
What suits you and what looks good in one area, may look a bit too cliched in another.
Finding the balance is the key element, an awareness of trends is good but retaining your own personal style is equally, if not more, important.
Saying all that – am i allowed to still allowed to roll my trousers up ?
It’s purely a case of moving one step ahead of the mannequins Martin. Instead of rolling your trousers up, opt for a cropped leg that finishes at ankle length.
Thought-provoking read. Espadrilles have no place in my wardrobe, for they are more common than fake ray-bans and do not suit any sort of sartorial elegance. No incentive can make me slip those on my feet! Boat shoes are a far better alternative – they work into many more outfits, and are a classier option.
I must say I was surprised to see that the Harrington jacket was not considered a “style overload,” though that might be because of my location.
certainly aren’t many of them round my neck of the woods! And all the Harringtons I see are twinned, slightly bizarrely, with trackies and Nikes. The man that wears the Baracuta in the spirit of the Mods and Steve McQueen is a rare and admirable one indeed.
And incidently wouldn’t a good old fashioned loafer do the job? Classier still than Sperrys and the like if you ask me.
Some of your readers may wear espradilles – be careful what you say or you may lose them!!
I think the Harrington is definitely a location specific style overload, I don’t see many people wearing them, or not in such great numbers and those that do tend to have the cheap, mass produced Chinese or American imports that parade themselves as Vintage.
I am slightly biased though because I am a great lover of the Harrington but I would advise people to buy a high quality item, if not one of the original G9s from Baracuta.
I couldn’t agree more with the items highlighted (although I would have definitely included low scoop/v-necks). It is definitely time to move on from boat shoes, check shirts and quilted jackets. The cuffed jean/chino was NEVER acceptable!
Great article.
Whilst writing about them I remembered your great dislike for them. I was seriously considering putting low cut Tees in but I decided against it in the end, I wanted to avoid just listing all the items that are generally worn together.
However, I do think they are another case of when styled correctly and avoiding the cliched looks, they’re OK. Although I personally I prefer more structured, standard V necks (Reiss being my current favourite purveyor). I am still guilty of owning a number of All Saints tonic scoop neck tees though.
This article could not be anymore suitable to my feelings towards fashion at the moment.
Before all of the pieces above really ‘blew up’ I felt a sense of individuality and fashion pride when wearing these on nights out/ around town, yet now I feel that every other Tom, Dick and Harry has a pair of cuffed chino’s and some boat shoes.
Please can somebody on here offer some more alternative pieces to wear! I feel that my once beloved boat shoes have put me in the exclusive club of ‘everybody’ !
Regardless of whether or not boat shoes are in fashion just now they have always been seen as ‘timeless’. Essentially, don’t stop wearing them because they’ve became fashionable, boat shoes were always popular styles with sophisticated gentlemen as a summer go-to. You could bring some elegance to the table with a look separating you most Toms, Dicks and Harrys who look they have been kicked violently through Topman. Check out some of the styles on the Ralph Lauren and website and see how they wear boat shoes with their clothing.
I can understand why people get annoyed at saturation of the market, especially if like me you’ve been cuffing for years and suddenly get labelled a sheep or an idiot or unacceptable or whatever. I think the trouble is that people copy and don’t incorporate. Unfortunately, people who are desperate to be fashionable or stylish see what others are doing and simply copy, rather than try to incorporate aspects into a look and go overboard. This often means people who have used ray bans, checks or cuffs as their signature style get put in with the others that follow.
However, with that said, menswear is only so big a circle. By giving people other pieces to try out it’s quite likely there’ll be another article in 6 months saying to stop wearing denim shirts, persol sunglasses and desert boots (which I think are more prevalent than boat shoes). Or even more likely, a group of people who still haven’t developed their own personal style will simply be choosing items of clothing that aren’t what’s popular, rather than what suits them. Which, in my opinion, is even worse.
At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident and expresses who you are. And forget what anyone else thinks.
Desert boots are nowhere near as common as boat shoes where I’m based (near Chester).
I agree wholeheartedly with your last sentence! We can get too lost in wondering what other people think about our style.
This article is genius! Completely hit the nail on the head, and offered a fantastic range of alternatives. Bravo sir!
Really good article, and sums my feelings up perfectly.
I don’t know how this happens, but it’s very annoying when those one or two niche pieces become too common. I was expecting the check shirts, Espadrille’s, and cuffed jeans more than anything else to be honest. Particularly when you see a lot of people rocking this entire outfit. Give it a while longer and denim shirts will also be RIP.
Like people have mentioned, it can come down to the way your wear it. My check collection now sits in my wardrobe like the family outcast. Shunned away because it has brought shame on me. I occasionally pull out this one subtle check shirt, and button it up.. but even then, it’s a last option.
