It's a new year…
You know what that means…right?
New trends!
But be careful…
GQ & Esquire will be telling you:
- To join the bandwagon
- To practice this new type of grooming
- To buy this new fit
- To wear this new color
- To bring back some trend from decades ago and recycle it as “fashionable” again.
This article is meant to raise awareness so you can defend yourself from the trend attacks!
Here are 5 style trends you'll want to leave out of your wardrobe (and what you ought to do instead).
Style Trend To Avoid #1 – Skinny Fit Clothes
I'm not sure if you've noticed, but “skinny” versions of jeans, suits, and ties aren't as trendy these days as before.
Specifically – skinny jeans are becoming less popular. They were a statement piece for young, rebellious guys for quite some time. But more and more men have realized they pose certain disadvantages:
- They form a Y-shaped silhouette (legs compressed straight down from the hips) instead of the more attractive V-shaped silhouette.
- They drive all attention to your lower body – making your face and shirt the background.
- They make your torso look heavier and your legs shorter than they actually are.
Meanwhile, skinny suits & ties share a similar kind of disadvantage:
- Tight-fitting suits accentuate parts of your body such as the shoulders (if they’re not broad), arms (if they lack muscle) and belly (if you’ve got a beer gut).
- The less width your necktie has, the wider the rest of your body is made to look. On average, a necktie that’s 2 or 3 inches wide is the best option for men. Also take note: skinny ties aren’t appropriate for formal or business wear.
Instead – focus on dressing up according to your body type.
Choose what best highlights your build (and downplays the less flattering aspects). If you prioritize fashion trends over fit, you risk showing off an awkward-looking body. The clothes may end up wearing you instead of the other way around!
Style Trend To Avoid #2 – Switching Razors
A lot of men are finding old-school shaving techniques – straight razors, cut-throat razors, safety razors, etc. – to be better options. That can be both a good and a bad thing.
It's good to try different products that might get you a better shave. The downside is suddenly not wanting to use cartridge razors or other options available.
If you think about it, there are still advantages to using a cartridge razor. It's convenient when you're traveling or running late in the morning. It does a great job in less time – without requiring as much skill and care as old-school razors.
Instead – simply use the best possible razor every time.
Each razor type has its time and place. The most important thing is to make quality razors your priority.
As long as the blades are in top shape, you shouldn’t care how the handle of a razor looks (as long as you can grip it well) – or if the brand is well-known. The most effective products don't always come from the big names.
That’s why I love Dollar Shave Club. This company knows how to simplify your shaving routine and make it more efficient for LESS. Thanks to them, you don’t have to remember to shave or go out of your way to buy razors.
For just $1, they deliver everything to your mailbox – a razor of your choice, a top-quality reusable handle & a set of razor cartridges – good for a whole month! No contracts, no long-term commitments, you can pause at any time – those are the perks of joining the Club.
Style Trend To Avoid #3 – Bandanas & Neckerchiefs
This was quite useful back in the day – shielding the neck and parts of the face from UV rays before sunscreen came along. The neckerchief could also be raised to cover the mouth and nose while traveling through dust or smoke – as cowboys in Western movies would do.
But ever since the ‘70s, when Boy Scouts decided it was only a “fashion accessory” under the collar – neckwear started losing value. That’s one reason why men don’t even know how to tie a neckerchief these days. Meanwhile, bandanas are unfairly linked to rednecks.
Instead – wear bandanas or neckerchiefs at the right time.
There's no better time for neckwear than during the summer. A cooling bandana would come in handy for a hot afternoon while camping, having a picnic or playing games.
It’s a nice alternative to the cap – and it’s great for adding color to your casual outfit (especially if you’re wearing black or white). A cobalt blue or cherry red bandana would work really well.
No one will judge you for your neckwear if the weather or occasion calls for it. In fact, do you know that neckerchiefs are traditionally worn by chefs? They're used to block gusts of hot/cold air from passing in between the chef’s uniform and skin.
So the next time you’re tasked to cook for family or friends – the neckerchief is one stylish accessory you might find useful (if you can tie and fold it the right way).
Style Trend To Avoid #4 – Pajama Suits
If you’ve never heard of this – the name probably sounds strange. But yes, it exists.
These faux suits were created some time after the cultural revolution of the ‘70s – a period when suits were seen as uncomfortable, stiff and for “squares.”
Pajama suits have also inspired the creation of the Suitsy – a onesie version of the business suit. The jacket is attached to a shirt, which connects to a pair of trousers. The result? A fake suit that’s not going to come untucked, but is far from the real thing. So don't even bother with this short-lived fad.
Instead – focus on looking awesome in a classic suit.
Every guy needs a dark-colored, conservative suit in his closet. It's always your go-to item for those big occasions, weddings, and funerals. Nothing else can replace it.
The most important thing about a classic suit is the fit. Pajama suits aren't supposed to look or feel that much better than the real thing. If they do – your suit simply fits you wrong.
The key is understanding what makes the ideal men’s suit. There are several things that play a role and affect the suit makes your body look (which are easier to control by having your suit custom-made):
- The fabric used to make it
- The style or cut
- The degree of customization to the wearer
Style Trend To Avoid #5 – Olive Green / Powder Blue / Vermillion Red
These are certain colors that I like – but I also know they’re not for everyone:
Olive Green
- It’s generally frowned upon in business culture (together with other light shades of green).
- It has an automatic military connotation (which makes it a good choice for servicemen when they appear out of uniform) – so it’s a color that you don’t just wear to any place.
Powder Blue
- It doesn’t give off the same masculinity as darker shades of blue.
- It’s a popular color for gowns and dresses (for the prom or Halloween for girls who like to dress up as Cinderella or Elsa from Frozen).
Vermillion Red
- It’s a very bright shade of red that looks over-the-top to some people.
Instead – don’t force a color if it’s not appropriate for you. Figure out which colors complement your skin tone or match with the rest of your outfit.
The truth is you CAN experiment with these colors. Just limit them first to the smaller details (tie, pocket square) and wear them to casual, low-key events with friends. See how they react to the slight changes.
Best-case scenario? You’ll find a fantastic new color to enhance your style. Otherwise, it’s just a handful of laughs and raised eyebrows you'll have to deal with. No big deal 😉
