5 Men’s Style Trends For 2018 Worth Experimenting With8 min read

Let’s talk men’s style trends for 2018 and how to wear them.

Okay, so I just wrote a piece about timeless style, which seems to be the antithesis of style trends. But the thing about timeless style is that it’s not about the clothes, instead it’s a mindset built around core principles, that once understood and practiced, can lead to timeless style.

That being said, let’s jump right in with the trends.

MENSWEAR TRENDS FOR 2018

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Here are the 5 key men’s style trends worth taking a look at in 2018. Some of these pieces are already trending, but I think they’ll reach the wider public by the end of the year.

1. Relaxed Fit/Wide Leg Trousers

This one has been seen on the runways and in street style for a few years now. It doesn’t mean slim and skinny fit is going away anytime soon, but there’s going to be some pull back as stylish gents begin experimenting with wider leg trousers. I’m not talking 90s hip-hop era, ridiculously baggy jeans, but a more clean and streamlined, yet relaxed kind of look.

And although we are trending towards looser fit pants, ultimately it comes down to what works best for you. You want to dress in a way that flatters your body type. Whether that’s skinny, slim, straight or relaxed, it all comes down to personal preference and and what works for you.

How To Wear Relaxed Fit/Wide Leg Trousers

Stick primarily with solids and neutrals. Going wide leg or more relaxed in general is a statement in and of itself, so there’s no need to go crazy with colors and patterns. Textures however are fine.

If you choose to partake in this trend, make sure the rest of your look is relatively fitted. It will make your choice of relaxed trousers seem more intentional, whereas if you’re loose all around, your overall appearance may come off as sloppy.

Overall Loose Fit Clothing Will Be Trending

As evidenced by the wide-leg trousers trend, looser fits across the board will be trending this year. Not only will we see pants with a relaxed leg, but looser fitting sweaters and outerwear as well.

It will be a cleanly draped loose fit with an emphasis on tailoring. Think clean lines as opposed to frumpy silhouettes.

Should you choose to experiment with this trend, proceed with caution. It’s easy to get lost in the moment and later regret your purchasing decisions.

2. Camel Coat

I’ve been seeing a lot of guys ask questions in forums and online communities about the camel coat and whether or not they can wear it. When stylishly inclined men are asking questions about a particular garment, then it’s definitely trending and on its way to potentially becoming mainstream.

A topcoat or overcoat, whatever you want to call it has long been a menswear staple, but you’ll typically find it in more neutral colors like black or navy. The camel coat is less traditional and isn’t as hard to style as you may think.

 

How To Wear A Camel Overcoat/Topcoat

Sure the tan color is bolder than a more classic navy, gray or black overcoat, but it can definitely provide balance and liven up your outfit, especially if you love wearing neutrals. It pairs particularly well with colors like navy, burgundy, beige, grays and brown.

A camel coat can easily smarten up more rugged look, and elevate an already smart look to sartorial sophisticated territory. Consider layering it over top of knits like cardigans, turtlenecks and suits as well. Wear it with jeans if you like too, it’s that versatile.

For the length, make sure the topcoat doesn’t go past your knees, especially if you’re on the shorter side. If you’re a shorter gent, try to find a topcoat that hits around mid-thigh.

3. Turtleneck Sweaters

I think the turtleneck (US)/rollneck (UK) sweater is having a bit of a moment. Ever since last year, I’ve been seeing the stylish gents of Instagram wearing turtlenecks with increasing regularity.

I remember being forced to wear turtlenecks as a kid when it got cold. I couldn’t stand how it felt restricting and made my neck itch. On top of that I never thought of turtlenecks as stylish, especially the oversized Christmas sweaters in this Dumb & Dumber scene.

Of course things change. Now I love wearing turtleneck sweaters, especially when it’s cold. In fact, this has been my winter uniform of late.

Out of all the trends in this article, I’d say this and the next two are the easiest to work into your wardrobe.

How To Wear A Turtleneck/Rollneck Sweater

A turtleneck will work with everything from blazers to denim jackets to outerwear like woolen and cashmere topcoats and longline jackets. The rollneck is the perfect piece to smarten up a more casual look. It leaves a lasting impression of sartorial sophistication and elegance, no matter the occasion.

