It’s hard finding what to wear as a guy, it may feel like most of the fashion world is bent toward the women’s section. And that’s fine but if only there were more options for men. You’re a young guy, you take pride in how you look and maybe even want to turn some heads, you don’t just want to wear a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. 2020 and 2021, has seen a major shift in the style and fashion trends across all boards. For one, the world has moved away from the 80s fashion choices that dominated the highstreet in the mid 10s. The start of the 20s has seen a major shift toward 90s and Y2K fashion, and it’s back in a big way. Thanks to sites such a Depop and a greater focus on thrifting as well as a greater turnover of trends due to the popularity of Tik Tok, we’ve seen a huge resurgence on unique and more individualistic style choices. Thankfully given the mix and match nature of trends at the moment it’s relatively easy to put together something stylish and affordable. Here we’ll break down some of the fashion ideas you can incorporate in your 2021 summer wardrobe to make you ahead of the curb and moving with the times!
Workwear
You may have see the prominence of brands such as Carhartt and Dickies all over social media and on the high street. Well this is no coincidence. These brands specialise in workwear: work boots, work jackets, boiler suits typically associated with labourers’ attire. You may have also seen carpenter pants, chef pants and painter trousers flying off of shelves. These more uniform and utilitarian pieces have surged in popularity over the past year, giving a boxier more structured silhouette as well as monochromatic colour palette. This suits a more casual everyday outfit but if the right pieces are chosen can be dressed up. These options go great with loose fitted tee shirts, most sneakers and chunkier boots.
Men’s Jewellery
You may or may not have noticed, but a lot more men are wearing jewellery items as fashion accessories. Gone are the days of a simple band on your ring finger or perhaps even a signet pinky ring. No, the modern man has found a deeper connection with accessories and accessorizing, and we’re so here for it. Jewellery is no longer just for women. Jewellery is a great way to express not only how you want the world to see you but how you want to see yourself. Mix and match, gold and silver now go together. Big or small, on every finger or on just a few, you can personalise to your own tastes. There are so many options out there: bracelets, necklaces, nose and ear piercings, even anklets, the option is all yours!
Patchwork
The current moment is all about a vibrant expression of your personality through your silhouette and colour. Of course, if you’re looking for a more toned down option there’s something for you here too. But if you’re looking for something a little out there or you just want to emulate the skater aesthetic, why not try patchwork. Patchwork is, in essence, a single piece of clothing made by sewing together ‘patches’ from other items of clothing. For example a pair of jeans made from parts of a light and dark wash pair of jeans. These pieces can range in styles and in how colourful they can be. Asymmetric options are a great way to display your individuality. So consider investing in a pair of patchwork jeans this year and watch as the compliments roll in and as you become the envy of your friends!
Outdoor sports gear
The 10s may have been big for plaid shirts and the lumberjack look, men with big bushy beards and curled moustaches but the sportier side of hipsterdom is in. For women, it’s bicycle shorts and tennis skirts. But You may have seen many men sporting full tracksuits or Patagonia tee shirts or trousers commonly associated with climbing, or even swimwear. Not only are they becoming more stylish but they still retain their utilitarian function. Still high performance, still useful but also stylish. Complete your sporty summer look with stylish long sleeve performance shirts!
Sliders (and other open toe shoes)
Now that fashion has drifted toward a more dressed down look, this has extended to our footwear. Once used for casual loungewear and household chores, maybe only poking out of the front door to take out the bins, the sliders have now become part of our fashion repertoires. It also used to be the same for joggers, which were mostly used as athleticwear or just for chilling about, but now being worn by celebrities at red carpet events or on cat walks. Well this could be the way of the slider. Not only are they extremely comfortable but with their effortlessly laidback look they actually look incredibly stylish. And while you probably couldn’t pair it with a tuxedo, they are pretty versatile and can pretty much go with most dressed down outfits.
Baggy trousers
Remember skinny jeans? If you do it’s probably something you’d rather forget. 2013 called, they want their suffocating trousers back. Along with the influx of 90s and y2k fashion, has seen a revival in looser fitting and baggy clothes. Oversized tee shirts, boxy jackets and the eponymous baggy jeans. It may have been something to scoff at back in the early 10s with all that extra unnecessary fabric but the width of its shape compliments most body shapes and gives a bold silhouette almost emulating the flared look of the 70s.
Cardigans and sweater vests
More of a spring look, but the cardigans and sweater vests of the Cosby era are well and truly back. Something loose fitting and almost garish but tastefully so. This moment is all about bold colours and experimental patterns. Checkered, blotches or even Jackson pollock-esque, there is a wide range of options for you to choose from.
Nautical themed
What better way to look relaxed and like you don’t have a care in the world than dressing as you live in your very own beach house. The nautical looks take its inspiration from all seafaring folk, everything from sailors to surfers. Horizontally striped tee shirts, soft linen trousers, tight fitted short sleeves, there’s a huge lookbook for you to get inspiration from. The fisherman look is even in at the moment if you want to push the boat out (literally)
Relaxed suits
For more formal occasions or dressed up events, you want something on that makes you look dapper and sophisticated. But it might be time to throw out those stuffy tight fitted suits with no room to breathe or show anything off. There has been a move in the men’s fashion world toward looser fitting and more relaxed suits. Not only do they still make you look very stylish and sophisticated but also like the most relaxed and coolest person in the room. They’re also very comfortable and you even get to button down your shirt as far as you want. Pair them with a pair of stylish specs and watch yourself become the talk of the summer function, wedding or party.
Hopefully, this list has given you a little bit of inspiration for what to look for and some of the styles to choose from this year. If you’re looking to travel this summer and are unsure what some of the things you can and can’t do in 2021 check out our other content!
