With last fall forcing us into delusions of simple living by way of un-ironic moustaches and side parted hair — this year is a leap in the opposite and much more playful direction!
Children of the '90s will rejoice with the latest street trends for fall looking like the strange love children of Kid n’ Play, Zach Morris and Downtown Julie Brown. Fall trends have a new hypercolor aesthetic that's all about a playful ease with just a touch of throwback hip hop flare. Think big statements that require at least an extra helping of swagger to make your own. And if anyone has swagger, it's the Instinct audience!
Get into it and read on to find our top five must have trends of the season and how we promise you can get away with wearing your sweatpants outside of the gym.
Trend 1: No Strings Attached
Spanish style Espadrilles and surf inspired slip-ons are the only way to go this fall. Typically a summer look, these sensible slippers are moving their way into the fall by adding a casual note to any outfit. Smart and style-y boys can be seen rocking muted canvas options with easy cotton suits and a polo. It’s a positively preppy look that’s ready for anything, day or night.
Trend 2: Hear Me Roar
Time to channel your inner kitty purry — animal prints are officially in. Whether you go full roar or serve your jungle realness in subtle embellishments and accents, this wild look is sure to draw attention. The best versions of this trend are found in unexpected color treatments and blended in to a tone on tone look(see the tie above). If you’re feeling the jungle fever, go for it! Just remember that too much can sometimes be too much.
Trend 3: Drop It Like It’s Hot
Generally the one trend that people either love or completely hate, Harem pants (also known as the drop crotch) have been showing up everywhere from the New York runways to Justin Bieber’s stage show. Known for their typically tapered leg and lowered crotch, the look offers a casual almost slouchy vibe. I prefer the style paired down into almost loungewear and worn with a simple t-shirt and flip flops. Embrace its urban dance roots by rocking out some vintage sneakers and a distressed denim vest, or play with volume by adding an oversized cable knit sweater to the already fabric heavy piece. While definitely a lot of look, wear your harems like jeans and mix them into any ensemble.
Trend 4: Totes Amazing
Life in the big city isn’t for the weak of heart and certainly not the unprepared. For the last many years urban men have favored briefcases and over-the-shoulder messenger bags to help transport their daily needs from point A to point B. Those options were fine for those who needed little more than a lap-top and a file or two, but for today’s gay on the go, where’s a boy to put his new blue camo weightless trainers and lulu lemon yoga pants? Despair, right? No way! City gents from San Fran to Sydney have taken to bigger more functional weekenders and carry-alls to fit their extra loot. The trend is romantic and a bit flashy leaning toward iconic wovens and polished leathers. Unlike our purse obsessed sisters, the man bag is to be treated like a seasonal staple and not an interchangeable accessory. Pick a style that suits you and rock it all season long.
Trend 5: Jersey-licious
(Image: ScoutSixteen)
I know what you’re thinking – Sweatpants? Really?! As it turns out, the (fashion) gods must be lazy because jersey is definitely the darling of fall. While designers like Alexander Wang and Band of Outsiders have been literally hitting us over the head with fashion forward jersey styles for years, the idea of wearing “sweatpants” has until recently never made it past the bedroom. This new tapered, slim and often color treated version is not only “public” appropriate, the look is actually quite fresh and significantly more sophisticated than one might think. Pair them with sneakers and clean natural fabrics like cotton or wool to achieve an easy casual aesthetic. A pair of grey jersey pants with a nice crisp white oxford can’t go wrong. Even if you’re doubting me here, don't! We’re telling you it's ok to wear your sweatpants in public. Comfy and chic. Unless you’re crazy you better go get yourself changed.
Individually these trends might seem a little out there and disjointed, but when looked at with a wider lens, there's a definite common thread. Traditionally fall trends have a more serious tone, darker colors, heavier fabrics and so on. This season is about not taking ourselves too seriously and to having fun — even if the weather gets a bit gloomy. Don’t be afraid to take risks. If leopard print pants aren’t in the cards, try a pocket square or a pair of socks. You'll be glad you did.
About the author: Michael Gonsalves is a prominent San Francisco- based trend spotter and style influencer known for his sardonic take on fashion and design culture. Keep up to date with his work at www.sisterbrotherstyle.com
None of these are ok unless
None of these are ok unless you're tall, slender, and love yourself (cocky). Any other body type or personality would result in a huge fail. EPIC fail.