Top Fashion Trends to Embrace This Fall

In the words of former Vogue fashion editor Candy Pratts Price, “September is the January of fashion; it’s when I change.” Indeed, after a summer of tank tops and shorts the transition to fall (and cooler temperatures) presents the perfect opportunity for stylish gents to dress for pure fashion enjoyment. In essence, it is a time of change and a chance to re-engage with clothing in new ways. With that in mind, the Quintessential Gentleman’s style team has put together a list of the top trends you should consider incorporating into your look this fall.

It’s a Kilt, A KILT!

Photo Credits: Alessandro Lucioni/Thom Browne

One of the biggest revolutions in men’s fashion since the turn of the 21st century has been the popularization of the “kilt.” Typically only seen in traditional Scottish variations, the kilt has taken over the runways of many fashion houses with no signs of slowing down. Historically thought to be too feminine amongst non-Scottish men, the kilt’s new, more mainstream popularity has been aided by the fact that athletes, who embody masculinity in the eyes of many, have worn it at highly publicized events. Most notable among these appearances was Odell Beckham Jr.’s 2019 Met Gala look. If you have the fashion guts to attempt the trend this fall, reference Thom Browne’s 2019 collection for additional inspiration.

Accessories Overload

Any dapper man knows that it’s not just about the clothes. From hats to jewelry, fall 2019 menswear shows emphasized unique, complementary accessories to amplify each look. However, it is the man bag that will undoubtedly take over the streets this fall. In all of its incarnations including fanny packs, cross bodies, totes and satchels, what has long been a staple for women seems to be here to stay for men as well. If you are considering taking the leap into man bag territory, consider something from Kenzo or Louis Vuitton’s fall collections. If you still aren’t ready to completely embrace man bags, don’t fear. You can pick up a stylish hat to top off your look from BRIMS, a black-owned and operated hat company launched in 2017 by Archie Clay, III and Tajh Crutch.

Go Bold or Go Home

Photo Credits: Alessandro Lucioni/Thom Browne

Flowers, and plaids, and checks, oh my! Spring and summer are usually the times of year reserved for bold patterns and prints, but fashionable gents should get ready to transition them into their fall wardrobes as well. The fall collections featured during men’s fashion week had a wide array of prints shown in unique ways, such as dramatic tiger print sashes paired with stark-colored coats at Dior. For additional takes on how to incorporate bold patterns and prints into your fall wardrobe, check out Todd Snyder and Bally’s 2019 offerings.

Is that Velvet?

Photo Credits: Alessandro Lucioni/Oliver Spencer

As a quintessential fall/winter fabric, designers featured velvet in full force across various collections. However, their interpretations of the material presented unique options for the well-dressed man. While highlighted in standard forms such as evening dinner jackets, velvet was also a material of choice for trousers, sweatshirts and topcoats. Etro and Oliver Spencer provided various velvet pieces for the man wanting to indulge in the luxe material. For more affordable choices, Suitsupply and J. Crew offer amazing look-for-less alternatives.

The Suit, Take Two

Photo Credits: Filippo Fior/Gucci

Suiting has long been an anchor of a man’s wardrobe. However, this year the closet staple got a makeover in several different iterations we will more than likely see come to life on city streets this fall. Alexander McQueen offered up supremely tailored floral options in salmon and berry colors. Wide lapels and even wider shoulders (with matching elastic hemmed trousers) came from Gucci. And Issey Miyake showcased a casual, unstructured fit covered in bold prints. In contrast, designers like Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli presented more traditional, but no less stylish suiting for those less daring this season.

Monochromatic Mood

A popular fashion trend, monochromatic outfits feature separates of one color in the same or different shades of that color, and stylish men of all types of have embraced this look. Frere, designed by Davidson Frere, offered sharp, suit versions while Fendi featured more casual options consisting of jackets, turtlenecks and trousers. A great way to top off a monochromatic look this fall is by adding a corresponding coat. Check out North & Mark for some great, selections to go with your monochromatic ensembles.

The Coat is the New, Coat…

Speaking of coats, unsurprisingly they were in full force during the fall menswear collections. As with some of our other highlighted trends however, they were featured in styles and variations not commonly seen in luxury fashion. One of the more popular examples is the reincarnation of the puffer coat, seen at Philipp Plein, Sacai and Unravel. Offset of the rap trio Migos modeled a full-length lavender version featuring a matching cross-body fanny pack at the Off-White show. If puffers aren’t your thing, try a more traditional style in an unexpected material, such as brocade as seen at Dolce and Gabbana and Comme des Garcons. Upgrading your coat game is an easy way to update your closet this fall.

Artistic License

Photo credits: Filippo Fior/Valentino

While there has been debate on whether fashion can or should be considered art, this season menswear designers took direct reference from art and artists for their collections. Pop Art inspired illustrations were featured on sweaters at Stella McCartney (some featuring her father, Paul). Valentino partnered with Jun Takahashi to design artwork including time traveler slogans, spaceships, and skulls featured on coats, cardigans and hoodies in the fall collection for the house. And the clothes were splattered with technicolor paint patterns on Walter Van Beirendonck’s runway. Whether you are an art collector or just appreciate a beautiful picture, you will definitely want to incorporate some art-inspired clothing into your fall style.