14 men's fashion trends you should try to elevate your style game in 2020
Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Welcome to 2020, guys and gals! While the new year may already be in full swing, we're only a few days in, which means it's not too late to get started on that wardrobe revamp that you've been meaning to address.
While womenswear has proven to be more experimental throughout the years, menswear has become synonymous with boring color palettes and silhouettes and very minimal imagination. Say goodbye to those points of view in this decade! As outlined by the likes of Vogue and GQ, men's fashion has gotten a major boost in 2020 with various fabrics, patterns, washes and accessorizing elements being added to the mix to give the fellas tons of more options in the wardrobe department.
Take a look at our top 14 fashion trends that we predict will dominate in 2020.
1. Subtle Acid Washes
It's often said that fashion is cyclical, with plenty of styles resurfacing over time. The popular acid wash style, most famously applied to jeans in the 1980s, is arguably the best example. Today, acid wash is being applied to way more than denim, with this tee from Bloomingdale's proving that the trend can be both subtle and bold.
Shop: Thom/Krom Acid Wash Tee, $38.00 (Orig. $95.00)
2. Scattered Florals
Florals for spring can be "groundbreaking," despite what the fictional fashion icon Miranda Priestly says. Florals have seemingly been one of the patterns that's stood the test of time, never officially falling off-trend. With older high fashion houses like Valentino and Saint Laurent making florals the central focus in their respective fashion aesthetics, other more affordable brands have followed suit, making their own unique and eye-catching iterations of the trend.
Shop: Robert Graham Flourish Floral Classic Fit Shirt, $103.95 (Orig. $148.50)
Shop: ASOS Design Relaxed Zip Through Floral Shirt, $27.00 (Orig. $45.00)
3. Pastel Tie-Dyes
Gone are the days when tie-dye was limited to being just an elementary school past-time. The fun — and honestly, scientific — practice has become a full-fledged fashion staple across the board. From artfully bold pieces to more muted tones (like those that are on-trend for 2020, according to "Vogue"), this style is one that you don't have to break the bank to achieve.
Shop: ASOS Design Tie Dye Scarf in Gray, $20.00 (Orig. $29.00)
Shop: NASA Washed Tie-Dye Long Sleeve Tee, $39.99
4. Maxed Out Puffer Coats
There are puffer coats and then there are PUFFER COATS. The latter can be noticed from a distance whether it be due to the composition of its fabric or its volume. GQ has highlighted 2020 as the year this trend takes flight, and these two choices from Bloomingdale's and Macy's show that, from the subdued to the bold, everyone can partake in the fun.
Shop: Marc New York Baltic Parka, $192.50 (Orig. $275.00)
Shop: Guess Men's Hooded Puffer Coat, $89.00 (Orig. $225.00)
5. Sheer Tops
Whether your style inspiration is Harry Styles or you're just a fashion daredevil, this one's for you! Sheer tops are the perfect way to show more personality in your style without being too risqué, if you choose. You can show off your tattoos, your chest, your belly, your muscles or whatever you feel proudest of through this trend that can arguably be considered the most body-positive of the bunch.
Shop: Heart & Dagger Oversized Sheer Shirt in Black, $26.50 (Orig. $48)
6. Non-Motorcycle Leather Jackets
Motorcycle leather jackets — or biker jackets as they're often called — will always remain a fashion staple that will never be removed. For many, it's even considered an essential for its ability to give any look just the right amount of edge. Well, the same can be said for non-motorcycle leather jackets.
While the silhouette of a traditional leather jacket — the exaggerated lapels and zipper details — certainly add a grit that can't be achieved otherwise, non-moto leather jackets add a touch of elegance and modernity to any look. Just give it a try! You won't regret it.
