One of the internet’s greatest blessings and one of its most haunting curses is that nothing ever truly disappears. A quick search today can pull up men’s fashion advice from 10 or even 20 years ago. What you’ll find is both nostalgic and a little eye-opening, serving as a reminder of just how far men’s style has come and how rapidly it continues to evolve.
There was once a time when a guy out of the fashion loop could find reliable suggestions for a reasonably competent outfit. Whether he was going out to the bars or on a first date, it was pretty straightforward. A lot of it came down to a simple uniform of straight jeans, a crisp button-down, and a pair of chukka boots. This style kept college-aged boys and young men satisfied for years without requiring deviation. While women were bombarded with a constant stream of trends, men’s basics remained essentially unchanged. But times have changed, at least for the boys. Men’s fashion has expanded, and what was once clear-cut has blurred.
Androgyny is in
Look to some of the most popular luxury fashion brands, and you’ll see that there has been a shift toward high-quality, universally flattering pieces. Some of the most popular jackets, bags, and shoes are unisex and they can afford to be, thanks to undeniable fashion principles. Things like premium materials, wide fits that don’t contour too closely to one body type, and time-tested designs are the foundation of today’s fashion.
You don’t need a specific build to pull off a Louis Vuitton crossbody bag or Adidas Sambas. They work for everyone. The simple night-out uniform of the early 2010s is still available should you choose it, but if you look to the ladies in your life, you’ll see where designers are getting their inspiration from today.
Take cues from your partner
You can’t simply select the latest arrivals and add them to your online cart. That’s not enough to make you fashionable, even if those items are individually beautiful. Building your style requires identifying and creating a cohesive look. Sometimes, looking to someone else can make that easier.
Whether it’s a celebrity or your partner, women’s style can often be a surprising source of inspiration. Their boldness with color and texture can help you see new possibilities in your wardrobe. Take the Loewe luxury Puzzle bag, for instance: it’s sculptural and designed to stand out. It’s not something you’d likely carry, but its attitude might inspire your next jacket choice or bag selection.
You see, dressing well doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit. Some of the most interesting outfits come from the subtle give-and-take between two people who understand each other’s style. Embracing the “power couple” aesthetic doesn’t have to mean “matchy-matchy” outfits that border on corny either. If she’s carrying that Loewe Puzzle bag, with a soft-shouldered blazer and suede sneakers, you can exude the same refined, unconventional energy.
Let her style teach you something
Personal style doesn’t develop in a vacuum. It’s shaped by what you see. And luxury fashion, for all its drama and excess, has always spotlighted women first.
Look closely, and you’ll notice that today’s most forward-thinking designs live in the women’s section. The silhouettes take more risks. The accessories aren’t afraid to lead the whole look.
Now, you don’t need to wear any of it to learn from it. You need to notice what works and why.
The more you pay attention to the details that move you, the more you’ll start to shape a style that’s genuinely your own.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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