This article should be prefaced by a general observation of men’s fashion in the last five years or so: Things are getting weird. But, like, good weird. Sportswear and street style inspiration have brought meggings (translation: leggings for men), skirts, and an overall “f*ck you” to menswear’s former adherence to the gender binary as seen on the catwalks of Givenchy, Y-3, and Montreal’s Rad Hourani, the latter of which produces exclusively unisex clothing.
While these enlightened, liberal attitudes towards men’s clothing may be exciting for those in the fashion biz, the average Joe may understandably be having a tough time navigating these new androgynous waters. Furthermore, even established menswear staples have undergone rapid evolution in the post-2010 world. Shorts continue to get shorter, florals more flamboyant, and skinny jeans are reaching a near soprano-inducing tightness. What’s a boy to do?
Fortunately, your resident fashion fiends at View the Vibe have put together a list of fashion Dos and Don’ts to take some of the guesswork out of dressing…
Do: Florals
Whether it’s lighter florals in the summer or darker florals in the fall, pump up your wardrobe with some flower power! Florals are totally the new pink and people will respect your ability to rock this bold fashion trend.
Don’t: Head-to-Toe Florals
While floral-on-floral is something fashion bloggers love to flaunt, for most people this comes off Hawaii-Five-No. Use floral patterns as an accent or pop of colour contrasted with neutrals instead.
Christopher Shannon, Spring 2014
Don’t: Teeny Weeny, String Bikini Swimwear
This (!) is never the right choice. Even speedos need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. If you feel self-conscious wearing it, you’re not going to look good anyways. Wear what makes you confident, boo!
Do: Meggings
Leggings on guys are a great way to look current, edgy, and show off them gams! Especially under a pair of shorts, this sportswear-inspired look is an easy way to get yourself onto some best-dressed street style blogs.
Don’t: Meggings As Pants
Wearing only leggings looks bad on women and even worse on men. Put your junk away before you hurt somebody.
Do: Short Shorts
General rule of the thumb is your shorts should end an inch above the knee. However, if you have the legs and eclectic style for it, hike ‘em up! Remember, fashion is about having fun.
Michael Bastian, Spring/Summer 2014
Don’t: Long Camo Shorts
Any shorts more than two inches past the knee and in camo should be burned and never spoken of again. Don’t even bother donating them, those things need to die.
Do: Skinny Jeans
A good pair of fitted denim jeans is essential to the modern man’s wardrobe. Nothing looks better than a black pair of skinnies with a white t-shirt and leather biker jacket. Can I get an amen ladies? Generally, as long as they’re loose enough to do your daily activities and leave some mystery to your man parts you’re good to go.
Don’t: Women’s Skinny Jeans
While the allure of stretchy, tight denim might seem like a good idea at the time… just don’t. No matter what the store clerk tells you, when a boy wears ladies’ skinny jeans it is so obvious that you could see it from space. The pockets are all wrong, the hips are too loose, and your calves will look like two bratwursts about to burst. Nein!
Most importantly though, do what makes you feel good and don’t ever give a second thought to what other people think.
What are some of your favourite dos and don’ts when it comes to men’s fashion? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
