Meet the men's fashion trends that will define the cold season
Blindly following trends is a surefire path to winding up looking like a fashion victim. But love them or hate them, trends are what keep menswear and fashion in general moving forwards. You might like to think you’re impervious to them, but the truth is that everyone gets swept up in the ever-changing tides to some extent. The best way to anchor yourself is to establish your personal style, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore men’s fashion trends entirely.
Dressing well is largely about knowing who you are, what you feel confident in and what works for you. But part of it is about understanding the current menswear landscape. Even if a lot of what’s trending right now doesn’t speak to you, chances are there’ll be certain aspects that do – things you can weave into your look to keep up to date while staying true to your individual style.
With that in mind, we’ve been keeping an ear to the ground for the key pieces and overarching aesthetics gaining traction for autumn and winter in 2024. From big coats to western belts, these are the men’s fashion trends worth knowing for the coming cold season.
Big coat energy
Big tailored coats are one of this season’s most wearable men’s fashion trends. They’re everywhere at the moment, and they make it incredibly easy to look put together. Go for something in a versatile colour with an unstructured silhouette, and you can wear it with anything to instantly add a sense of refinement. Seriously, throw a nice wool overcoat on over the top of sweatpants and a hoodie and you’ve just turned your pyjamas into a passable outfit. But for best results, we’d suggest leaning into a bit of nineties minimalism and rocking it with some slouchy knitwear, straight-leg jeans and a pair of leather loafers.
Slim sneakers
Sneakers exist at two extremes right now: the big & bulky, and the trim & slim. Some of the most popular shoes in recent memory have fallen into the latter camp – the Adidas Gazelle, the Nike Cortez and, of course, the Adidas Samba to name a few. But as these models become overplayed and saturated, styles like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico ‘66 and the Puma Speedcat are taking their places. Look out for wafer-thin soles, low-profile silhouettes and suede uppers.
Agricultural outerwear
Farms aren’t the most fashionable places around, but don’t write them off as sources of style inspo entirely. Case in point: the so-called barn coat. We’re talking corduroy collars, large bellow pockets, durable fabrics and perhaps a bit of quilted insulation. OK, so these things are nothing new – the country coats championed by Barbour and the like have never stopped being good options, but they’re trending hard at the moment, so if you’ve previously been on the fence about getting involved, now might be a good time to do so.
Classic denim
Denim never really goes out of style, but the focus is back on classic straight-leg fits in blue. Simple, no-nonsense jeans that work with pretty much anything. A mid-wash with a bit of fading is your go-to for the season. Dress them up with an Oxford shirt or down with a hoodie, and they’ll always have your back. Reliable, comfy, and timeless—what more could you want?
Retro hiking boots
Hiking boots are stepping beyond the trails and into everyday style territory, and it’s all about tapping into the retro look. With throwback details like leather uppers, chunky soles, and rugged metal fastenings, these boots give your outfit a shot of practical cool. They’re tough enough to handle outdoor adventures, but their appeal lies in how easily they blend into your casual rotation. Whether you're pairing them with cuffed jeans or even slouchy trousers, retro hiking boots are all about utility meeting timeless style, effortlessly toughening up any look.
Crewneck cardigans
Forget the connotations of stuffiness. Crewneck cardigans are cool again, but this time they’re more laid-back. Throw one on over a tee for a casual vibe or layer it with a button-down for something smarter. Neutral colours or subtle patterns work best, and they’re perfect with jeans or slim trousers. Easy, effortless, and just a bit more interesting than your basic sweater. Who said cardigan outfits are hard to pull off?
Western belts
Western belts are the low-key way to add a little something extra to your outfit. You don’t need to go full cowboy here—just use the belt as a statement piece. With jeans and a simple shirt, a belt with a big buckle or some subtle tooling brings the whole look together without trying too hard.
Oxford shirts
OK, so Oxford shirts have never really gone away. They’ve always been there in the background, propping up smart-casual outfits, but over the past year or two they’ve been trending hard among the fashion crowd. Best worn loose and untucked in traditional pale blue, these classic casual shirts are great for dressing laid-back looks up and dressier outfits down.
Loafers and jeans
Loafers and jeans are the perfect example of smart-casual harmony. It’s a pairing that blurs the lines between laid-back and polished, offering just enough elegance without losing that off-duty ease. The trick lies in the contrast—structured loafers bring a refined edge to the relaxed vibe of denim. Whether it’s dark indigo or a vintage wash, the clean silhouette of a leather or suede loafer elevates the look without trying too hard. This combination is all about understated sophistication, bridging the gap between casual cool and sartorial finesse.
Cushioned kicks
Cushioned kicks are gaining serious traction in fashion circles, not just for comfort but for their oversized, statement-making silhouettes. While traditional sneaker brands like Nike continue to dominate, newcomers like Hoka and On have tapped into something fresh. Their chunky soles – once the territory of performance athletes – are now a fashion must-have. It’s all about proportions: the bigger the sole, the bolder the look. These sneakers balance practicality and style, offering cloud-like comfort while making a visual impact that can’t be ignored.
Next up: 9 Winter accessories to freshen up your cold-weather wardrobe.