While women’s fashion has always been popular — with television shows, magazines and podcasts dedicated entirely to the topic — high-end fashion for men has always taken a bit of a back seat. That’s all changing now, however, as men have become increasingly more interested in fashion trends and styles in recent years.
Gone are the days of throwing on a pair of comfortable, everyday jeans with a baggy shirt and calling it a day; style and fashion are now paramount to most men’s clothing choices! With such a rise in popularity, the demand for men’s luxury clothing and accessories is on the up.
In this post, we are going to explore the history of fashion for men, what sets it apart from other types of clothing, how you can build your own high-end closet, top brands to look out for, current trends to keep in mind, and much more!
Without further ado, here’s a quick history into men’s fashion.
Historical Overview of Men’s Fashion
Interestingly, men’s high-end fashion has a rich and diverse history. Taking suits and formal wear as an example, in the past, suits were primarily made of wool or tweed and were designed to be practical and durable with little consideration towards fashion or flair.
Today suits have evolved! Suits are now more elaborate and stylish due to the emergence of iconic 20th century fashion houses like Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford. Designers like these paved the way for men’s fashion, bringing in a new era, and allowing men to wear vibrant, captivating and colourful suits that represent them as individuals.
What Makes Elevated Men’s Fashion Different
High-end fashion varies from the clothing you’d see in big box, mass-produced stores in several ways. One of the most significant differences is the quality of the materials that are used by superior brands and the construction techniques that are used. Luxury, fabrics like cashmere, silk, and high-quality leather are commonly used to create men’s high-end clothing. This keen attention to detail, partnered with the craftsmanship that goes into each piece are defining characteristics of high-end fashion.
Building a High-End Wardrobe for Men
Building a wardrobe with high-end pieces can seem like a daunting task. Won’t it cost lots of money? Fear not, with a few key pieces and some careful planning, it is achievable.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the fit of the clothing. High-end clothing is designed to be tailored and fitted to the individual’s body — you can achieve this by either getting items tailored (if you’re in a position to do so) or by seeking out, and only purchasing pieces that work well for your body shape.
When you’re building a wardrobe that consists of clothing like this, it is important to select versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. A capsule closet is a great example of this — picking a small selection of items that overlap and work with one another seamlessly.
Top Fashion Brands for Men
There are many contemporary fashion brands for men, each with their own unique style and flair. Some of the most popular brands which you might be familiar with include Yves Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein. Each of these brands have their own signature style, with innovative designs that range from classic and timeless, to modern and edgy.
Key Trends in Men’s High-End Fashion
Much like women’s fashions, men’s fashion is constantly evolving with new trends emerging every season. Currently, designers are using bold colors that incorporate bright shades like orange, green, and pink into their collections.
Oversized silhouettes are also popular right now, with baggy pants, box-shaped jackets, and loose-fitting shirts all making an appearance.
Excitingly, sustainability and ethical fashion are also becoming increasingly more important in the fashion world. Today, many designers are incorporating eco-friendly materials and socially-considered production methods into their collections.
The Role of Accessories in Men’s High-End Fashion
Accessories are an essential part of any high-end wardrobe for both men and women! A properly chosen accessory can help to elevate an outfit, while adding a touch of your unique personality and individuality.
Some popular accessories for men include watches, ties, and belts, alongside luxury leather goods like backpacks and briefcases. When choosing accessories, it is important to consider the overall look and feel of the outfit. Make sure that you select pieces that complement the clothing and don’t contrast with it.
How to Style Fashion for Different Occasions
With carefully chosen pieces, your high-end fashion can be styled for any-and-all occasions, from formal events to more casual outings.
- For formal events, a well-tailored suit is a must, paired with a classic, long-sleeved dress shirt and polished shoes.
- For more casual occasions, a pair of designer jeans, a stylish sweater, and sneakers can create a more relaxed but still fashionable look.
Before attending an event, consider the dress code and the event’s location and select clothing that is appropriate, while still maintaining your personal vibe and style.
Investing in High-End Fashion
Investing in fashion is a great idea for multiple reasons. For one, high-end clothing is made from quality materials and construction techniques, making the pieces durable and long-lasting. This means that you can enjoy your wares for many years to come, making it a sensible investment. Secondly, high-end fashion can hold its value over time, making it a potential asset to your wardrobe.
Maintaining Your Clothing
As with most things in life, the proper care and maintenance of high-end clothing are crucial to keep it looking its best and making sure it lasts longer.
Most clothing comes with specific care instructions, which should be followed carefully to avoid damaging the material. For example, silk should really be dry cleaned and not simply put in the washing machine, and leather should be conditioned regularly to keep it supple and to prevent cracking. Storing your clothing correctly is also important, as it can help to prevent wrinkles, fading, and damage. Keep clothing away from direct heat sources and out of sunlight.
Finding Inspiration for High-End Fashion
It’s so easy to find inspiration when you’re looking for fashion tips and pointers. One of the best ways to see what’s on trend is to follow influencers and stylists on social media platforms and to seek out fashion bloggers.
Fashion magazines and websites can also provide inspiration, with many showcasing the latest trends and collections from top designers. If you’re really getting into the fashion scene, attending local fashion shows and events can provide insight into the current fashion landscape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fashion
There are several common mistakes that men make when it comes to high-end fashion. Don’t worry! We’re going to break them down here so you don’t make a fashion faux-pas.
One of the most significant mistakes is failing to invest in good quality clothing and accessories. Cheap, low-quality pieces can detract from the overall look of an outfit and may not last as long as high-end pieces. Over-accessorizing is also a mistake to avoid, as too many accessories can overwhelm an outfit and make it look busy and cheap — taking away from all of your hard work.
Final Thoughts on High-End Fashion for Men
Fashion for men is constantly evolving, with new designers, trends, and styles emerging every season. It can feel a little overwhelming! But taking the time to build a wardrobe can be a long-term investment that pays off in terms of quality and longevity.
With the right pieces and attention to detail, it is possible to create a versatile wardrobe that can be worn for a variety of occasions. As with any fashion style, it is essential to find what works for your personal taste and style, rather than following trends blindly.
Ultimately, high-end fashion is about expressing individuality and personal style, while also looking and feeling confident and stylish.
We hope that with these tips and tricks you’re able to create your very own high-end closet.
