Men’s fashion in the City 2023

 Men’s fashion in the City 2023:

If you even have a passing interest in fashion in London, you'll find plenty to drool for. It's not quite as wonderful as the year I spent in Milan in 2005–2006, but it's still considerably better than the winter clothes I wore to school in Montreal and the abayas and kerkushas I wore as a teenager.

 I admit that while I was growing up in Paris in the 1980s, I was more interested in the museums than the fashion (who cares about street fashion when you're 11? ), but now that I live in a place where men's fashion makes sense as the pinnacle of class, I'm making up for it. Join me as I take you on a tour through the pre-Brexit world of men's formal wear.

Men's fashion in the city, often referred to as urban or metropolitan fashion, is a dynamic and diverse style that reflects the modern lifestyle and influences of city living. It's characterized by a mix of trends, classic pieces, and streetwear elements, blending both formal and casual elements for a stylish yet comfortable look. Here are some key aspects of men's fashion in the city:

Smart Casual: 

City fashion often revolves around smart casual attire, striking a balance between professional and relaxed. This can include well-fitted trousers or chinos paired with a crisp button-down shirt, a tailored blazer, and loafers or dress shoes. The look is polished but not overly formal.

Streetwear Influence:

Urban centers are hubs for street culture, and streetwear has a significant impact on men's fashion in the city. Hoodies, graphic tees, bomber jackets, distressed denim, and sneakers are common elements of streetwear style that are often incorporated into urban outfits.  

Tailoring: 

City fashion places a strong emphasis on well-tailored clothing. Whether it's suits, blazers, or dress shirts, a good fit is essential for a sharp and refined appearance. Tailored clothing helps elevate the overall aesthetic, making it suitable for formal or business occasions.

Layering:

Given the variable weather conditions in cities, layering is a practical and fashionable technique. Combining various pieces, such as a shirt, sweater, and jacket, not only provides comfort but also adds depth and dimension to an outfit.

Neutral Colors: 

Urban fashion tends to favor neutral colors such as black, gray, navy, and earth tones. These versatile hues are easy to mix and match, allowing for a cohesive and sophisticated wardrobe.

Accessories:

Accessories play a crucial role in men's city fashion. Popular choices include stylish watches, leather belts, scarves, and a variety of hats (e.g., beanies, fedoras, or caps). These small additions can elevate a simple outfit and add a touch of personality.

Athletic Wear: 

The athleisure trend has made its way into city fashion as well. Incorporating elements of sportswear, like joggers, track pants, and performance sneakers, into everyday outfits is not uncommon.

Sustainable Fashion: 

As environmental awareness grows, so does the interest in sustainable and ethical fashion. In the city, you'll find an increasing number of men opting for eco-friendly clothing made from organic or recycled materials.

Cultural Influences: 

Cities are melting pots of different cultures, and this is often reflected in men's fashion. People draw inspiration from various ethnicities and subcultures, resulting in a rich tapestry of styles.

Adaptability: 

City dwellers often lead busy lives, so versatility and adaptability are essential in their wardrobes. Pieces that can easily transition from day to night, from work to leisure, are highly sought after.

Remember that men's fashion in the city can vary widely depending on the specific urban environment and the prevailing trends at the time. Ultimately, personal style and self-expression play a significant role, and individuals often blend elements from different fashion genres to create a look that resonates with their personality and lifestyle.

 Men’s fashion in the City 2023:

Backpack authoritarianism:
It's crucial to comprehend that men's fashion in London is disorganised. That's significant. There is always some level of disobedience involved because the ordinary worker finds wearing a suit to be about as enjoyable as wearing their school uniform. The man must wear a suit, but he will make it clear that he dislikes it. 

This typically denotes two things in 2019: a backpack and no tie. Given the thinness of current laptops and the fact that the majority of bankers are required to lock their laptops at work due to the company's clean desk policy, there is absolutely no need for that rucksack. 

Then what the hell is in that rucksack?

Nothing matters. The Financial Times from last week, cycling equipment, or nothing. 

 The point is that it might contain anything. It might contain everything needed for a weekend trip to Europe. That rucksack contains the potential and promise of a different existence.

 Additionally, the rucksack is NEVER worn correctly. Try marching up the City from London Bridge in the morning with it worn on one shoulder, grudgingly, to match the ferocity and intensity in one's step. The English (see Brexit) are both sensible and irrational, and so is this. Backpacks have a hierarchy too. The "net plus ultra" of men's backpacks in the City is a Victorinox or Wenger bag, which may cost up to  £90 .

This is like to stating, "I learned this while climbing with my client in the Swiss Alps." It strikes the ideal formal/informal balance, communicating reliability without seeming sterile because it is sporty yet serious.

The termination of ties:

Let's get back to the no tie situation. Years ago, when I was a Bosch employee, I was told that the tie was no longer acceptable because the CEO of a major German automaker had delivered a keynote speech at Geneva's largest auto show without one. Then it was over. It granted approval for everyone else to do the same at the highest level of the organisation. The knot implies a lack of authority, not a presence of power. So, while not wearing one may suggest that you are significant, donning one suggests desperation, and in England, there is nothing worse.

Pink shirts :
I'm writing this from India, where the MC of the conference where I just spoke made fun of a young man for donning a pink shirt. In London, that would never take place. It's likely that you are an equity fund manager if you are sporting a pink shirt. Because having the ability to change any colour into the colour of money is power. 

The more colourful a man is, the more powerful he is in the organisation. He doesn't care, and the powerful in the City are the only ones who can be carefree. (See T.M.Lewin's collection and pricing.) The whiter the shirt and the pointier the shoes, the lower down the food chain. That's just the way things are.

Watches & Cufflinks :
Cufflinks and watches are the city's only nods to tradition. Always wear large, pricey watches over shirts, suits, and coats. Interesting cufflinks in the form of absurd objects are nonetheless cufflinks. Both are present to show that tradition still exists in the City despite the prevalence of beards and sleeve tattoos.

The remainder is somewhat uniform. Nothing more than a dark suit, always-black socks, black shoes, possibly-interesting striped scarf, and a dark or beige rain jacket.

 There may be the occasional Rab puffer jacket and unique eyewear, but those are also uncommon and usually seen on men who are just starting their careers.  The fact that I occasionally see a real briefcase leads me to believe he is travelling from Europe. Chinos, white socks, or really any variation of the aforementioned will only be worn by Americans. Men in sharp suits also don't work in the City.

Thanks for Reading:
No matter who you are, what you do, or how much importance you place on looks, the advantages of the convergence of fashion in the city are clear. Either join the movement and welcome the future, or you'll fall behind.

Are you anticipating the direction of fashion?

Did I overlook any noteworthy businesses?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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 Men’s fashion in the City 2023: