Fall Trend Forecast From Our Favorite Style Influencers

Have you ever sat and pondered on how style trends come to be? Who are these wizards, gatekeepers, and omniscient beings of fashion that determine what you should wear daily? Why do their mere predictions, or suggestions, play such a pivotal role in what is deemed popular, relevant and valuable in style?

Fashion forecasting is indeed a career that has an impact on the marketplace. And with accurate predictions, brands can see a rise in product demands and reach a certain level of success. The trend forecasting process is different for every brand. But as tech-savvy and intricate forecasting sounds, these analytics still rely on what the people, the streets, and culture have to say.

Brands hire someone to study the cool kids, look out for social and cultural movements, attend fashion shows, stalk influencers' Instagrams and more. It is simply our uniqueness, intuition, and existence that determine the next big fashion trend. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and be bold because they are watching.

We’ve asked a few of our favorite and fearless style influencers their fall style trend predictions for men.

Mickey Freeman

City: LA / NYC

Instagram: MickeyBoooom

What is 2022's fall must-have for men?

The 2022 fall season is the year of sporty staples such as varsity jackets and baseball caps but styled in a chic and stylish way. As seen on many runways, the varsity jacket is going to gain traction as the year progresses forward. The baseball cap has now broadened its range, able to be worn with everything from a tuxedo to a trench coat.

A simple yet fashion-forward way to style a baseball cap would be to wear pulled down low with a great-fitting fall trench, a t-shirt, straight-leg trousers and low top trainers. Also, using the urban flair of a baseball cap and a t-shirt to offset a sharply tailored suit will easily do the trick.

Other fall must-haves include iconic military-inspired staples including the trench coat, heavy knit sweater, cargo pants (leather or khaki), kilted skirt (leather or wool) and high-heeled boots. (See photo wearing trench and photo wearing a wool kilted skirt)

Furthermore, footwear with added inches gives even the most classic pair of jeans or suit a sleek, modern feel.

How are trends forecasted?

The past is always the best indicator of what’s to come. Having knowledge of the recent past when it comes to fashion, while also being present in the moment will not only allow you to accurately forecast but also create the weather, so to speak. For example, the re-emergence of shoulder pads in sport coats and blazers is an interesting trend that I forecast for this upcoming fall season. I believe that the retro vibes and added volume that shoulder pads lend to the overall masculine silhouette will be worn with everything from casual looks or streetwear to tailored / dressy looks. (See photo wearing blazer with shoulder pads).

What is the biggest style faux pas you've seen trending on Instagram?

Shorts for men have been getting shorter as of late. The biggest faux-pas that I’m noticing is men wearing shorts that are cut too high or slim for their body types. It throws off the proportions of their outfits, which is the recipe for a look that is off-putting.

What is one way all men can elevate their personal style?

I believe all men should invest in unique and high-quality staple pieces that are interchangeable and able to be a highlight or even the focal point of different outfits. For example, accessories like luxurious gilded belt buckles, structured hats, and a few finely-tailored sports coats. Also, invest in staple pieces fused with high-quality fabrics. For example, trade in the gray sweatpants for a pair of lambskin leather joggers and the white t-shirt for a silk or leather one.

How do you define style?

In my opinion, style is having the ability to connect with a state of being, feeling, or emotion and allowing it to outwardly manifest through your overall presentation at any given time.

Stylist: Altorrin

City: NYC

IG: altorrin

What is 2022's fall must-have for men?

Big shoulders. The bigger and broader the better. And clogs/mules will continue to invade men’s fashion in the coming months. This trend is just catching up to me. I've been exploring this one for the past year and a half.

How are trends forecasted?

It's important to have an understanding of human behavior as it applies to fashion, mixed with comprehending how current major events affect style and commerce. Lastly, art history as it pertains to fashion is crucial in one’s ability to forecast what’s next. It’s all a cycle and hyper-connected.

What is the biggest style faux pas you've seen trending on Instagram?

I’m a true believer in if you are solely basing your look completely off something you’ve seen someone else wear without infusing yourself into the aesthetic; this is the ultimate faux pas. Everyone looks the same on Instagram and it’s terribly boring.

What is one way all men can elevate their personal style?

Invest in substantial outwear. It's truly the cornerstone of menswear.

How do you define style?

It’s forever morphing. My life is very busy so comfort is a top priority. Once I have chosen my comfortable pieces then it’s time to elevate them with something unexpected. I’ve dubbed the look “breezy chic featuring a plot twist.”

Stylist: Brandon Williams

City: Los Angeles

IG: Brandwills

What is 2022's Fall must-have for men?

The airship collab Jordan brand and AMA Maniere ATL, Birkenstocks, and Leather pants

How are trends forecasted?

I think people throw shit on a wall and see what sticks. Honestly, it’s based on voice and the importance of said voice to the culture that we respond to.

What is the biggest style faux pas you've seen trending on Instagram?

I hate seeing trends just run into the ground. People love getting a cheaper version of something and I think that is a tricky game to be played. Not all gold shines ;)

What is one way all men can elevate their personal style?

I think making sure you have good boots and clean sneakers will always help any wardrobe choice be better.

How do you define style?

I define style as the why to the what and who you are in life.

Stylist: Harrison (HDiddy) Crite

City: New York

IG: iamhdiddy

What is 2022's fall must-have for men?

A great pair of leather pants. It says, "I'm cool"! Best part is, you don't have to iron them.

How are trends forecasted?

In the past, trends were forecasted through the runway. Now, in the age of social media, a number of fashion houses look to influencers and their unapologetic style to forecast dope trends for the coming season.

What is the biggest style faux pas you've seen trending on Instagram?

Stacked jeans. They got me too. I have a few pairs, but honestly, they just aren’t progressive and we can leave them in Summer 2022.

What is one way all men can elevate their personal style?

Tailoring: It's something that should be common sense, but common sense isn't common. The money you spend makes it your clothes. Tailored clothing makes it your personal style.

How do you define style?

Simply put, it's how you feel. How you feel will always depict how you look. That’s style.

Check out the 2022 Style Issue.