If there’s a key takeaway from the Fall 2023 Menswear Trends on the runways in Milan Fashion Week, it’s that life and fashion this year will be all about consolidation. The post-pandemic exuberance of design has now given way to practicality and rehashing of existing trends, as we enter a period of economic downturn and austerity.
Designers suggest we should invest in a neutral colour palette or opt for practical pieces come September — as those have emerged as major trends for the season. Flashy going-out clothes have been rendered to the periphery as classic design and tailoring are once again in the spotlight.
It’s all about a balance between formal and casual. Think of essential items in elevated cuts, fit, and materials – easy to layer and combine. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Fall 2023 menswear trends that came out on top during Milan Fashion Week.
Minimalism
Gucci’s first show post-Alessandro Michele’s departure was all about stripping things back to basics. Michele’s maximalist memory was replaced by more wearable and understated pieces such as slouchy knits, tailored jackets, wide-shouldered overcoats, oversized shell suits, and accessories like monogrammed tote bags, and leather mules and ankle boots.
Nostalgia
Y2K nostalgia is here to stay in 2023. One of the pioneers of the trend, Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2 mined their archives to create a splendiferous collection for a new generation of freaks, geeks, emos, jocks, and party princesses. Their Fall 2023 collection consisted of barely-there booty shorts, logo-emblazoned baby tees, skewed varsity jerseys, and spliced and diced jeans, all topped off with outrageously naff belts and trucker caps.
Tailoring
At Prada men’s Fall/Winter 2023 runway, tailoring reigned supreme. The boxy blazers were presented with open shirts, with collars darting out over the blazer’s lapels or with the addition of coloured panels, while the trousers remained slim and slick. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s collection, which is an ode to the ’60s, also included suede jackets, oversized bomber jackets, small knit cardigans and padded vests.
A Softer Touch
Fendi’s Milan Fashion Week Men’s Collection for 2023 featured a range of sophisticated pieces that exuded a classic, yet modern aesthetic. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi drew inspiration from the brand’s Roman heritage and the city’s iconic architecture. The collection featured a range of earthy tones, with a focus on beige, brown, and grey hues. The softening of the male wardrobe has been moving forward for some time and Fendi’s sensual and languid collection is an exemplary example of striking the right balance on the conventional masculine/feminine scale.
Black Reign
Dolce and Gabbana presented a mix of classic tailoring and streetwear-inspired pieces. The collection was heavily influenced by the brand’s Sicilian heritage, with a strong emphasis on luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk and intricate embroidery with embellishments. The colour black radiated through the collection as the designer duo decided to reset the global fashion uniform by bringing back the colour to its prior glory.
Featured image @instagram/gucci
