If you’re a fashion enthusiast, it’s quite likely fall claims the spot as your favourite season.
Fall brings a transition between the laid-back vibes of the summer and the cozy allure of winter. This period is exciting for fashion enthusiasts; it provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with layers while still showing some skin, allowing you to create a wider variety of looks compared to any other season.
This grey middle ground raises the questions of what to wear, what exudes great style, and the trends we should keep in mind. For men who tend to work with a slimmed down wardrobe, these considerations are key, and can influence any new additions to their collection.
Before delving into essentials for men’s fashion this fall, keep in mind at the end of the day, it’s always best to wear whatever you feel the most confident in.
DO: Slouchy, free-flowing pants
There’s something about a good pair of baggy pants that can make an entire outfit. Depending on what you pair them with, this item can either be dressed up or down. Picture flowing, straight black trousers for instance. Pair these with a turtleneck, a nice watch, and some dress shoes and you get a formal outfit. The same pair of trousers can effortlessly transform into a minimalistic, casual fit when paired with a simple white t-shirt and some jewelry.
Beyond their versatility, baggy pants can also create an interesting silhouette by altering your bodily proportions, giving off an editorial, runway vibe.
DON’T: Stick with skinny pants
Honestly, I used to love skinny pants—especially if they had tears in them. Though I initially found them perfect for a streetwear outfit, they haven’t been trending for the last two years, if not longer.
They’re uncomfortable due to their tightness, and are often made from thinner, poorer quality material as well, which reduces their insulation for the cooler weather. They create an unflattering visual by making the upper body appear disproportionately larger than the lower body.
Though fashion trends have proven to be cyclical, I don’t see these coming back anytime soon.
DO: Opt for work boots
As a staple, no-brainer shoe choice for fall and even winter, rugged work boots provide comfort, warmth, and style. Their neutral colours allow you to mix and match them with any pair of pants, and their mid-rise on the ankle brings a streamlined, dressed-up visual to the overall outfit.
DON’T: Settle for low-rise socks
Socks aren’t usually the first thing to come to mind when we think of a what makes a good outfit, but from my experience, they make a huge difference in completing an overall look, especially if your pants end above the ankles.
Low-rise socks leave your ankles and lower shin exposed, which can throw off the overall proportion and look of the outfit. They create the illusion of smaller legs, especially in the calf area. However, swapping them out for high-rise socks—such as the classic dri-fit Nike socks—tends to solve all these problems.
DO: Embrace puffer jackets
Puffer jackets are certainly in and have been for the past few years. Walk down University Ave. and you’ll see at least one in five people sporting a puffer on top of their outfit.
Puffer jackets continue to dominate fall fashion, with their chunky design creating a top-heavy proportion that aligns seamlessly with the streetwear aesthetic. Ideal for cooler weather, these jackets compliment baggy pants, as they offset the baggy look that has taken over fashion as of late.
They’re extremely warm and comfortable, making them ideal for the fall weather.
DON’T: Overdo logos
While donning logo-bearing clothing can be stylish when done tastefully, it’s quite easy to overdo this. Logos can convey which brands you love and align with, and help emulate your personality through fashion. Mottos and texts associated with the logo can add a touch of uniqueness and creativity to an outfit.
However, wearing one piece that features highly concentrated logos or multiple pieces with conflicting branding can appear tacky. Hype culture is no longer in, but if you decide to ignore my advice, at least choose pieces that align cohesively to avoid standing out for all the wrong reasons.
Tags
Fall, Fashion, Streetwear, trends
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