What’s Trending for Winter 2022
It’s that time of year again, snows on the ground, the sun is setting at 4pm and it’s cold as hell. Winter is here! Personally speaking, Fall and Winter are my favourite seasons for menswear, there’s so many looks to try out and accessories to play with. Guys let’s be honest, 2021 winter fashion consisted of comfortable, cozy, and laid-back looks and considering we spent most of that year at home it was a welcomed option. But in 2022 designers are finally reintroducing structured garments to the runways. It’s a welcomed balance and I love it!
Another great thing about the start of the year is that everything seasonal is dirt cheap! January is retailers last ditch effort to sell off the remainder of their seasonal product, before spring inventory starts trickling in. So today I want to go through some of the season’s biggest trends and discuss what’s worth trying out and what can be left on the shelf.
Sweater Vest
Now this one left me baffled, I don’t care how stylish you are or think that you are, no one can make a sweater vest cool. I’m sorry, but every time I look at one my initial thoughts bounce between the the following:
- Classic teen movie nerd
- Private school uniform. Thanks, Thom Browne!
- 20 something professor
- Preppy character from an 80’s movie
- Russell Simmons…. Pick an era
Sweater vest instantly bring me back to my high school days, wearing a poorly made poly blend that does nothing for anyone’s style. If you’re a bigger guy this isn’t going to work for you and because it’ll make you look bigger than you are. If you are on the slimmer side a sweater vest can shift your proportions drastically… in the worst kind of way. It’s a boring piece of clothing that ultimately shifts whatever your desired look is to that of an old man or a Grandpa. I will say that the only hope for this specific garment is if your style is inspired by the 1920’2 to 1960’s than you might have a shot of making it work for you.
Statement T-Shirts
Well… considering we’re still rocking face mask in 2022 why not let your shirt speak for you? When it comes to style basics designers are bringing back the statement t-shirt. Now I’ll never give up on the classics but, brands are encouraging consumers to look past a traditional white T and go for something bolder.
Varsity Jacket
2022 is apparently the year of the Jock. Varsity jackets are officially replacing the Bomber jacket. Much like the Bomber there perfect for layering and offer a pop of colour to enhance your look. Apparently, every designer is doing the most to present the varsity jacket with a touch of sophistication with warmer colours, luxe materials, and elevated emblems. It would have been nice if someone thought to reintroduce the jacket at the 2021 MET Gala, but I digress.
However, if you want to take your jacket to another level with unique details than consider investing in a customed jacket. There’s plenty of companies that specialize in costuming clothing. Companies like Stagewear, Stitchy Lizard and Campus Outfitters offer custom embroidery, appliques, and patch work to elevate your jacket with a bit more edge.
Waffle Knit Thermals
Now this one an oldie but a goodie, the classic waffle shirt has always been the seasonal standard, it’s simple and classic and still a very desired item for a lot of men’s closets. I’m sure many of you are reading this and thinking “what’s the different between a waffle knit and a Henley shirt? A Henley is usually made with either no texture to the fabric or a thin horizontal ribbing. A waffle knit has a classic grid-like ridges that instantly compliment almost every guy’s frame wither it’s layered with a fresh flannel or a pair of jeans and a parka.
Silk Scarves
What’s a great way to level up an already luxe look? Add a silk scarf to finish of the look. This elegant accessory brings a sleek touch of refinement to any topcoat or tweed blazer. A silk scarf is not usually in most men’s accessories drawer, but this year we’re making its presence known. Some of the style suggestions that I’ve seen for it is tying it like a bandana, as a cravat, or just tossed freely across the shoulder. I’m a sucker for the classics and I’d just tuck it simply in to the jacket.
Geometric Knitwear
It can be argued that this is not a new trend but a mainstay that never really goes away. Geometric knitwear is a needed breath of fresh are to a fidget winter day. Several brands are trying a modernized take on this with bolder colours, pairings it with baggier jeans and sweats and graphic tees. For more casual approach, pair a geometric cardigan with dark denim a fresh oxford shirt and beat up or ‘lived in” pair of boots or loafers.
That’s it for this week. Please be mindful not to get too carried away and put all these trends into one look. I will not be held responsible for poor decisions. But as always drop a comment below and let’s discuss what you think. About what’s trending, are there any trends that I didn’t touch on that you like.