Top 5 menswear trends for SS18

Valentino SS18, photo from Vogue

Guys tend to prefer function over fashion though you’re probably being trendy without realising it – ripped jeans and muscle shirts, anyone?  Incorporating a little sprinkle of current trends into our style will keep us feeling fresh and youthful every day so read on for five accessible trends to be aware of this season.
 

1. Tone it up – wearing one colour tone all over is a big trend for both men and women.  Matching the tone of your top, bottoms and even shoes is a current way to make use of what you already own or an excuse to buy those gleaming white trainers so that they complement your white jeans.  Whether it’s safe navy or black, neutral mid-shades like khaki or whether you want to have fun with pastels, wearing one block colour tone from head to toe will get you in the know.
2. Don’t side-step the side stripes – designers were inspired to revive the ‘90s side-trouser stripe trend for this season, as seen at Balmain, Prada and Valentino.  The key to keeping them current is to match them with non-sporty garments, for instance a casual slim-fit shirt or crisp denim jacket.  Side-stripes don’t just mean baggy pop-ups (I had a pair the first time round!) as we are also talking slim and skinny-fit.  Who says comfort can’t look good?
3. Check it out – checkered clothes are always in style though the current way to work this trend is to wear large and more complex check patterns – step away from the gingham!  Balance is key so wear one statement check, be it a top, bottoms, or outer, but keep the rest of the outfit unprinted so that each garment isn’t competing for the limelight.
4. Shirts of the tropics – if the mention of a tropical shirt brings you out in a cold sweat with visions of Ace Ventura and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas then you can breathe a sigh of relief because this season the tropical shirt is understated.  Grab a shirt with two or three colours in neutral or pastel colours and pair with dark bottoms for a mature take on the tropical shirt – rainbows need not apply.
5. Layer game – if last season was all about the single layer then this season it’s a case of more is more. The key to trendy layering is by adding shorter tops over longer tops, for instance long-line tees peeking from under jackets or shorter tops.  This trend is great for guys with a straight up-and-down figure as you can create more volume but still be in balance.