From the return of double-breasted to corduroy becoming cool, via a rather unsuccessful Hawaiian shirt revival (led by yours truly), 2011 had some interesting trends for us guys to sink our sartorial teeth into. So this year I’m giving this fashion forecasting malarkey a try myself. Check back with me in a year and I can guarantee that possibly some of these will perhaps be right, maybe…
Ten Oddly Specific Men’s Style Predictions for 2012
- Ryan Gosling, of internet meme and six-pack fame, releases a fragrance, then becomes the face of Gucci/Nespresso.
- The release of The Great Gatsby kick-starts a 1920s menswear revival. While shares in Ralph Lauren go through the roof, guys spend their summer in a permanent state of confusion over how to wear plus fours.
- The correspondent shoe becomes the loafer of 2012.
- In the autumn, H&M announces its first menswear-only collaboration with Tom Ford.
- Dungarees make a comeback after Dolce and Gabbana feature them in its SS13 catwalk in a new, skinnier shape and pair them with a tuxedo jacket, dinner shirt and bow tie.
- The release of Les Miserables in December means that Breton stripes replace Fair Isle as the pattern of 2012’s winter sweaters. Male French movie stars briefly get featured in men’s style magazines outside France.
- Backstage becomes the new street style at the Fashion Weeks.
- Paul Smith announce a range of accessories and clothing for the London Olympics. Crazed tourists overwhelm the Floral Street store and riot police have to be called in, stealing focus from the only medal Britain wins during the Games.
- The boutonnière replaces the pocket square as 2012’s jauntiest accessory.
- The terms ‘swag’ and ‘swagger’ fall out of favour with menswear writers. (Please God, I’m begging you on this one.)
