Let’s face it; Harry Styles has become the coolest and best-dressed man on earth. The British singer is the muse of Gucci’s Alessandro Michele and a reference when it comes to contemporary fashion style. But if you don’t want to be Harry Styles, how can you look smart and successful in 2021? Check the best menswear trends for 2021 and our styling tips to dress for success and look the part this year. And do bear in mind that, as much as we love Styles’ outfits, we don’t want you to go to the office in a sequined jacket and white shoes.
Dress to impress, but in tune with the culture of the business that you work for. Because, although menswear trends have changed drastically in the past years and the office dress codes are more flexible than ever, you still want to look professional in 2021 and cause a good impression, right? And since impression management is crucial for successful people, these are the menswear trends you should wear to look smart in 2021.
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Minimalist black suit
In 2021, power suits are still the best choice if you work for a bank, a law or accountancy firm, or in top management positions where you want to look smart and successful. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with fashion and be inspired by the catwalk shows. We’ve seen black minimalist suits at Prada, Balmain, Jil Sander and Rick Owens, among others. The sleek suits with sharp cut look elegant with a touch of rock & roll. Think a David Bowie kind of look. Wear the slim-cut black suits with a crisp white shirt and Oxford shoes with no socks this spring how Dsquared2 presented, or with a black sweater like Jil Sander’s take.
Double-breasted suits, hello the ‘80s!
A bit more funky but stylish the same, the oversized double-breasted suits of the ’80s are back. Emporio Armani, among other brands, suggests you wear them open. You can also wear the massive suit jackets as separates, paired with wide chinos, jeans or shorts, like at E.Tautz. You will look successful and smart in these baggy suits if you work for a company that isn’t too formal, remember what you are representing when you dress for success in 2021.
Pastel colours for spring, of course
Spring/Summer 2021 collections show that pastel coloured outfits are more than eye candy and that you can dress for success in smart pastel hues. Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna and Balmain have beautiful dusty rose and lilac two-piece suits for 2021 that will surely make you look smart and successful. But you will also find knitwear, jumpsuits, hoodies and trench coats in all sorts of pastels at Moschino, Prada, Isabel Marant and Etro.
Why not a touch of neon
During Paris Fashion Week S/S21, fashion houses like Issey Miyake, Balmain, Salvatore Ferragamo and Hermès had models walking down the catwalk wearing neon tracksuits, jackets and shoes. Although this is one of the most difficult menswear trends to rock, you can always add neon details in to update your monochrome looks in 2021.
Look smart in florals
This year, floral prints come bright and bold at many brands like MSGM, Paul Smith and Gucci of course. We also saw abstract floral prints in hues of grey at Fendi and Giorgio Armani. If you are not a flamboyant Harry Styles, you will probably find it tricky to pull off a head-to-toe floral look. But like with neon, add a touch of floral to your outfit, like a scarf, for example. Or look smart wearing a successful combo in 2021; classic trousers with a floral T-shirt or shirt.
Yes to trench coats, but oversized
Trench coats are timeless; a classic that never goes out of fashion. So do wear the quintessentially British staple in 2021, but only if it’s oversized! We saw during Fashion Week, voluminous trench coats paired with wide trousers and shorts. As for colours, the classic beige dominated Tod’s, Wooyoungmi and Loewe’s catwalks while dusty rose was the tone choice at Moschino, Ermenegildo Zegna and MSGM. A good place to find affordable oversized trench coats is second-hand shops. This way, you will not only look successful but also shop smart and sustainably, hot trends in 2021.
Trousers; the wider the better
After several seasons, the reign of slim pants seems coming to an end. Designers at Hermès, Boss, Prada and Moschino presented wide, trousers for spring/summer 2021. From tailored pants to chinos and tracksuits, the cut is fluid and chic. What first that comes in mind is, of course, Harry Styles with his ultra-wide, high-waisted Gucci trousers, dancing like Fred Astaire in his latest video-clip for “Treat People With Kindness”.
All aboard, in nautical style
Get ready for a successful season and look smart with Breton-like tops like the ones Brunello Cucinelli presented for spring/summer 2021. Even if you go nowhere, wear a striped sweater or T-shirt, and you’ll feel like you are already on holidays.
Bomber jackets are back
The classic bomber jackets are back for spring, but this year, they come cropped and minimalist. Gucci, Prada, Moschino, Hermès and Ermenegildo Zegna were among the menswear labels presenting their version of the aviator jacket. So if you want to look smart in 2021 and dress for success, try wearing a bomber jacket instead of the usual tweed, for a new, more contemporary and successful look.
And last but not least, to look smart and successful, don’t forget two details that make all the difference: wear a good pair of shoes and a nice watch.
Title photo courtesy of Shutterstock, Street Style Milan Fashion Week