This season, the menswear shows took a new direction, focusing on storytelling and mood rather than hyper-commercial product. With today’s heated and unstable political climate, the designers take the runway as a place for conversations about gender, masculinity, diversity, and identity politics. A discussion about a new global mood of masculinity and an individualistic approach to dressing. If there’s one predominant message to take from the FW19 shows, it’s that the world is currently experiencing economic, political, and social uncertainty and we’re simply not having it.
Each collection takes you intriguingly to a universe for you to be part of, a so-called dreamland where it’s all going to be all right. Whether you’re going for the tailored street wear look à la Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton or Hedi Slimane‘s rock star look for Celine, each modern style tribe is represented and most men will be able to associate with this year’s trends and tendencies. The modern man’s wardrobe has truly never been more diverse and eclectic and for the coming season, brands want you to mix and match as if nobody is watching.
Suits
Left to right: MSGM, Prada, Ermenegildo Zegna
We have good news for the guy who loves a great suit – tailoring is back! Whether you’re opting for a slim, cropped version or a looser fit, there will be something for everyone. Combine it with a well fitted merino wool polo neck as seen at Sandro and you’re good to go. Or maybe you feel bold enough to wear an oversized cardigan over a fitted blazer like this season’s Prada? This fall will be all about individualistic style with a touch of glamour, artistry, innovation, and technology.
Browns
Left to right: Fendi, AMI, Acne Studios
Any shade of brown is welcome for next season, especially when combined together like a perfect mochaccino. This sensual color gives menswear a new twist – it feels so new yet so classic. A great brown wool coat has never failed mankind.
Checked Coats
Left to right: Stella McCartney, Hermès, AMI
Window checks, madras, Prince of Wales, or tartans, this season we want to add the checks to our coats. If it’s a cotton trench coat with a mini check or a brushed wool coat with a subtle window check, there’s no doubt this trend will be significant for next fall.
Furs
Left to right: Jil Sander, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani
This season we’re aiming to either look like a domestic animal or a fluffy teddy bear. For real, though, cowhides or soft faux rabbit will make you look chic as anything. Furs have been around on womenswear and it seems like we can never get enough of this trend. Neutrals or colored, long or short haired, the options are all yours.
Leather Coats
Left to right: Etudes, Dries Van Noten, Celine
We can ask our dads or uncles for style advice on this trend as I’m sure we all have at least one male figure in our lives that still loves a great leather coat. They’re back in various shapes, from mid-length to long, with detailing inspired by utilitarian trenches and classic duffel coats.
Leather Pants
Left to right: Hermès , Dior Homme, Berluti
Sometimes all you need for a good look is the perfect pair of pants, and for next fall it looks like leather pants are making a comeback. Style them for a tight rock ‘n’ roll look, or just as a contrast to the oversized knitwear we’ll be hibernating in all winter.
Oversized Wool Coat
Left to right: Celine, Raf Simons, MSGM
There’s something about oversized wool coats that we can’t seem to get enough of. You know when you grab your dad’s vintage Dior Homme coat and it’s two sizes too big but you feel like you own the world? That’s the look for the coming season.
Big Puffer Jackets
Left to right: Louis Vuitton, GMBH, 3.1 Phillip Lim
The oversized puffer jacket will keep you warm the entire fall and winter. A true classic that works just as well for the streetwear lover as for the trendy hipster. For next season, you want it to be Michelin-puffy, oversized, and in your favorite mineral stone color.
Relaxed Suits
Left to right: Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten
So you love suits but you never feel cool enough when wearing them? Don’t worry – this season’s got you. Relaxed suits are here to stay, and they can be worn from day to night. Nonetheless, you want the fabric to feel luxurious to not look too much like sleepwear. Just have a look at the dreamy luxe wool versions at Dries Van Noten.
Shapeless Shirting
Left to right: Vetements, Louis Vuitton, Ann Demeulemeester
Oversized shirts have been on the radar for a while and for the next season we see a more nonchalant vibe to the menswear classic. The shirt always serving as every man’s staple is now transforming into a sensual item giving the wearer endless styling opportunities.
Sophisticated Safari
Left to right: Raf Simons, Sacai, Marni
Who doesn’t love a great animal print? Leopard, tiger, or any other tropical feline will be the goals for the next season. Convincingly enough, Celine and Marni want us to wear our favorite animal references as coats and jackets. A bold look to pull off, but definitely in line with next season’s fearlessness.
V-Neck Knitted Jumper
Left to right: Prada, Fendi, Balmain
It’s been a while since we’ve seen this knitwear classic. Though the crew neck has been dominating the menswear market for a while, we can see a shift towards the V-neck style. An essential of the classicist wardrobe, we see options in cable knits from Prada and Balmain as well as fine knit versions from Fendi. Who doesn’t turn to their knitwear favorites for comfort when times are uncertain?
Read Next: Qasimi Fall 2019 Offers a Pragmatic Response to Today’s Political Climate