A couple of things I was expecting to see – The Military boot. I guess as we’re into the s/s months, they’re dying out. I love my boots. I hate how common they have become. Ditto on the scarves, and ditto on the seasonal reasoning there.
I guess my optimistic side still sees that a lot of staple pieces (think blazers and indigo jeans) are not REALLY cross-over worthy. It was inevitable with the Espadrille’s, but there’s something about a blazer that just isn’t for everyone, no matter how many mannequins are fitted out in them at Topman. and for now, my half-sleeve shirts seems safe. Lets keep it this way.
PS – thanks for the ‘alternatives’. Those “H By Hudson Beige Espadrille Boots” will be a great pick-up
Can’t wait for the plunging v/scoop neck to fade out and hopefully never resurface! You won’t be missed JLS.
My only worry is that I’m starting to see my beloved Persol 649s I’ve been receiving endless compliments for over the past two summers being touted as the go to alternative to the wayfarer style. It was great while it lasted. I must thank Steve McQueen and Google for that gem.
While I agree it’s time to move away from the casual lumberjack style checked shirt with chest pockets etc, I’d love to see more checked/plaid shirts in a more formal/tailored fabric, cut and design. Say with no chest pockets and button down colours, versions that look just as good with a suit and tie as worn more casually.
Going to make a random shout for mao collared shirts to become a big trend.
Great article, thought provoking!
Ah, the much maligned scoop neck. Under a sensibly lapelled jacket it works proportional wonders. It’s the same reason Tom Ford-esque too-many-buttons-undone looks, which ARE something I despise, are still prevalent. It’s that triangular torso shape that flatters you.
They’re the sort of simple twist on an everyday item that I’d be sad to see relegated to “so last year” status. If you’re not trying to show off man cleavage and the scoop isn’t cavernous I don’t see the problem!
But I do like dressy check shirts. Usually gingham. Good shout.
Interesting article… Personally, i’d like to think i’ve built a style based on ‘timeless’ which can involve a few trend pieces each season.
I think Will got the point right it’s ‘how’ you wear something, most importantly the fit, but also the outfit as a whole.
People who’ve put thought into their clothes, body type etc will make a style overloaded item look good. Someone who’s simply bought the first ‘on trend’ piece they’ve found will more often than not, end up looking like the stereotype.
Nice article…just some personal thoughts…
The Boat Shoe/Espadrille – I got some boat shoes, I don’t wear them much because they are uncomfortable without socks, and – apparently – uncool with socks on. Even with short socks, they remain uncomfortable. I was also taken the p*** out of by some friends, and was asked about my yacht! For less formal shoes I now wear the ubiquitous white Converse.
Cuffed Jeans/Trousers – I kinda like them. They aren’t for me, but I saw some younger guys wearing them and they looked pretty good. I don’t think they are for over 25s tho!
Quilted Jackets – I noticed people wearing them in Essex with a ‘Hitler Youth’ haircut like 5 years ago. I was suspicious, then I bought one – but it must be a winter-tog because I can’t wear it outside freezing temperatures. I believe they are also worn because the ‘country gent’ trend that appeared a while back.
The Check Shirt – I’ve grown so tired of this ‘trend’. They still occasionally appear on catwalks, and I don’t know why.
Wayfarers – I like my Wayfarers, I like the classic style. I like wearing them with my white Converse, a pair of chinos, a striped shirt and a denim shirt or jacket – I just feel timelessly stylish.
Like others above, I find annoying that something I have been wearing for a year suddenly becomes ubiquitous – I was particularly annoyed when trashy w/c mums and the Kensington set started wearing keffiyehs all those years ago. But I’ve grown as person and now I just don’t care.
The next trends: maybe velvet jackets – if they aren’t already trending – and classic navy duffle jacket – I know Topman have just started to sell the latter. Obviously not to be worn together!!!
I think wayfarers are definitely still worth the investment, they will always be a timeless classic regardless of how many people wear them, I think the cheap knock offs ruin the image somewhat. Unfortunately Wayfarers don’t suit my face so I opted for Clubmasters, again blighted by cheap knock offs and more and more people are moving over from Wayfarers. The next move for me is going to be some Rayban 3447s (John Lennon esque round items).
Its good to see some differing opinions on this topic, but I think it’s also good that most of us agree that it is more about HOW you wear something rather than WHAT you are wearing that makes the difference.
There were a number of different things I had considered but didn’t include, one being the Low cut tee which I do think works well if worn correctly and NOT over a perfectly waxed chest (personal opinion of course) which I do think removes nearly all masculinity from a look, a certain amount of hevage is good and I think suggests an element of confidence.
I also considered military boots but had a better idea for them so keep your eyes peeled for another article.
