6 Trends to Lose: What’s Out for Men

February 24th, 2006

Like Heidi Klum says on Project Runway, when it comes to fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out. In a society of males who are turning towards the world of the “metrosexual,” many of them still need a small bit of guidance when it comes to trends.  I am pretty sure that they can think for themselves, but sometimes, they fail to look at the unwritten expiration date that is stitched on to some of today’s “hottest” trends. Here are a few that are scooping plots in the fashion cemetery or have otherwise overstayed their welcome.

Unless you are a big-time funkatronic rap producer by the name of Pharrell, or you’re getting ready to jump on a yacht or play tennis; the popped collar has been overdone (sorry Susannah!)  I know that trends from the 1980s are making a comeback, but they can easily fade out like the Rubik’s Cube craze.  When this fad first made it appearance on the necks of the Neptunes front man and the overrated R&B sensation Usher, I gave it a little nod.  Now, every time I see an urban hipster with a popped collar, I am tempted to go up to him and pull that collar down.

Once again, the 80s makes a hard hit with the versatile use of blazers.  In this mutation of the Miami Vice blazer with rolled up sleeves, men everywhere have been donning graphic tees with blazers.  This needs to stop.  It’s a poor attempt to blur the lines of casual and not casual.  As fashion begins to makes its way towards the cleaner, professional look, this trend is anything but.

I do commend society’s usage of the blazer.  It has now become both professional and casual.  With that said, here’s a small tip when wearing a button-down shirt with a blazer: keep the collar on the inside of the lapel (and use some collarstays to keep that pointed, sharp look.)  Fanning out the collar has the potential to make you look like that token sleazy guy in the nightclub…or that shady 70s car salesman in a leisure suit.

Clean lines and preppy looks may be making a comeback, but that doesn’t mean you should keep those square-toed dress shoes.  They’re boxy and they make guys look like a Bozo the Clown turned metrosexual.  Think of them as the bolo tie of the 21st Century.

 
The trend of the trucker cap lasted as long as Ashton Kutcher’s “it boy” status.  When he started wearing those “Von Dutch” caps, it was as though the fashionable trailer park industry vomited on retail shops everywhere.  They may still “look” cool and edgy, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear them.  Believe me, these little trend monsters have served their time and need to be hung on those deer antlers above your mantle.

Finally, this trend isn’t necessarily a piece of clothing – it’s a hairstyle.  Yes ladies and gentleman, the faux hawk has now become a faux pas.  It looked good on Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Jude Law and all those other Euro-chic celebrities, but its staying power was as good as the wedge cut and perms.
 

Entry Filed under: Men,Trend,Trend Predictives,Trendscape,What's In and What's Out