Fall Back: Style Trends to Know Right Now

Damn, it’s hard to be cool these days. Especially in school. The cliques are already forming and you haven’t even stepped foot on campus yet. You’ve got the charming personality and you’re pretty good looking—so you think. Now how in the world can you stand out among the other decent-looking, charming dudes?

Your style should be a part of you. It should accentuate both your personality and your looks because it is an extension of both. Creating your own flair and knowing what works best for you is what style is all about. But it doesn’t hurt to know what trends are hot and which ones are so two months ago, which in Internet time, is eons. Staying current on the best trends shows that you like to know what’s going on and that you care. And who loves men that care? I think you can figure it out. Before you make your appearance among your classmates, show them you’ve done some studying and got your game right because you’re up on the Style Trends to Know Right Now.

Where to find it: Stance Socks ($16), For All To Envy T-Shirts ($50)

The simple art of sublimation has been around for forever, but its popularity is on the rise as high-end fashion, streetwear, and even socks are getting in on the trend. While brands like Givenchy and Katie Eary tend to the stars with disposable income, more affordable brands like For All To Envy and Stance Socks covering their pieces front to back with prints of Master P and Tupac to NBA legends. This all-over fun will surely get you noticed.

Where to find it: eBay!

We’ve seen one hell of a resurgence in tees representing some of the greatest hip-hop acts of our time. Current rap phenoms like Drake and Big Sean have been showing love to the Wu-Tang, Notorious B.I.G., and Snoop by wearing some iconic promotional t-shirts from these legends’ heyday. Hopefully your pops has a couple stashed away when he hit the concert circuit back in the ’90s, but if not, you can still find some on eBay for a pretty penny.

Where to find it: Vans Tie-Dye Authentics ($55), BOY London Dip Dye Repeat Sweater ($98)

While they are two different practices, gear that is either dip- or tie-dyed is totally groovy, man. While there are items available for you pre-made, making it yourself is half the fun. By taking an old white t-shirt or oxford, even some canvas kicks, getting some dyes and giving it a whirl, you’re bound to come up with something original and your own. Whether it’s a full on dye job or an ombre, you can guarantee no one will have the same piece, that’s for sure. But, rest-assured if you don’t have the time or patience to do it yourself, some of our favorite brands have done all the work for us.

Where to find it: LPD NYC Mesh Jerseys ($120), Kith White Label Stitch Down Oxford ($140)

While the athletes are working their asses off everyday to make the team, get a scholarship, or maintain it, you can walk around campus like a champ in non-sports jersey and not break a sweat. Without feeling the pressure to have to represent a certain team or player, you could choose from your favorite designer or just tell people that you like numbers like 00 or 69. It’s a convo starter that most of those athletes couldn’t come close to.

Where to find it: Gant Rugger ($178), J. Crew ($98)

Light wash denim, not to be confused with “dad jeans” you may catch a Presidential candidate wearing around rural America, has completely taken over as the leader of the denim-world while raw denim clamors to second place. Kanye co-signed it to the nth degree with his A.P.C. collab, and that shines a light on the brands who did it before—and maybe better. So keep your raw denim stashed until it’s brick outside. Keep the dad jeans at home and let the light wash denim flow, dog.

Where to find it: Club Monaco ($90), Norse Projects ($140)

Yes, a good pair of Champions after a long night of “studying” couldn’t feel any better. But you care enough not to be seen six feet from your door in them. What you should step out in that is equally as comfy are some sweatpants with a slimmer fit. They could take the place of a good pair of chinos, and you can still dress up or down in them without looking like a slob who just rolled out of bed and barely got the crust out your eye sockets.

Where to find it: Gap Slub Polo ($30), J. Crew Worker Jacket ($160)

While monochromatic black, white, or blue outfits are still very much in, going bold with the color-blocking pattern on a shirt or shorts has been crazy trendy this summer. Contrasting or different hues? Doesn’t matter. Summer brights and fall neutrals will take you to that stylish promised land you’ve been pilgrimaging toward.

Where to find it: 10Deep Convertible Shorts ($96), HUF Floral Box Logo ($30)

This is a love or hate trend. Bold Hawaiian prints with flourishing flowers definitely standout in a crowd of dull colors, and it shows how much fun you like to have with your style, but can easily be abused by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Everything from t-shirts to snapbacks to pants are getting the Hawaiian treatment, and when paired subtly with some more muted pieces, it can surely get you lei’d.

Where to find it: APC New Standard ($185), Levi’s 508 Encore ($78)

After a few years on the back-burner to the straight-legged cuffing, denim stacking is back with a vengeance. A much more aggressive form of wearing slim denim (is there even such a thing?) 34-inch-or-longer inseams are celebrated, not hidden, as they sit atop of your sneakers a stack like chips. They can be done with the raw denim you’re trying to break in or a good pair of light-washed denim that isn’t too flimsy. Kanye’s A.P.C. collaboration denim really put this trend to the forefront with its longer inseam and tight taper, but there are plenty of 34-inch-plus options to ring in the new school year with.

Where to find it: Ruell & Ray Natural Denim ($235), The West Is Dead Oatmeal Crewneck ($135)

That old adage about not wearing white after Labor Day is an old wives’ tale because taking the all-white look and re-appropriating it to your style is what’s up. Maybe you can tell them you’re still in the clear since you’re going for the off-white look. Oatmeal. Ecru. It’s all the same, right? A simple off-white tee, natural denim and white-on-white Air Force 1s is the easiest way to put together the look of luxury.