I’m happy to say that the trending fashions for menswear this spring/summer 2022 season are being pushed in a more progressive direction. Menswear in many cases can be notoriously boring and unchanging. This is less due to creative lack and more due to the sole style standard of American fashion–comfort, among other things. I won’t give all the credit to our neighbors across the Atlantic for birthing the trends that subsequently influence American fashion.
The standards of what’s considered acceptable in menswear are being changed, making more room for organic style and experimentation to happen organically. Subsequently, menswear is gradually becoming less and less restrictive.
This season I’m seeing a rise in color-use, silhouette, graphic patterns and notable changes with feminine menswear inspired attire. The style for menswear this spring/summer season is more relaxed than I’ve seen in sometime. This is a bit of a break from the hyper-polished driven menswear trends we’ve seen in past seasons and a step-up from the post-apocalyptic deconstructed looks we saw in the seasons directly hit by Covid-19. While critics will no doubt draw their own conclusion, I won’t bore you with the mundane details of my predictions on the future of menswear. I’ll allow you to observe what’s what and allow you to draw your opinions.
Killer Cardigan’s and Oversized Sweaters
I’m a fan of layers. Throwing a simple cardigan or hoodie over a loose tank with some distraught denim is one of my favorite looks to rock in the summer season. This look is easily dressed-up with cool fashion and tech accessories.
Athleticism in Style
I’m all for delivering the best result by doing the least amount of work. This is an interesting way to look at menswear. Giving relaxed day-to-day athletic wear a stylish upgrade was a smart move.
Neo Varsity
This isn’t the first time that varsity styled apparel has been spotted on the runway. Jackets and sweaters decorated with bright patches are a big part of the season.
Understated Elegance and Upscale Loungewear
This is a fashion trend that spoke to my soul when I saw it. We can all identify with not wanting to leave the house. This trend speaks to that stylish, boho-chic couch-potato that lives in us all.
Color Craze
Designers turned up the saturation on the menswear color palette this season and for good reason. I wasn’t the only person that was bored with the typical navy, gray and taupe colors used in seasonal menswear. Guys like color too and its time to start embracing that. Rarely does menswear drift off into the realm of hyper-saturated neon colors. I take this trend as a new way to create menswear looks using neon-colors with elaborate graphics.
The New Black
There’s one thing that you’ll never have to convince anyone of, and that’s how good an all-black outfit can look. This is less of a trend in my opinion and more of a shift in a new direction, with this color at the forefront.
The Duster Coat
I always encourage adding a little drama in your look. This menswear trend is less about the piece and more about the interpretation of a piece. Creative freedom is the heart of any fashion trend. Dusters are simple yet stylishly effective pieces to have in your wardrobe. Dusters and draped outerwear top my list of style pieces you need this season. If the duster isn’t quite your style, I recommend opting for a maxi-cardigan.
The Leopard Party
If you ask me, there’s been a shortage of leopard in menswear and perhaps for good reason. Cool-confidence is the key element of all good style and wearing leopard print always involves taking a bit of a risk. Dolce & Gabbana had one of the greatest interpretations of leopard print this season.
