Men's Fall Fashion Trends- 2009

“Belts. Bags. Bracelets. In the latest evidence of Modern Man’s indulgence of the self, sales of men’s accessories in the first half of 2009 were up more than 7 percent over the same period in 2008, according to NPD Group, which tracks retail sales. (Women’s sales were down 11 percent.)” - NY TIMES 9/10/09


1.) The V-Neck: The V-Neck cut had a strong presence in the fall menswear collections. The distinctive neckline was shown layered over t-shirts and under long coats. The V-Neck was shown in a vast array of prints and took on many different forms: a button down cardigan, a sweater with a plunging zipper, the classic argyle, simple t-shirts, and cashmere cuts trimmed out in two-tone hues. As a sweater, the classic neckline is a great “go to” piece for layering over a t-shirt this winter and fall. Look for the neckline on this autumn's long overcoats and trenches.

2.) The Double Breasted Suit/Jacket: The double breasted long overcoat seemed the favored cut of the menswear suit collections this fall. Menswear went modern this fall and suits are favoring a slimmer look. It seems men are ready to show off their athletic shapes in cuts with longer lapels, slim waists, side vents, and broad shoulders. The heavy, larger suit coats seem to be replaced with the slimmer fitting double-breasted cuts, but as style.com put it best, "while the offsprings' offerings sport a trimmer, more youthful fit, they've got enough old-school detailing to ensure they'll age as well as the guy wearing them."

3.) Colors: Dark colors were favored again in menswear to suit the melancholy of autumn. Blacks, midnight blues, and greens, were broken up with dashes of deep purples and dark reds throughout the collections. Many designers experimented with monochrome outfits in black and shades of grays, layering using different fabrics and textures but following the same monochromatic guideline.

4.) Versatility- Day to Night dressing: The versatility of fabric and texture was a big emphasis this season in menswear (clothes that can take you from work to out on the town). Patterns were mixed and matched: distressed leather was paired with classic tailored tweed and strong structured jackets done in softer fabrics like cashmere, flannel, and velvet. Louis Vuitton had a leather jacket that was reversible with cashmere on the inside, exemplifying this changeability in menswear. Thus, classic menswear cuts were matched with and softer fabrics, to make comfort and practicality priorities as well this season. (Dries Van Noten)

5.) Plaids: Plaid is also back in a big way, from gingham to buffalo patterns. This season, the classic print is more prevalent in prints of black, white, red, and blue. Dress up a basic plaid button down by layering the piece with a gray cashmere sweater, or purchase a classic plaid blazer or long coat to pair with denim jeans. This look of high-and low is what makes menswear anything but over-plaid this fall. (Bottega Veneta)

6.) Accessories for Men: (big!!) Accessories for men were extremely popular in the fall collections. Classic accessories like the gentleman’s umbrella, structured briefcases, and scarves populated the runways. Up in sales are statement-making designer sneakers as well as hats, gloves, and long scarves in various fabrics and color combinations. Scarves were deemed the “must-have” accessory for men this fall and they “aren’t just to keep your neck warm anymore!” (J.Crew)

Accessories are an easy way to freshen up your daily look with an item you can wear each and every day, a true investment! They are also a quick and easy way to separate you from the rest. Throw on an eye-catching belt or a pair of vintage sunglasses and you have your own new and individual pieces paired with your fall basics. Hats: narrow-brimmed fedoras, boleros, knit caps Scarves: Add a bold pattern or pop of color to dark colored clothing attire (ex. Cashmere Scarf worn draped open around the neck)

7.) Military Look: With jackets and strong shoulders, this “resilient” look surfaced in nearly every fall collection. With leather motorcycle jackets, “bomber” jackets, and apparel accents like epaulets and zippers, the military look was prevalent across the boards. Tweedy jackets, checked shirts for that 1950's, early 60's “University” look. Or make them snap to attention when you sport a military style jacket with your jeans.