Menswear’s Fresh Take on Familiar Looks

by Georgia Alexia Benjou

The fall social season? On Zoom. Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Socially distanced only. The National Western Stock Show? Virtual. For the remainder of 2020, it seems the global pandemic will continue to disrupt our lives and keep us all close to home. However, that doesn’t mean your menswear style can’t be sophisticated, yet still comfortable. Celebrate the season with classic looks that incorporate everything from upscale Western influences to chic oversized tailoring.

That fashion sage Karl Lagerfeld once declared, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat.” At this point in our fight against COVID-19, we couldn’t agree more.

After spending the spring months at home in lockdown, summer safely socializing outdoors with friends, and now once again confined to the indoors for the winter, we are all slightly sick of our homes. We’re also tired of wearing a limited, rotating wardrobe of T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants (and maybe some luxe silk daytime pajamas, if you’ve been adventurous).

For men who are feeling like they’ve been neglecting both their wardrobes and their personal style, we have good news for you: You can still get dressed and be comfortable. Designers have put a lot of thought into their fall collections by focusing on easy-to-wear items that are still well-designed and beautifully made. Which is why the looks we’re showcasing aren’t one-and-done wardrobe additions, but rather investment pieces that can work for the long haul and be worn well into the future.

KEEPING IT COZY

When the temperatures dip, it’s time to pull out the layers, but this year those key pieces are generously sized. Think roomy coats and utility vests, cardigans that do double duty as outerwear, full-cut trousers, and extra long and wide scarves, perfect for wrapping multiple times around your neck for warmth. These more generous cuts are a trend you’ll see continuing into the spring– especially with pants, Bermuda shorts and trench coat styles, so it’s not a look with a short lifespan. Time to adjust your eye to the new proportion.

GO WEST, YOUNG MAN

On-trend in menswear this winter are all the hallmarks of Western style, just elevated slightly into fashion territory. That translates into blanket-pattern and leather shearling jackets in bomber styles, straight-leg pants in indigo, fitted flannel shirts, and, of course, Western-inspired boots.

 

 

GEORGIA ALEXIA BENJOU, who started in the fashion industry as a national buyer and merchandiser in New York City, Milan and Paris for such luxury brands as Hermès, Christian Dior and Chanel. Today, she is based in Colorado as an editorial and advertising stylist. She is also co-owner of newly launched fashion consulting and events firm, Short Story, which works with emerging and established designers.