Whoever said men's fashion doesn't really change, simply has it wrong. While it's true the extremes of women's fashion are more visually apparent and do seem to alter each and every year, men's fashion has been doing the exact same for a while, although barely noticed. But finally with the millennial generation we've hit a point where that which is trendy for women fluctuates just as frequently as that which is trendy for men.
Millennial fashion trends for men aren't hard to notice, but they are harder to put your finger on. Sure, you'll know a fashion-forward millennial man when when you see him, he'll look sharp, fit into his environment, and alter by the seasons. Yet what is fashionable to millennial men is hard to define, as no one look covers all the basics. If anything the most noticeable part is that fashionable millennial men seem to be nonchalantly put together in an almost effortless way - although behind closet doors that's rarely the case.
Millennial men put time, effort, and thought into their wardrobes, much more than you think. Ever try shopping with a millennial man? Doing so takes the notion that girls are hard to shop with and flips it straight over onto its side, eradicating such a thought. Millennial men are not just extremely picky shoppers, they're beyond dead set that only a certain style, cut, fit, color, and detailing will work for them in a clothing item, that they won't settle for - and thus buy anything - anything less.
Unlike women who shop for inspiration, as a means of fun to unleash the creative juices, and purchase that which impresses or excites them, millennial men will go from store to store, endlessly in search of the perfect pair of jeans, shoes, shirts, etc. To be fair, men usually do have less choices to chose from in any clothing department, but the lack in variety certainly enforces a problem solving mentality as though shopping is a problem and, men being men, are determine to the point of frustration to find the perfect solution. Additionally, there are far less publications and outlets for men to browse, although the selection and genre is growing.
Although fashion for millennial men is a rather complex terrain (not to mention a lucrative one when you consider the success of Trunk Club, and other such male fashion services), there are few guidelines that apply to millennial men's style no matter what the season or the latest fashion fad:
- Millennial men love to shop basics. They enter the realm of fashion shopping for the pieces of clothing they wear daily: tops, bottoms, and shoes.
- Millennial men shop to improve. They'll take what they have worn in the past, and update their wardrobe, adjusting to new designs or labels, but won't change it too dramatically. Diminishing what has worked in the past doesn't much make sense to them.
- Millennial men explore new detailing. They might venture out into a new color, or new neckline without hesitation, but try to throw a whole new look on them and they'll back away.
When it comes to spring fashion essentials for millennial men, here's a few looks to expect:
The Trend: Pastel Bermuda Shorts in a Spring 2015 Palette Color
Men's fashion and shorts have a love-hate relationship, yet shorts are a staple of most men's wardrobes and hit the runway in spring fashion lineups such as Dose by Mogul. Expect to see loose-fitting Bermuda-style shorts that hit about one inch above the knee in Spring 2015 pastel fashion colors such as placid blue, celosia orange, and cayenne.
The Millennial Man's Alternative: Uniqlo Men's Chino Shorts.
The Trend: Oversized Sleeveless Shirts
Usually referred to as a 'sleeveless shirt' not a 'tan top' this warm weather look is back, mainly in an oversized style as showcased on the runway by Wooyoungmi.
The Millennial Man's Alternative: Topman Oversized Tank Top
The Trend: High-Top Sneakers With Unique Detailing
Anyone who scanned fashion weeks this year knows sneakers are in style. For men, high-tops are particularity making headlines, but these aren't his old gym shoes from the '90s. Instead we saw unique accents and funky detailing by the likes of Moncler Gamme Bleu, Dolce & Gabbana, and various others.
The Millennial Man's Alternative: Nike Jordan Instigators.
To read more Millennial men's fashion trends and advice check out Faveable.com.