3 of the Most Stylish Guys We Know Explain Fall’s Key Trends

To usher in the start of fall, we talked to three of the most stylish people we know to learn about the season’s key menswear trends. Most fall collections are already on the racks at retailers across the country. And though warm weather is still holding on in many parts, it’s not too early to invest in new garments for cooler weather. We talked to three industry insiders — Bruce Pask, Jacob Gallagher and Erick DeLeon — about the fabrics and styles prevalent in many designers’ collections. From the proliferation of velvet to a focus on functional pockets, these are what the top apparel brands are doing in fall 2018.

Bruce Pask

Men’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus

Velvet Tuxedo Jacket by Brunello Cucinelli $3,395

Velvet Two-Button Sport Coat Jacket by Giorgio Armani $2,295

The Parka: “No longer just utilitarian outerwear for inclement weather, the parka has become a means for both fashion and function. Tom Ford made a big statement with multiple versions of this channel-quilted outerwear piece, featuring them in his first menswear runway show held in NYC at the beginning of the year. Drake chose to sport a Tom Ford python printed parka in his ‘Nice For What’ video. Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, Balenciaga, Prada, Moncler x Craig Green and Valentino all have great parkas in their fall collections that we will start to see our customers wearing as soon as the weather turns.”

Snakeskin-Print Puffer Jacke by Tom Ford $4,990

Quote Puffer Jacket by Off-White $2,110

Erick DeLeon

Buyer/Brand Manager at Martin Patrick 3

Patterned/Non-Basic Shirts: “Whether that’s from a very low price point from a brand that we carry called Kennington — which did a bunch of floral prints or fruits — to Rodd and Gunn all the way to Culturata and even Gitman Vintage. [We’re seeing] some shirts that a couple years ago you’d look at it and be like, ‘That’s crazy, I’m not going to wear a shirt with a bunch of oranges on it.’ But, people are having a little bit more fun and are less afraid of taking those small chances.”

Ellerby Sports Fit Shirt by Rodd and Gunn $178

Green Paisley On Twill Western by Gitman Bros. Vintage $205

Deconstructed Blazers: “Versatility seems to really sell a customer, lately, more than anything. It’s like, ‘Hey I can wear this to this occasion and this occasion.’ Whether that’s a trend or not, it’s definitely worth noting. Because in that vein, brands are responding to that. Deconstructed blazers are still very much on trend because you can travel with them, you can throw them in a suitcase. Boglioli is a perfect example of that — you can dress it up with a slack or you can wear it with a jean.”

K-Jacket by Boglioli $1,205

Brands Sticking to What Works: “At least this season, I didn’t see this much of trying to chase a trend or trying to start a brand. What has historically worked for brands is back on track. There was a time when Rag & Bone was over-designed or tried to do a lot, but it seems like they’ve toned it down a bit. And the same thing with Vince, Varvatos and Theory — it feels like they’re back in the lane where they were very successful, but still pushing the boundaries with fabric blends.”

Manston Bomber Jacket by Rag and Bone $595

Yost N Twill Jacket by Theory $495

Jacob Gallagher

Fashion Editor at The Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty Section

Utility and Function: “Utility and function have become the two dominant characteristics that people want out of their clothing. We’re seeing a lot of garments that are very pocket heavy; designers are really doubling down on that look from a lot of Japanese brands like Junya Watanabe to South2 West8 to Engineered Garments. But if you look at Lanvin or Goscha Rubchinskiy, they’re doing a lot of garments that have so much practical purpose to them. What I really like about it is it’s a trend that has a real functional value to it. Look at Mophies and wallets and phones and AirPods and keys and whatever else you may need throughout the day — I love this idea that clothes are speaking to that and are making our lives easier.”

Canvas Blazer by Junya Watanabe $1,135

Ripstop Camo M-65 Jacket by Goscha Rubchinskiy $990

Hiking Boot-Sneaker Hybrids: “I really love Roa right now. They’re a luxury hiking boot if you will. It’s this great hybrid mish-mash: they have a practical purpose for being in the rain or snow but are also a really cool-looking shoe. They are also a weightier shoe. It’s a nice anchor on a look.”

Neal Sneakers by Roa $335

British Checks: “We’re going to see a lot of British checked overcoats in particular. I think it’s really speaking to the fact that we’re heading back towards a time when designers are going to be a lot more sartorially-minded. This use of very traditional Anglo-looking fabrics — houndstooths, glen plaids — but then taking them and doing them on overcoats that are softer (softer shoulders, a little bit looser cut through the body). I think someone like Dries Van Noten does this really well and MP Massimo Piombo is amazing at this stuff.”

Houndsooth Coat by Dries Van Noten $1,715

Coat by MP Massimo Piombo $890

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