10 European Trends in Men’s Fashion Now High Fashion to the High Street

[Feature image by Robert Spangle]

Ella Parsons is a stylist and blogger from modeling agency UK Models

With London at the heart of the British fashion industry, new talent and designers emerge every season hoping to make their mark on a global scale. What starts as European fashion for men quickly becomes adopted as a universal style. The same goes for Paris and Milan. Every season, high fashion catwalks are setting trends that will filter down to the British High Street.

The usual suspects, Prada, Versace, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Fendi, Balenciaga, and Topman, bring their interpretation of men’s fashion to an eager audience. European shows are such an important part of the Western fashion industry, especially in influencing the United States. 

10 UK & European Fashion Trends for Men:

Looks inspired by British, French and Italian Catwalks. Discover how to introduce the latest crazes and style selections to your wardrobe. And as always, don’t forget to personalize by putting your own spin on things. 

Men’s Fashion Trend #1: Suit Up

Tailoring never goes out of style. Looking elegant and sophisticated, the classic suit is a must for spring. As you can imagine, the usual designers delivered with their impeccable tailoring yet some surprised with a high quality two piece in their collection. 

How to Wear This Look

• Known for its versatility, dress down with a pair of trainers and tee or go formal with a shirt and tie. 
• Wear the classic check and pinstripe versions for a traditional look or opt for a bright colour or bold print for a modern touch. 
• Team with a tailored coat to finish the look. 
• Or go all out and forget your tee, bare chests were spotted on the runway. 

Spotted at: Canali, Corneliani, Comme des Garcons, Louis Vuitton

Men’s Fashion Trend #2: Short Shorts

This summer, it’s time to show off your pins with a pair of shorts that finish way above the knee – basically the shorter the better. 

How to Wear This Look

• The colour palette is very generous with bright, bold colours and staple neutrals to cater for your personal style.
• In spring you may team with a pair of sneakers, a tee and bomber jacket whereas as the hotter months arrive sandals and a sunhat will be the perfect combo. 
• Why not add a bumbag for a festival vibe. 

Spotted at: Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten

Men’s Fashion Trend #3: Baggy Trousers

Replacing skinny jeans this season are a more relaxed fit style with flares and cuffed wide-legs having their moment. A trend that fits seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. 

How to Wear This Look

• Easy to wear these straight wider leg trousers are just as versatile as your favourite jeans. 
• Wear with your hoodie, blazer, tee, coat and trainers to create a style that speaks to your style language. 
• Choose a printed pair for a bold look. 

Spotted at: John Lawrence Sullivan, Daniel Fletcher, Fendi

Men’s Fashion Trend #4: Double Breasted Is Best

When choosing your jacket style this season, opt for an oversized double-breasted boxy version. Forget the fitted tailored shapes; go large and baggy to get it just right. 

How to Wear This Look

• Unbutton and leave open for a stylish touch. 
• Match with your suit trouser or experiment with contrasting colours for a unique look. 
• Alternatively, team with denim for a more casual option. 

Spotted at: Giorgio Armani, Paul Smith, Versace, Wooyoungmi

Men’s Fashion Trend #5: Shades of Sage

Wearable and versatile, it’s time to invest in the colour sage. It is the perfect shade to team with all your wardrobe essentials.

How to Wear This Look

• A hue that can be worn from head to toe effortlessly, whether it is a chic summer suit or a relaxed tracksuit vibe.
• Add a sage trench to your favourite denim and tee for a cool, understated look. 
• As a nod to the menswear trend, keep it subtle with a shirt in the soft shade. 

Spotted at: Canali, Corneliani, Dsquared2

Men’s Fashion Trend #6: Sandals for All Your Hiking Needs

Whether you love a country walk or not, heavy duty sandals were spotted at fashion weeks across Europe. Swap your hiking boots this summer for a chunky, practical sandal to see you through the season in style. 

How to Wear This Look

• Wear with a pair of socks to mix it up and make a statement.
• Team with a smart trouser and tee for a chilled summer look. 
• Not forgetting those short shorts, wear two trends at once by adding a pair of hiking sandals. 

Spotted at: MSGM, Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Cerruti

Men’s Fashion Trend #7: Cross Body Bags

Ditch your backpack for a cross body bag and wear your belongings on your chest. Functional and stylish, the newest trend to hit menswear is super chic. 

How to Wear This Look

• Available in lots of different styles, the cross body bag will suit all your summer outfits. 
• Wear with your jeans and t-shirt or your suit trousers and jacket. You are bound to get a lot of wear out of your crossbody bag. 

Spotted at: Dior, Kim Jones, Prada, Valentino

Men’s Fashion Trend #8: Clash It

When it comes to prints this season, don’t be shy. Clash all the colourful, bright patterns together for a playful, bold outfit. Men’s fashion couldn’t be more fun. 

How to Wear This Look

• Don’t hold back! From geometric to floral to polka dots there’s no right or wrong this season. 
• There are no rules. Play with scale. Wear a pair of ditsy floral trousers with a large flower print tee for example. 
• You could go head to toe camouflage with a printed coat over the top.

Spotted at: Versace, Valentino, Marni

Men’s Fashion Trend #9: Beret Cool

Chic and cool, the beret has become a staple in men’s fashion this season. Adding this style of hat to your outfit immediately shows your stylish side. 

How to Wear This Look

• Dress up. Team with a shirt, tie and suit for a smart, formal look. 
• Otherwise finish your sweater and jeans with a chic accessory. 
• All that’s left to do is choose your colour – navy, grey, black or burgundy – the choice is yours. 

Spotted at: David Hart, Dyne, Ovadia & Sons

Men’s Fashion Trend #10: All The Pockets

Utility jackets, gilets and trousers are back for the season with as many pockets as you can think of. Not only are these items functional carrying all your essentials, they’re now stylish too. 

How to Wear This Look

• Layer as much as possible to achieve that utility look.
• Keep it neutral sticking to khaki, beige and navy letting all the layers compliment each other. 
• Slip on a gillet over your jacket for an interesting, ultra cool look. 

Spotted at: David Hart, Dyne, Ovadia & Sons

To Finish

There you have it! Ten fashion trends from the SS19 menswear shows. You’re bound to see these snapped in street style shots over the coming months. From oversized suits, print clashing, soft sage shades and wide leg trousers you’re spoilt for choice this season. 

Read next – Spezzato Style: How to Wear a Suit Today