Coastal menswear is going through an all-out transformation, from Soho coffee runs to Silver Lake record shopping. The era of oversized skinny jeans and logo-laden streetwear is behind us, and today’s men are embracing relaxed fits, heritage materials, and simple functionality. The structured edge is added by New York, and the relaxed sun-bleached cool by Los Angeles, culminating in a coast-to-coast aesthetic reboot. The following are the top 10 men’s fashion trends that are sweeping both cities.
Ultra-Wide Trousers
Skinny jeans have been put away, and billowing double-pleated pants now rule the streets of the shoreline. From heavy wools in Manhattan to breezy linen in Venice, generous silhouettes are both comfortable and fashion-forward from the minute they hit the bed. If you want to add to your outfit, you need to embrace the added fabric.
Boxy Cropped Jackets
There’s a new lower end to workwear jackets and leather bombers. Designed hems are being positioned at the natural waistline, leg extensions are being made, and a more dramatic boxy shape is being produced. The simplest way to make your legs look a mile long is for you to wear a shorter jacket.
Breathable Crochet Shirts
Open-knit crochet knits and retro cabana shirts have become the unofficial uniform of the summer, coast to coast. These pieces are easy on your hands and have ventilation included, making it easy to go from an LA pool day to an evening NYC rooftop dinner. There are cool ways to stay cool without sacrificing texture.
Vintage-Inspired Chunky Loafers
They have completely overtaken the traditional leather dress shoes and are now worn alongside crisp white socks. Men are matching them with a variety of jeans, from distressed to loose suits, for a balance of preppy form and street cred. The first step to a casual fit is to put a lot of weight on the feet.
Elevated Workwear Utility
Double knee carpenter pants and canvas chore coats are no longer restricted to work sites. Rough and ready utilitarian garments are being dressed up in vintage washes and fashioned with contemporary styles, from art galleries to coffee shops. It’s easier to feel good about wearing them to work when you don’t have to do any manual labor.
Western-Style Statement Boots
From Brooklyn to West Hollywood, cowboy boots and suede Western zip-boots are dusting. Thoughtfully designed to show only the pointed toe and metallic heels, these boots have an edgy, defiant silhouette. There’s one beat of fashion for a basic outfit. When you add just a little bit of Western flair, it’s a given that it’ll instantly give any basic outfit a personality.
Quiet Luxury Monoliths
The subtle neutral approach with no logos, in tones of cream, olive, grey, and navy, is now quietly taking over both coasts. The guys are spending money on good-quality cashmere, thick-weight cottons, and perfectly cut basics that are allowed to speak for them. Luxury doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
Oversized Statement Trench Coats
The trench coat is now a must-have outer layer for New York’s rainy weather and LA’s cool evenings on the coast. The modern versions abandon the formality for drapes that are oversized and float up behind as you stroll. A dramatic coat will add a cinematic touch to a simple coffee visit.
Tinted Retro Eyewear
Instead of the typical black-out lenses, aviators with yellow, amber, and rose tint lenses are taking the place. These beautiful shades are so easy to wear and look like part of the film star glamour from the 70s, and give some coloring to your face while you still have your eyes to show. It’s all about the filter if you want to see the world in style.
Heavyweight Plain White Tees
The classic white t-shirt has been elevated to a champion on its own. Thick 10-ounce combed cotton crewnecks with tight collars that do not bacon or sag are replacing thin underwear these days. Legacy fashion is all about mastering the essentials.
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