The Spring/Summer 2020 season may be the first inkling that men want to dress like adults once again—or at least have the option. In a webinar, Michael Fisher, vice president and creative director, menswear for Fashion Snoops, shared some key menswear stories buyers can expected to see for Spring/Summer 2020 and the macro trends that are driving each. And many of the trends, Fisher noted, are already being validated by street style and confirmed at the latest round of men’s fashion week shows in New York, London, Paris and Milan. “I am confident that you will see all of these [trends] on the floor at all of the shows coming up,” he said.
The growing awareness around mental health and the benefits that come from disconnecting are forming a new consumer that is unafraid of experiencing a case of JOMO, or the joy of missing out. The result is a trend story, called Pure, that favors stripped down summer separates and natural materials that recall simpler times. Specifically, Fisher said Fashion Snoops was inspired by the film, Call Me by Your Name. “We really wanted to focus on the fun of summer,” he said. “The youth, the flirting, the long hazy days—all of that really is meant to inspire this trend.”
Pure calls for new layers of summer weight fabrics and breezy classics with sun-bleached effects. The goal, Fisher added, was the offer classics in an easy-going and relaxed way. Whimsical prints like flowers and fruits have a painterly effect. Awning and nautical stripes have a watery appearance. And museum-worthy graphics like statues add a stately vibe.
Key items include the linen bomber jacket, which Fisher reported has become a sports coat alternative, and suits inspired by Italian summer holiday suit made with a cotton/linen blend. “It used to be that linen was really reserved for the ultra-traditional market and now we’re starting to see younger guys embrace it because they’re realizing that it’s so versatile,” he said. Openwork sweaters for the beach, pleated tourister shorts and polos—updated with a Johnny collar—complete the vacation look.
For denim, Fisher said keep it simple with relaxed ’80s-inspired fisherman jeans, cropped jeans and tailored trucker jackets. The perfect denim shirt—a pocket-less, no embellishment button-down—is key.
Fashion-wise, espadrilles are an obvious go-to styles for Pure. However, Fisher said the shoe style is also performing well at retail with both solid and patterned uppers. Other trending accessories include a weekender with all-over patterns, neckerchiefs, braided or crochet belts and sunglasses with soft pink lenses.
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