It looks like fall 2024 trends for men’s fashion are shaping up to be a combination of practicality and remixed classics.
Fall is a good time for menswear. I’ve always said this. Even if all you have on is jeans and a T-shirt, throwing on a nice wool peacoat makes you look that much more adult.
In New York, where I live, it’s also the start of the social calendar. Everyone’s back from Europe and the Hamptons and gearing up for Fashion Week.
I believe that the fall 2024 fashion trends for menswear are set to satisfy a wide range of personal styles. In general, 2024 was a mix. Sure, there was a surge of interest in the more traditional old money aesthetic among the youth.
But there were also many shifting conventions. Many men started incorporating pearl necklaces and painted nails into their style arsenal.
As the weather cools down though, menswear trends are returning to basics. However, they’re doing it in new, less stuffy ways. Even if fall trends 2024 fade, as many do, at least the garments you need for them are repurposable.
Eclectic Grandpa Style
Eclectic grandpa style blew up at the beginning of the year. However, as we head into the cooler seasons, this school of style will continue to be relevant. Layers and thick knits do well in lower temperatures, after all.
Essentially, you’d take all the classic garments you’d expect an older gentleman to wear and update them with bright colors or current fits. Think cardigans, sweaters, penny loafers, tweed, corduroy, classic hats, button-downs, boxy sport coats, and gold wire-frame glasses.
You’d find these pieces in fun colors, like neons and pastels, or pair them with modern pieces. Maybe instead of a button-down under that Fair Isle vest, you go for a henley or even crewneck T-shirt.
It’s all about recontextualizing timeless “old man” pieces, but not in a way that takes away from its general vibe.
I think that the eclectic grandpa trend is an excellent opportunity to invest in some well-structured, vintage pieces. Before the days of fast fashion, clothes were built to last. Or, if they’ll let you, you might just raid one of your grandparent’s closets.
Again, even if this trend ends, you may temporarily lose interest in those tweed pants, that long peacoat, or that chunky fisherman sweater. More than likely though, you’ll dig it up again when you’re older, or even just a year or two from now.
Denim on Denim: The Canadian Tuxedo
The combination lovingly referred to as the Canadian tuxedo is just denim on denim. That is, it’s a denim jacket paired with jeans. It’s very Americana, very cowboy, and classically rugged. I’d definitely put this look in the traditionally masculine category.
Jeans are always relevant. However, the double denim approach has gone in and out of vogue since Bongo jeans debuted in the ‘80s. You can pair it with Western wear to make a Texan tuxedo, or you can just play with different washes, fits, and shirt-and-shoe combinations.
Of course, when we think of the Canadian tuxedo, we think of blue jeans and a tonal trucker jacket. However, there are a lot of ways to make this look your own. You can go for chore jackets or even pocketless Harringtons if you want something sleeker.
You can wear it with a button-down and loafers, or you can finish it off with leather service boots. T-shirts, henleys, and polos all look great underneath a denim jacket.
Utility Style
If there’s one trend cinching the classic menswear comeback, it’s utility style. It’s basically just workwear, a staple in men’s fashion that gets reworked in every era.
The punk scene loved their ripped denim, while ‘80s rockers combined metal hardware and leather boots with glam. The hip-hop community was (and is) a fan of work boots, especially Timberlands. And ravers in the late ‘90s were all about their cargo pants.
Remember when I said that fall layers are an easy and effective way to level up a simple outfit? In the casual realm, well-fitted workwear is a good way to do it. It adds structure and a sort of cool factor to a simple outfit.
Think utility pants, service boots, chore jackets, straight-fit cargo pants, waxed jackets, and waxed anything, really. Go for military greens and olives, Americana tans and browns, and overall menswear neutrals. Heck, you can even go for blacks and charcoals to give your workwear an urban fashionista vibe.
Throwing a chore coat or utility shirt with a simple T-shirt and jeans adds an unstuffy sophistication. Workwear adds architecture in a similar way that suit separates would.
And the hat-tip to true-blue working men just makes you look more strapping. Even more, workwear is so darn practical. All of those pockets are excellent places for wallets, phones, and other everyday carry.
I’d avoid overly baggy fits since workwear already has bulk. Slim cargo pants visually rein in that bulk. However, you don’t have to go for a Millennial-slim if you prefer a boomer-gen-Z relaxed fit or straight fit. Workwear is casual, after all. As always, just make sure the silhouette is neat and tidy.
English Country Gentleman
If workwear is practical, casual clothing for the working man, English country gentleman aesthetics are for the man of leisure. Of course, you don’t have to be either of these to sport either style — wear what you love.
Key pieces include flat caps, hunting vests, riding boots and Wellies, and Norfolk jackets. Like workwear, these are practical, rugged pieces, but they imply a country estate lifestyle. What would one wear during a grouse hunt, polo game, or walk through the garden?
There’s a lot more structure, even down to the weaves, compared to workwear. So you’d likely wear a button-down over a T-shirt, and you’d incorporate tweed, corduroy, and quilting. It’s a lot more suit-adjacent or preppy-adjacent than traditional workwear is.
In fact, quilted vests are a go-to for the Wall Street man. I’ve seen many finance gents wear one under their suit jackets on cooler days.
I have two theories as to why the youth will gravitate towards this look. First, of course, it’s practical for autumn. Second, the focus on heritage wear is similar to the grandpa aesthetic.
So, the eclectic grandpa trend is an opportunity for you to invest in some vintage knits and sweaters. Meanwhile, the countryside trend is an opportunity for you to invest in some vintage outerwear, jackets, tweed, and boots.
Leather Bomber Jackets
Leather outerwear has timeless appeal, but the leather bomber jacket specifically is set to be the star this autumn. This could be the long-term effects of the Top Gun sequel.
Fortunately, there are many ways to wear a leather bomber. Though do note that it is relatively difficult to dress up. A bomber with a shearling collar can take you from fall to winter.
One with patches all over it is perfect for the maximalist. And, of course, you can always go for a simple, slim bomber if you like a sleeker look.
Vertical Stripes
Stripes, like seersucker, are popular in the summer. However, many luxury brands, both in fashion and interior design, are incorporating them into their fall lines. This means that by the time fall actually hits, they’ll have proliferated into all tiers of fashion.
I personally welcome this. As a shorter gent, vertical stripes are flattering on me (and probably will be for you too). You’ll likely find them on shirts, pants, jackets, and accessories. And, of course, the pin-stripe suit will finally come back from the ‘80s.
Traditional Suiting
I’m not surprised that traditional suiting is coming back. The necktie came back earlier in the year. And from what I’ve seen during Fashion Week’s lines, the proper suit will play a big part in fall 2024 fashion trends.
I mentioned earlier that men started painting their nails and wearing ladies’ jewelry. Even more, Fendi put a man on the runway in a pleated shirt. Since none of this is shocking anymore, brands made a complete pivot.
There was less of the genderless approach and more of the male-forward approach. Women’s fashion did something similar this year, pivoting towards “girly” aesthetics.
The by-the-book suit, slim or clean-lined, a full dress shirt, and a tie always look good. However, come fall, it’ll also be cool again. Men are also re-embracing pleats, double-breasted jackets, and velvet jackets (Daniel Craig at the No Time to Die premiere, anyone?).
The Oxford Cotton Button-Down, or OCBD
And finally, similar to the suit, the classic style of the OCBD will also be on the backs of young trendsetters. Brands, new and old, are building them the way they used to, from the soft collar to the proper, non-performance weave.
You can find one with a shorter hem to wear untucked. Feel free to roll up the sleeves for a casual and carefree vibe. Alternatively, longer-hemmed varieties are perfect for tucking in and wearing under a tailored jacket. White and light blue OCBDs are your best bets.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about 2024 fall fashion trends for men? No problem. Here are answers to common ones that apply to most of us.
What pants are in style for men in 2024?
After years of being side-lined, pleats are coming back due to the youth’s interest in eclectic grandpa style and vintage. Wide legs pants are continuing to trend, though clean lines due to higher waists are more popular than the wildly baggy ones. Cargo pants are also back from the aughts.
What’s the fashion trend in men’s suits in 2024?
Tailored fits are always in style when it comes to suits. However, boxy tops with slim and clean-lined trousers are in. Men no longer fear velvet jackets. Double-breasted jackets are continuing their rise in popularity. This is likely a holdover from the old money aesthetic social media trend.
Conclusion: Fall 2024 Fashion Trends Have Something for Everyone
So yes, fall 2024 fashion trends are focusing heavily on remixed old classics. The cool thing about this is that even if you aren’t trendy, you can participate.
And for the ones who love fads, you can find fun ways to make these classics more current. As I mentioned, I think it’s a great reason to start investing in some well-built pieces, especially outerwear.
Whether your changes are big or small, no matter what your personal style preferences are, you can try out seasonal trends. There really is something for everyone.
Comments? Questions? Let me know below!
