The Best and Worst Menswear Trends, According to the Experts

What's trending and what's tired

Written by RJ Firchau

We’re well into 2016 by now. You’ve most likely already made (and broken?) some resolutions for the year, are we right? Regardless, if you’re like us, the beginning of each year is the time that we do a little bit of a touch-base with our style–a little bit of spring cleaning, so to speak. This is the time we evaluate the things we really like wearing or want to start wearing, as well as the pieces in our wardrobes that still suit us and our personalities well. Conversely, this is also the time that we like to evaluate what we don’t like, both in terms of pieces we already own and new trends that we are starting to see pop up on the racks. Obviously, what works and doesn’t work for one man’s style may be completely different for another’s. However, we wanted to weigh in on some of the top, definitive trends that should be kept and tossed this year. To do that, we asked our newest batch of Style Guru Society menswear bloggers what they thought. Read on to meet some of our Gurus and see their takes on the top 5 trends to keep and toss in 2016.

Trends to Keep

1. Exposed Ankles

“For 2016, I intend to keep on tailoring my pants with a slim taper and no break, such that my ankles are exposed. I don’t see this trend going away for a while.” – Ryan Fisico, Let’s Get Fisico

2. Turtlenecks

“I love how turtlenecks have come back in full-force. It reminds me of the stylish spy-type aesthetic circa 1960’s. They are great because they keep you warm, and they look good under a blazer or a leather jacket. Release your inner man from U.N.C.L.E. or 007!” – Diego Leon, Dandy in the Bronx

3. Denim on Denim

“Denim on denim is a keeper for sure. It’s flattering in the spring–try out a chambray shirt and jeans for an on-trend look that’s weather-appropriate. And for colder temperatures, throw on a denim jacket and jeans.” – DJ Hargrave, Tailor Made Style

4. Bomber Jackets

“Bomber jackets are great for casual days, and they keep you warm and comfortable while simultaneously elevating your style. The right bomber jacket can add a pop of color and class to any outfit.” – Alex Salcedo, The Casual Boardwalk

5. Polka Dots

“Whether they be featured on socks or ties (or anything in between), polka dots are hot right now–and have been for along time, so I don’t see them going away any time soon. They are fun, (typically) colorful, and add an extra dimension of pattern to your look. The key is for them to not be too overwhelming. Subtle polka dots right now are what subtle paisley was in 2015.” – Sunny Murthy, Well-Dressed Student

Trends to Toss

1. Over-Accessorizing

“In 2015, the trend for suiting was to over-accessorize, thanks to the abundance of suit accessories and accessory styles–ties, pocket squares, lapel pins/flowers, AND tie bars, often times worn altogether. This year, I’m going to make a point to only wear a maximum of two accessories per outfit to let my style stand out in a more subtle way.” – Ryan Fisico

2. Turtlenecks

“I know, I know, I just said that I liked turtlenecks. But honestly, these days, everyone owns and wears turtlenecks. Literally everyone. It seems to have become the lazy way to go, when you don’t want to wear a shirt and tie, for example. It can look very dated when you use the wrong colors. I’ve even seen some brands go for even larger and thicker turtlenecks for 2016. Let’s leave that to Zoolander. I guess what I’m trying to say about turtlenecks is to tread lightly and choose classic, well-fitting pieces that look good and that add to, rather than detract from, your ensemble.” – Diego Leon

3. Hawaiian-Print Shirts

“Those ‘loud’ Hawaiian-print shirts that you guys saw on everyone all summer last year? Yeah, those have to go. I invested in one or two of these, and looking back, I feel silly that I ever wore them out in public.” – DJ Hargrave

4. Overalls

“I’ve noticed that these are coming back, and I don’t understand why. On girls, overalls can look chic and cool. On dudes… it looks as if you should be working as a carpenter or a painter or something. Overall, overalls give off slouchy, lazy vibes. Not a good look.” – Alex Salcedo

5. Duck Boots

“Please just trash them all. These boots, in my opinion, lack style and are overly hyped. Unfortunately, though, try walking around a college campus and you won’t go more than five seconds without seeing someone wearing a pair.” – Sunny Murthy

RJ Firchau

SOURCE: THE GENTLEMANUAL