If you’re experimenting, you can’t go wrong with more neutral colors like navy, beige or brown. Of course black is always an option if it works with your skin tone. If you’re feeling a little more daring, a burnt orange rollneck sweater is sure to stand out, especially since this color is a bit of a trend itself.

The easiest way to style a turtleneck is to throw a blazer over it. The next move is to layer a cardigan overtop or a topcoat to finish off the look. Finally, you can easily smarten up a denim jacket with clean turtleneck sweater.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this article on men’s style trends for 2018, then you’ll probably find my other writing on all things men’s style useful. Each week, I share updates, style tips and other things not shared on the blog through my free email newsletter.

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4. Corduroy Pants

I’ve been rocking my cords for a couple of years now. I don’t see a lot of guys wearing corduroy pants. My guess is that in 2018, cords will be in.

I’m not sure why it fell out of favor since it’s one of the pieces that provides form and function. Ideal for colder seasons, corduroy can keep you warm and the wales give it a distinct quality. It’s a texture that can instantly give your getups a stylish vibe.

Corduroy is definitely one of my fall/winter go-tos and should be for a long time.

How To Wear Corduroy Pants (Cords)

When it comes to wearing cords, stick with your earth tones; blues, browns, greens, burnt orange. I like to dress according to the seasons and whatever colors are around me.

Cords are also as versatile as they come. Pair it with a chunky knit sweater, padded vest and beanie for a stylish, rugged look. They work with the more casual denim jacket and a more formal blazer.

You can even wear it with a necktie and oxfords for a bit ‘o sartorial splendor, perfect to smarten up the workplace. Or you can wear them with workboots and a ribbed, crewneck sweater for an off-duty, weekend look.

For the fit, you can go slim fit or even a more relaxed fit works well for corduroy. I’d shy away from skinny fitting cords because I feel it’s a fabric best worn slim or more relaxed.

5. Argyle Pattern

For a little history, the argyle derives from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland, used for kilts and plaids, and from the patterned socks worn by Scottish Highlanders since at least the 17th century. Thanks Wikipedia.

If you don’t know the argyle pattern is distinguished by the layers of overlapping motifs, adding a sense of three-dimensionality, movement, and texture.

I remember when I started getting into menswear sometime around the end of my high school and early college. Argyle was was definitely in at the time because all the socks and sweaters Express had in stock were argyle patterned, so naturally I picked up 3 or 4 different merino wool sweaters and cotton socks in varying colors. I wore the sweaters a lot back then, but haven’t worn them in years.

I think 2018 is the year that argyle comes back into style and men slowly begin incorporating the unmistakably old man pattern into their regular rotations.

How To Wear The Argyle Pattern

The argyle pattern isn’t exclusive to golfers or ivy league prepsters. Here’s how you can begin incorporating this classic pattern into your getups.

First off, argyle is best in small doses and typically found on sweaters and socks. It’s inherently a loud pattern, usually with bolder, richer colors and so in order to achieve balance, you’ll want to tone down the rest of your look. We’re talking solids and neutrals. And if you’re going to wear another pattern, make sure it’s small in scale so that it doesn’t clash. A herringbone pattern is a great choice.

I like to wear argyle sweaters over top of a button down shirt and throw on a necktie to classy it up even more.

Bonus Trend: Slip-On Loafers?

Supposedly slip-on loafers or mules are in for 2018, but I can’t find any stylish examples. If you find any, send ’em my way!

IN THE END

Thanks as always for reading. Hope you were able to get some inspiration for what I consider men’s style trends for 2018.

The bottom line is that I’m not against style trends, I’m influenced just as easily as the next guy when it comes to wearing what’s “on trend” in menswear circles. And though I’m definitely an advocate of the style staples, there’s a time and a place for a sensible trend. This is (hashtag) menswear after all and it’s all about having fun, right?

All images courtesy of Pinterest & Lookastic.

Onto you. Are there any other trends that you’ve been noticing in the menswear community?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.