Trends to look for… Kinda
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry that has the power to reflect current cultural and societal shifts, as well as shape and inspire them. Trends in fashion serve as a mirror that reflects the collective consciousness of an era, providing us with a window into the minds and hearts of people from different walks of life.
For fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals, understanding and keeping up with fashion trends is an essential part of their work. From high-end designer brands to streetwear labels and everything in between, fashion trends play a crucial role in determining what styles, silhouettes, and designs will be popular in the coming season.
But... I'm just a college kid. I'm not a professional, nor an expert. But I do have an opinion, and I'm going to voice it. Also, as a preface, my personal style and taste tend to lean more upscale and kind of old, so understand that my recommendations will mostly fit that style. But I'll try to incorporate some that aren't. If I were to explain all of these in their own paragraph, this would pretty much be a senior thesis so I will only talk about a few that I feel strongly about and then just list the others.
So, here are some fashion trends I see for the upcoming spring and/or the future in general.
Make it stand out
Starting with Converse, I know everyone has Converses, but I'm not talking about just any Converses; I'm talking about Chuck 70s. Chuck 70s offers a more refined version of Converse, with extra stitching and a stronger body, making the shoe look better. It has a classic, retro feel that I love.
My belief is that shoes are an accessory to the outfit, not the main attraction. They should go with the outfit, not the other way around. This leads me to buy shoes that are considered "essentials." That almost perfectly describes Stan Smiths.
I absolutely love these shoes, which are a great culmination of class and utility. I have seen these shoes paired with sweats and a t-shirt, but I also see them working with button-ups and slacks.
They can go with almost anything, giving an Italian vibe mixed with athleisure. Okay, I am hyping these shoes up too much; I just really like them. Bring them back!
My first recommendation will be wide-legged pleated trousers. Whether they are single or double pleats, it really doesn't matter. I simply love the look of the folds on the waistline and the way the pants give ample space for a more boxy and classy look.
Overall, it is never a bad idea to go more wide-legged; no one is wearing or should be wearing skinny jeans anymore. God, that sounded judgmental. Anyway, this is partially due to the Dickies/Carhartt craze that saw a meteoric rise in popularity for wide-legged pants.
I adore the look, which goes great with a tucked-in button-up. Oh, and pleated shorts are available, which are ideal for warm weather and give off an "old money" vibe. I hate that term, but it's true.
A pair of pants I think every man should have is a pair of white linen pants. Maybe it's just my study abroad trip to Italy talking, but linen pants are essential in the spring. Because white goes well with so many colors, pastel or more muted tones for tops work well with these pants.
Also, you do not know joy until you feel a breeze in these pants on an 85-degree day.
Right now, I am really liking skinny belts, especially those with a golden buckle and a plastic/shiny look. I think these belts for men are going to gain a lot of popularity in the future. The look of them overlaid on pleated trousers is wow…
Cuban collared shirts, also known as "guayabera" shirts, have a rich history that dates back to the 18th century in Cuba. Originally worn by the working class, these shirts were designed to keep the wearer cool in the hot and humid climate. Today, they have become a staple in men's fashion and are a great alternative to traditional short-sleeved shirts.
They are typically made from lightweight materials like linen or cotton, making them perfect for hot summer days or semi-warm Eugene river days.
When it comes to styling Cuban collared shirts, simplicity is key. I love the look of it overlaying a beater. Pair with shorts or tuck into trousers for a more refined look.
