2018 is shaping up to be a great year already. England reached the semi-final of the World Cup. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 and God Of War won (very well deserved) critical acclaim. Plus the English summer has been nothing but exceptional…So far. One of my favourite things about this year though must be the fashion. There’s been a lot of great new trends for guys to try this year so I thought I’d break down the best. So in no particular order, these are 8 of my favourite men’s 2018 fashion trends so far.

2018 Fashion Trends: Colourful Suits

Though Harry Styles probably has enough flamboyant suits for half of Britain (if his recent tour is anything to go by) most of us will probably be wanting something a little more subdued. Tonal suits are a big trend this year, fitting perfectly with the spring and summer season. Think sky blue, millennial pink, tobacco, and green.

2018 Fashion Trends: “Gen Z Yellow”

Because giving generations colours is a thing now. Though “millennial pink” is still big, “gen z yellow” gets the mention for being the new guy on the block. Considering the barrage of heat waves on the UK as of late, it feels apt to include a colour so representative of summer. Generational colours don’t just come about by accident, however. Carolyn Mair, a professor of psychology for fashion has a theory why yellow suits those born in the early 00’s. “The early ’00s was a prosperous and positive time, so the colour yellow, which we associated with being hopeful and positive, is a reflection of that time they were born into.” There are also theories that the bright colour also reflects a subconscious sugar coating in such uncertain political times. Whatever the reason it’s a great shade that looks here to stay.

2018 Fashion Trends: Wide-Leg Trousers

A slow burner; wide-leg trousers have been creeping up in popularity over the last few seasons and now they’re a staple of a man’s 2018 wardrobe. Finally moving away from the staying power of the skinny jeans, fashion is embracing a look with far less tailoring. With hints from both the 70’s and the 90’s the wide-leg trouser is a little tricky. Wide-leg trousers come in a range of fabrics but denim may be the easiest to get used to. Try a pair with pleats to add an extra statement to the look. If you have gone extra wide you’ll probably want to wear them as a statement piece. Pair with a simple sweatshirt or t-shirt and tuck-in to recapture a retro look. Doing this accentuates the trousers, ensuring they’re the front and centre of your outfit.

My wide-leg trousers below are from ASOS. I love this pair as I feel they’re a great middle ground. Though they aren’t as out-there as Heaton’s, they still make a sufficient statement.

2018 Fashion Trends: Side-Stripe Trousers

Retro sportswear has been all the rage the past few years and it’s bigger than ever with 2018’s runaway trend; the side stripe. Haven’t heard or seen guys in side-stripe trousers recently? You might be living under a rock. Incorporated in all types of trousers, this athleisure trend is absolutely all over the place this season. The stripe has been incorporated into trackies, jeans, suit trousers, so you can be on trend no matter the occasion.

The trick to wearing the side-stripe is a balance. The trousers should be the focal piece of your outfit so you don’t want to wear another statement piece unless the stripe is particularly thin and/or subdued. It’s fine to wear side-stripe trousers with trainers but you’ll want to refrain from any more athleisure than this. If you do, you’ll leave the territory of 2018 fashion trends and just be wearing a tracksuit. Instead team side-stripe trousers with knitwear, a tee or a sweatshirt.

2018 Fashion Trends: Vertical Stripes

Stripes have never really gone out of fashion but this year they are one of 2018’s biggest. A Riveria style often likened to a deck chair pattern, vertical stripes scream summer. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be worn for a plethora of occasions with many variations in stripes. Chunky, pinstripe, or deckchair you can’t go wrong with this look. You’ll great whether it’s in the office or in the South of France with a cocktail.

2018 Fashion Trends: Cuban Collar Shirts

Cuban collar shirts have steadily become a massive fashion trend over the last few years. Lo and behold they’re back again for 2018 and somehow bigger than ever. The key to their staying power may just lie in their versatility. Cuban collar shirts are incredibly easy to wear for any occasion, be it an office meeting, summer wedding or BBQ. You want to avoid a skinny fit but also an overly baggy one. The Cuban collar should accentuate your figure while not sticking to it, it also should have a bit of giving to create a more flowing summery look.

A Riveria and 50’s classic, plentiful in designs both plain and patterned, there’s a Cuban collar for everyone. Maybe you’ve given it a miss the last few years and are finally jumping on the bandwagon? Perhaps you’ve seen a new design you just have to add to the collection? Either way it doesn’t appear to be leaving the scene anytime soon so purchase with confidence.

2018 Fashion Trends: The 80’s

It’s easy to see the 80’s is big this year considering it already incorporates many of the 2018 trends above. But if you want a real retro look there ways to go even further. Firstly you should favor lighter shades like an acid-wash when it comes to jeans. You’ll want the denim to look pretty lived-in too, but think knee-tears over gaping holes across each leg.

Another 80’s trend to consider is the shirts, specifically Cuban collars. If you really want to scream your love for the decade though, you’ll want a printed shirt. Don’t go overboard here, however, A simple pattern is the perfect option, full Hawaiian might just be a smidge too much.

Another 80’s trend is more boxy, slouchy tailoring as seen in the oversized blazer. Not only big in 2018 though; Oversized blazers are predicted to be huge in 2019 too if the catwalks are anything to go by. Invest in confidence because the oversized blazer looks to be sticking around.

I can’t mention the new 80’s trend and not touch on the hair. Punk styles are coming back in full force. Think the iconic bleach blonde of Kurt Cobain or the modern mullet of Joe Keery. Don’t know what a modern mullet is or how to make punk work in 2018? Don’t worry I’ve done complete guides to both!

2018 Fashion Trends: Statement Tops

Statement tops are kind of everywhere right now. Whether it’s a sweatshirt or a t-shirt you should definitely have or be looking for one. It could be a t-shirt with an iconic name or a sweatshirt with an out-there design. Personally, I love tops with a simple cool/cute image upon the front. I would explain more but I’ll let these images do the talking.

Overall

There are some amazing fashion trends around this year. Though there may not appear to be a common thread on the surface, there is definitely a retro feel that courses throughout every one of these 2018 fashion trends. Whether you’re already following some of these great trends or you were none the wiser about them all, I hope this article inspires you to try something new.