The fickle finger of fashion sometimes points in the wrong direction. And it can point you toward some unfortunate places. Bewildered, you wonder what you were thinking when you got that mullet or grew that wispy mustache.
But nothing’s written in stone, especially when it comes to fashion. 2023 men’s fashion is presenting you with some great opportunities to break free from entrenched habits and renovate your wardrobe with sophistication, comfort, quality, and fit.
You’ve got no time for fashion crimes! So, let’s review four fashion trends to ditch in 2023 and talk about what to wear instead!
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Slides (Especially With Socks)
You can call them slides. You can slap a high-end athletic wear logo on them and wear them ironically. But now matter what you do, you will still be wearing shower shoes. And shower shoes, my friends, are to be worn in the shower at the gym.
While I can’t tell you how “slides” became streetwear, I can tell you that this trend must end. That’s even more urgently true when slides are worn with socks. You may be comfortable but know this: onlookers are not.
So, it’s time to ditch those slides—you can keep the socks—and switch to something that looks at home in public! Classic styles in men’s footwear, like loafers and brogues, are reliably stylish. Or step out in casual comfort in a pair of Chucks. There are so many trendy options this year, including thicker soles and boots that mean business. So, leave those shower shoes in your gym bag and level up!
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Skinny Jeans
I know. It’s tough to let the skinnies go. But let go you must, as new silhouettes take over in 2023. The skinny jeans you’ve been wearing for years are rapidly fading from catwalks and retail storefronts. 2023’s fresh silhouettes are less about being painted onto your body and more about flattering you in comfort that doesn’t bind.
With the rise of athleisure wear, comfort is at the top of the men’s fashion agenda. Comfort comes naturally to sports separates but with the growing presence of athleisure clothing on catwalks a transformation has occurred. Soft, tactile fabrics, youthful cuts, and high-level construction have changed the face of the sector.
Athleisure now is sleek, shucking off the slovenly for comfort that looks as good as it feels. So, ditch those skinny jeans. Trade them in for the stylish look of casual comfort that’s come of age, in touchable separates that flatter.
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Being Shy About Jewelry
If you’re a man who loves to shine, this is your year. Jewelry for men has never been bigger, with runways awash in Cuban chains, chunky leather bracelets, and fine timepieces, so it’s time to adorn yourself like an Ancient Egyptian. Gone are the days of being confined to puka shells and class rings because men are blinging it up this year like never before.
Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and even body jewelry are for men this year, presenting you with a refreshing new platform for self-expression. And ethical jewelry is making tremendous inroads, with lab-grown diamonds that aren’t mined but manufactured and recycled metals taking center stage. Love the soft glow of pearls? It’s time for men to wear them as one of the hottest looks going.
From bold gold pendants to heart-shaped earrings and hoops, men’s jewelry has come full circle, bringing luxe adornment to the heart of masculinity. Pile it on or choose a couple of signature pieces and shine!
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Not Feeling Comfortable In a Suit
Suits haven’t been a huge fashion item in recent years. Perhaps the “skinny suit,” fitted to an almost restrictive degree, had something to do with that. In 2023, the suit takes on an 80s flavor, with a liberal dash of David Bowie. This year’s men’s suiting is slouchier, less traditionally stuffy, and infinitely more comfortable.
Whether you’re buying a suit off the rack or have a slightly dated example in the back of your closet, this is the year of tailoring. After the pandemic’s fallow years, people want to get out there, feeling and looking good. And tailoring is a great way to do it. A good tailor can take a suit from “dated” to “tasty” for a satisfyingly affordable price, infusing it with new life.
Fashion Is Fickle. Style Is Forever.
The truth is that fashion turns on a dime. Understanding that your style—what appeals to you and feels right when you wear it—is what’s important is the way to avoid “fashion churn.” Now that society has emerged from a time of isolation and remote living, you’re back to enjoying the act of dressing yourself. Dressing is a celebration. Celebrate every day by exploring what you like, what you enjoy wearing, and what feels like “your style.”
Keep an eye on emerging designers and street fashion, plucking only what resonates with you from the cavalcade of trends. Ditch what’s not working, then develop your personal spin on fashion and be the sharp-dressed man you were born to be!