Shop: Barneys Originals Reefer Leather Jacket, $152.00 (Orig. $478.00)
7. Multi-functional Vests
If you're one of the folks who consider vests simply armless jackets, allow us to convince you otherwise. This trend provides a versatility that other items don't have, as vests are both multi-seasonal and multi-functional. Wear it with jeans and a long-sleeved slim tee for a casual 'fit, or with a button-down and slacks for a more sophisticated vibe (just leave the fedora at home — no fedoras, guys). Take a look at the two differing looks you can achieve with this small-but-powerful piece, below:
Shop: The Iconic Quilted Vest From Polo Ralph Lauren, $117.81 (Orig. $168.30)
Shop: Jack & Jones Originals Utility Vest in Demin Blue, $85.00
8. Unisex/Gender-Neutral Pieces
This is technically not a trend, but rather a practice that should be adopted by most — if not all — clothing brands. Fashion has finally become more inclusive in recent years and has served as an avenue for androgynous, queer, non-gender conforming and gender fluid people to more accurately express themselves through fashion. Above all, gender neutral pieces are honestly for everyone, with fashion retailers like ASOS being among the first few to provide an array of options in this clothing category.
Shop: Collusion Unisex Sweatshirt in Bright Orange, $19
Shop: Another Influence Unisex Check Padded Jacket, $56.00 (Orig. $114.00)
9. Crossbody Bags
Leaving the word "murse" in 2019, we introduce the crossover trend of crossbody bags. One of the hottest fashion staples of the the late 2010s, this trend — which comprises of the likes of fanny packs and small cross-shoulder bags — has become one of the chosen few to make it into the new decade.
Today, more brands are creating more interesting and non-generic crossbody pieces that serve as the perfect accessory when paired with the right outfit.
Shop: Herschel Supply Co. Packable Crus Reflective Crossbody Bag, $40
Shop: Kånken Sling Crossbody Bag, $65.00
10. Minimalistic Tote Bags
While we're on the topic of bags, let's take a minute to recognize the timeless genius of the tote bag. This piece transcends gender lines and, above all, provides something we all appreciate in our fashion items: functionality. Especially if you live in a metropolitan area, this piece is likely already included in your everyday fashion arsenal.
This minimalistic option from Rains perfectly weathers any storm — literally — and provides that modern touch to any look with ease. Ugh, what's not to love?
Shop: Rains Waterproof City Tote Bag, $85
11. Cropped Pants
That's right — cropped pants are coming right along with us into 2020. While this trend may not be everyone's cup of tea (not everyone's comfortable showing their ankles, and that's alright!) it's surely one of those that keeps making the roster for "most popular trends" lists, yearly.
It applies the perfect casual touch to any formal look with the subtle exposure of a bit of skin at the ankle and is usually paired with a sleek, clean shoe — a white low-top sneaker, loafer or wingtips are ideal.
Shop: New Look Slim Crop Grid Pants in Navy, $40
Shop: French Connection Slim Fit Cropped Chinos, $43.98 (Orig. $88.00)
12. Boots with Zipper Details
They say shoes can make or break an outfit, and since that statement is pretty on-point, we're here to provide you with the projected top shoe trend of the year so that you don't have to worry.
Zipper details not only make for easy access (get your shoes off and on in a flash!), but they also add an element of elegance and luxury to an otherwise simple look. These HUGO black leather boots and the Alex Costa pair that follows show that a single zipper complements the overall appeal of a shoe, no matter the other stylistic elements.
Shop: HUGO Men's Bohemian Leather Boots, $223.50 (Orig. $298.00)
Shop: Alex Costa Westwood Tall Boot, $54.96 (Orig. $109.95)
13. Modern Slip-On Shoes
Nothing matches the convenience of a slip-on shoe. Unfortunately, those available today tend to be either too expensive for most or are massively underwhelming and borderline elderly. Luckily, The North Face has designed an option that is not only trendy and sporty, but fully water resistant, insulated and made of recycled materials. Setting trends and saving the planet? We love it!
Shop: The North Face Men's Thermoball Eco Traction Bootie, $60
14. Chic Patchwork
This trend has had a few resurgences over the years. From your grandmother's quilt to the high fashion runways in Paris, this particular design aesthetic is the true testament of timeless. Made popular to the masses in the fashion world during the the 1990s hip hop era, this trend has had several reworkings over the years, making it one of those staples that you should never abandon.
Shop: UO Patchwork Menswear Bucket Hat, $24
Shop: Patchwork Denim Chore Jacket, $115.00