I also considered the Vans Authentic shoe but then remembered I own a pair that I wear quite a lot and didn’t want to be overly biased, I also think that is more of a location thing – I spend most of my time in Brighton and there is a big hipster scene there and Vans seem to be the footwear of choice.
keep those opinions coming.
Cuffed jeans/chinos have never been acceptable. Annoying that some of my favourite pieces such as my Vans and Toms have been taken over by the masses. I suppose they are very versatile and widely accepted footwear for a casual approach though so it is no surprise that they are popular. Seeing the American Apparel hoody tied at the neck, beige chinos and vans/toms has become tiring now though.
I agree with basically everything that has been said so far. People are beginning to see that a look (such as scoop neck t shirts) are fashionable and so they go out and buy the first one they see, regardless of whether it suits them or not.
However, what has been beginning to aggravate me more than just blind imitation of a look or statement piece is the people who wear branded clothes because the brand is seen as popular and fashionable (as mentioned in the article with regards to TOMS). For example, All Saints has always been my favourite brand for their style, look and design. But recently it’s become a case of people buying a t-shirt or a cardigan with the ramskull insignia and suddenly becoming “in fashion” regardless of whether the item looks good or not. It’s beginning to put me off wearing clothes from All Saints and other similar brands because of how common and un-unique they are becoming – I hate having people comment on my clothes because of the label and where I got it from rather than the actual item itself. I’ve decided to try and avoid all clothes with obvious branding so that I can wear the clothes I like without being seen as a typical label loving brand boy.
Having said all this I have no qualms with people who wear a branded t-shirt or cardigan as long as they are not wearing it purely because of the label itself – dressing from top to toe in clothes plastered with brands is not (in my opinion) fashionable.
Right on with the Ramskull comment.. I love AllSaints but avoid the Ramskull at ALL costs.
This is quite possibly FB’s best ever article. its so easy to say all the above are too common etc, and one shouldn’t invest in them but this is a balanced view that contextualises each piece and looks into how pieces are worn. Good work.
Sock&Sole
Jeans/Chinos with elasticated cuffs are definitely the worst thing ever… closely followed by ill fitting carrot cut. I’ve never been a huge fan of boat shoes but I do own a pair of the All Saints ‘recess’ ones which are the coolest I’ve seen around, although I prefer my loafers with chino shorts or rolled up chinos, much smarter! I wouldn’t ever wear my Toms for a proper night out but they are as comfy as slippers and were perfect for the IOW festival.
I feel quite fortunate my city sucks so bad for shopping that not many people are very fashionable… so other than vans/toms and topman clones you can avoid looking like everybody else quite easily.
Agree with more or less all this article, I’ve also abandoned most my check shirts and Toms are definitely over worn, it definitely is a big problem really hope the same thing doesn’t happen to denim shirts/jackets and desert boots- love them.
It already has happened to denim shirts where I live, soon to be heading your way. :(
I think desert boots are a little way off the style overload, if you have worries however, opt for a slightly different, but very similar style. I’m hoping my next footwear purchase will be these – http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/170122-grenson-smith-suede-chukka
Very similar, but still sufficiently different enough to avoid conformity!
In London desert boots are getting out of control. They’re a classic shoe to own so obviously wear them with pride and style, but if you do need an alternative look out for desert trekkers. They’re basically what Will posted but with more visible stitching and in leather.
Philosophical articles such as this one are my favourites on Fashionbeans. I’ve yet to actually own any of the items mentioned above with the exception of one check shirt (I’ve got one hell of a sparse wardrobe). I find that the main reason for this is that I get things based on how much I like them and have yet to find any examples of the above items that really fit my tastes. Perhaps a symptom of trend immunity? Hah.
go for a night out in your local town and you will find a group of lads wearing chuffed chino jeans with espadrille’s and an all saints top that has the neck stretched to show their chests. i hate this look but in a way it shows how we have changed and accepted mens fashion.
This is a very good article and a very good topic to open a debate on.
Persoanlly, I do think the current trends of menswear are overloading and it has become a slight issues, especially for men out there who aren’t as fashion concious as others and trying to change their images and looking for inspiration, they will just end up looking like the others or become a clone of the VM on high street.
I think it is important that bring in personal twist and the understanding of your own style into your outfit to avoid looking like the same to any one else. Also always look for alternative on each idividual items on your outfit. In that way, you will still be trendy but mix with your own style and influences. I must admit, the current trend overload problem does limited on the choices when you do your shopping. But I always be able to adapt key pieces to different type of items to create different look, by just making small adjustment. So even I’m styling with the same material, but because the idea and inspiration is different from others, that will always guarantee stand out from the crowed.
As far as the check shirt goes, I was out in a nightclub about 2-3 weeks ago, and no word of a lie – every single man there (myself included), was wearing a check shirt of some description.