The fashion world is known for breaking the rules. Sometimes
he even breaks his. Black is now easily visible along with blue; tweed is as
good for the city as it is for the country; and double denim is unanimously
acclaimed by style connoisseurs.
This ebb and flow of acceptability has seen many previously
forbidden pieces do as the prodigal son, welcomed back on the slopes with open
arms. These are the items that he wishes he had taken out of his closet and
replaced quickly.
GROOVES
The city boy power model hasn't always been taboo. Favored
by menswear GOs like Cary Grant and Clark Gable, the adoption of the fine
stripe in the 1980s by a certain class of bonus-sniffing bankers meant a
wardrobe ban when the bubble burst.
Today, stripes have reappeared in the hands of designers
like Ralph Lauren and Italian Lardini, as well as on Main Street, thankfully
without the shoulders and padded cuffs covering the chest.
He updates yours by paying attention to space (a thicker
stripe is less intense than his thinner brother of hers) or by applying it to
stylish garments like drawstring jackets or pants. Either way, keep the rest of
your outfit quiet. This means that shirts with contrasting collars are not
allowed.
The best stripes for men
BUCKET HATS
For a long time it seemed like wide-eyed ravers and deep-sea
trawlers had sunk the fisherman's hat fashion fortune, but then on tiered skate
brands like Stussy and Palace, and suddenly, the cover-up. Madchester's
favorite director had received the kiss of life.
Fast forward to this day and even high-end names like
Moncler and Acne are now giving the hat its own spin, proving that nothing in
fashion really kicks the bucket.
Our advice? Avoid gaudy prints that are opposed to more
elegant pieces. Instead, look for a solid version that can be worn with a
casual shirt. Oh, and don't really use it on a boat.
The best fisherman hats for men
CARGO TROUSERS
The death sentence for cargo pants was when Limp Bizkit
frontman Fred Durst came up with versions that could serve as a functional
tent.
But after a well-deserved break from the backcountry of
menswear, designers like Brunello Cucinelli and Ami have reintroduced versions
that are slim and preppy enough to suit everyday looks.
Pair it with a button-down shirt, knit tie, and blazer for
an alternative to chinos, or wear it with a sweatshirt. Just keep your pockets
empty to avoid that rap-rock silhouette.
The best cargo pants for men.
COACHES "LACHES"
Minimalist sneakers have had their moment, and while they're
not going away anytime soon, it's maximalism that is currently flexing its
muscles.
Along with joggers, the athleisure trend has seen the rise
of bulbous shoe styles, with re-releases of the Reebok OG Chunky Nike Air Max
95 and Insta Pump Fury sneakers, as well as the growing popularity of the
Balenciaga Triple S and Prada Cloudbust.
She's not the type to dress up in her costume, you'd better
wear the sportswear line from head to toe with a tailored tracksuit, or wear
Yeezy in stacked black denim.
The best ugly sneakers for men
CORDUROY
Corduroy struck an unlikely, uh, chord with the fashion crowd. Old-school stuff has gone from being the cover of substitute teachers to becoming Pitti Uomo's best-dressed favorites, and that's in no small part thanks to the return of the '70s style.
The key to not looking like a visiting professor is to
realize that heavy duty AF fabric is only used on brown plate suits, so try it
on everything from shirts to trucker jackets and even baseball caps (just, not
all at once).
Equally important is the coast, that is, the distance
between the ridges. The larger the gap, the warmer the material and the more
square your appearance will be. Stay well, well, stay well.
The best corduroy for men
flowers
The flowers returned a few summers ago, but the fact that
they are still going strong and continue to be important to the success of
various collections has earned them a spot on this list.
Like sandals, this particular print had to overcome an association with femininity before it could flourish in men's fashion.