Can you pick out the male model wearing yellow in this runway shot? Yes? That’s how bright colours can help you fashionably stand out. Photo: Prada
The perception of menswear has changed a lot. Once limited to rigid norms – think suits and stiff-collared shirts, modern men now embrace diverse styles.
Social media, celebrity influence and a greater cultural openness have all worked to somehow encourage guys to freely view fashion as a form of personal identity.
Brands are responding to this shift by expanding their menswear lines, offering everything from bold prints and unconventional silhouettes to sporty streetwear.
Luxury and casual labels alike have also embraced a broader definition of masculinity.
The men themselves are now more willing to experiment – with colours, textures and even accessories once considered off-limits.
Sneakers are styled with tailored suits and oversized fits challenge the once-standard slim cut.
This new era of menswear reflects a deeper cultural change: the push for authenticity.
As seen in the Spring/Summer 2025 collections, style is no longer about fitting in – it’s about standing out, being comfortable in your own skin, and expressing who you are.
Why so serious?
You would think that shorts have no place in an office.
Maybe not in a boardroom still, but the modern workplace is rapidly evolving, and the right pair – tailored, neutral-toned and worn with a shirt – can strike the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism.
Yes, the current conversation on TikTok is about how formal attire is back in trend for office-goers, but even for the Gen Zs, their version looks weirdly casual.
To this generation, jeans, straight-leg trousers, T-shirts, plain sweaters and neutral-coloured blazers work well enough to be seen by bosses.
The look even has a name: normcore. On runways, you see fashion brands complying with this.
The Row, Balenciaga and COS have embraced the aesthetic, turning everyday basics into statement pieces.
It’s all about understated cool – looking effortless while still being considered corporate enough.
In a time when remote work and hybrid schedules have blurred the lines between personal and professional style, the trend reflects the mood perfectly – neat, functional and unfussy.
Read more: Flaunt them, pair them with sandals: How to pull off white socks fashionably
Posing for the perfect OOTD is a sport
Sportswear is no longer worn by athletes. Models rock tracksuits on runways and hoodies under blazers too.
Activewear and everyday fashion have heycome together, creating a look that’s both stylish and functional. Comfort is king, and fashion-forward sportswear now dominates both street style and high fashion.
Luxury brands like Gucci and Prada have embraced the shift, launching collections that blend performance fabrics with high-end aesthetics.
Meanwhile, brands like Nike and Adidas have collaborated with top designers, blurring boundaries even further.
This new-gen athleisure movement reflects a lifestyle shift – people want to look good without sacrificing ease or mobility.
From office-friendly joggers to fashion sneakers, sporty elements are no longer reserved for the gym.
Let your outfit scream
If you are tired of hearing about the quiet luxury trend, then this will be good news for you.
In the Spring/Summer 2025 menswear shows, making a statement is back in fashion.
Designers are embracing bold prints, daring colours and expressive silhouettes that command attention.
Forget understated minimalism – this season is about standing out, not blending in.
From oversized tailoring in electric blues to graphic shirts and unexpected fabric pairings, the runways were filled with personality and flair.
Louis Vuitton, Versace and JW Anderson led the charge, reminding us that fashion can be fun, loud, and unapologetically creative.
This shift signals a move away from the restrained, logo-less styles of quiet luxury and toward a more liberated approach to dressing.
For men, it means more freedom to express mood, identity, and confidence through clothes. The message is clear: don’t be afraid to take up space, both in the room and in your wardrobe.
They like big bags
If you think carrying a tote may look feminine, think again.
Male celebrities like Timothee Chalamet, Harry Styles and ASAP Rocky have confidently embraced the tote bag, proving it’s as stylish as it is practical.
No longer just a carry-all for groceries or books, the tote has become a fashion-forward accessory in menswear.
Designers are reimagining the classic tote in luxe materials too – whether it be leather, canvas or suede, which comes in structured shapes, bold graphics and subtle branding.
That said, big bags are commanding attention beyond runways as well.
The next time you are walking along the streets in your city, observe some of the more well-dressed men around you.
What makes such oversized carries so appealing is the versatility.
It’s spacious enough for daily masculine essentials – laptops, gym gear, protein shakes – while still elevating an outfit with a modern, relaxed edge.
Whether paired with a tailored coat or casual streetwear, it signals confidence and ease.
Read more: Fashion brands are bringing back the cargo shorts as a fashion essential
Really stylish men wear sandals
What is it again about the phrase used in the 1970s, “no shoes, no service”, that seems to suggest that guys not properly shod are not of a certain stature?
This is the new millennium, however, and sandals are extremely trendy.
No longer confined to beach trips or casual weekends, this particular type of footwear has made its way into high fashion and everyday citywear.
Bottega Veneta and Hermes are elevating the humble sandal with premium materials, sleek designs, and even runway appearances.
From chunky slides to minimalist leather strappy styles, men’s sandals are now a legitimate part of the fashion conversation.
Worn with linen trousers, oversized tailoring, or even socks – yes, socks and sandals are officially cool again – they embody a laid-back confidence.
The shift reflects a broader attitude toward comfort and practicality without sacrificing style.
In a world where ease and authenticity matter more than outdated dress codes, sandals offer a refreshing take.
So, if you’re still holding on to old rules, it might be time to show a little toe – they’re more fashionable than ever.