Trends come and go but they create easy opportunities for trying out new clothing styles. Casual fashion trends, in particular, are great for discovering new dress styles and outfit ideas that could become wardrobe staples in the future. If you’re looking to amp up your style this 2020, then take note of these casual fashion trends that are emerging in the world of men’s casual fashion.
1. High Waist Trousers
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There’s a reason why high waisted pants keep coming back every few years or so. They’re versatile and can be paired with a multitude of pieces. High waist trousers are easy to dress up or down and can be paired with a variety of tops. The high waist helps to cinch in your middle, which creates a flattering silhouette for you. If you’re going for something that leans towards casual wear, then wear your high waist trousers with a tucked-in tee. You can add a belt for a nice finishing touch, too.
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For a pair of stylish high waist pants, try out the Historical Emporium Men’s High Waist Classic Canvas Work Trousers. Historical Emporium’s pants have a more vintage, steampunk appeal to them, but that doesn’t mean they look costumey. These trousers are tasteful for more formal events but still versatile enough to be styled in casual settings.
2. Boxy Shirts
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Whether you opt for Cuban collar shirts or bowling shirts, the boxy silhouette is making waves in many casual outfits for men. The short sleeves and open collars of these shirts make them perfect for casual outfits. Plus, you get to choose from a lot of prints and patterns with these kinds of shirts, so they’re a nice touch to an otherwise simple outfit. The boxy silhouette looks structured and can be worn alone or paired with blazers for a smart casual look.
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Boxy shirts are pretty easy to come by and are fairly affordable. If prints aren’t up your alley, go for a shirt with color blockings instead of bold patterns. The Joe’s USA Retro Bowling Shirts are great to start out with, as they come in muted colors that don’t detract from their attractive boxy silhouette.
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If you want something on the quirky side, then reach for one of the 28 Palms Tropical Hawaiian Shirts instead. 28 Palms has a good selection of prints and patterns that are fun and unique, making them interesting conversation starters that add personality to your casual outfits.
3. Cross-Body Bags
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Man purses are out, and in their place comes the emergence of cross-body bags. Functional but fashionable, cross-body bags are a stylish way of keeping your belongings on you at all times.
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Go for a messenger bag if you want something a little roomier. The Frye Men’s Logan Messenger Bag is the perfect cross-body bag if you want a luxurious leather option that ages like a dream. It’s great to pair for travel adventures or even just for everyday outfits.
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For a more compact option, go for a body bag, otherwise known as a fanny pack. Just make sure to wear them above the waist or across the chest to keep the look modern and hip. We like the Quiksilver Men’s PUBJUG Cord Waist Pack for its neutral color and corduroy material. The neutral shade makes it easy to pair with virtually anything, while its corduroy fabric is durable and soft to the touch.
4. Vests
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Vests need not be restricted to three-piece suits for formal gatherings. As a great layering piece, vests give casual outfits a touch of class and debonair while staying dressed-down and comfortable. Wear them with a boxy shirt for a balance between casual wear and something a little more put together, especially for the summer when you don’t want to wear a stuffy blazer or jacket. Moreover, since they can come in a variety of fabrics, vests are an easy choice for when you want to add some textures to your casual clothes.
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The Celtic Ranch Full Back Herringbone Tweed Vest is an excellent choice for guys who want to try out the vest trend. Celtic Ranch’s vest features a wool-touch blend for a comfortable fit. It has a traditional silhouette which makes it an instant classic. Plus, its herringbone pattern is great for both casual fashion looks and formal event outfits.
5. Tie-Dye
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When it comes to casual fashion, there’s no doubt that tie-dye pieces are more fun than your run-of-the-mill basics. The charm of tie-dye clothes is that no two pieces are the same; there are so many patterns that can be created, which makes them great statement pieces. Pair them with jeans and kicks for a more street take on this trend. Otherwise, rock the tie-dye trend with chinos for a casual outfit that looks relaxed without being shabby.
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Not everyone will be able to appreciate the tie-dye trend. Nevertheless, if you’re someone who enjoys the occasional colorful outfit, then the Joe’s USA Men’s Hoodie is the essential tie-dye piece to have. Wearing these colorful hues is sure to brighten your mood and since it’s a sweatshirt, it’ll be easy to throw on or take off if you need a quick outfit change.
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However, if the brightly-colored tie-dye look is too out-there for your liking, try picking a tie-dye print in more muted tones. A great example is the Nudie Jeans Men’s Melvin Tie-Dye Sweatshirt. Since its tie-dye is achieved with blacks and grays, the pattern looks more like an art piece than just another tie-dye sweatshirt.
6. Multi-Patterned
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If flannel shirts no longer cut it for you, then try something more out there with different prints and patterns patched together. This trend is a must for guys who enjoy mixing and matching prints with their clothes. Since this is quite a daring style, it calls for some attitude and confidence to pull it off. That said, you can be as bold or as subtle as you want when working with this trend.
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A patchwork jacket is great for when you don’t want to commit to this trend all day, as it’s much easier to remove than a patchwork top. The Landscap Men Color Block Hooded Patchwork Sweatshirt is a more low-key approach to this trend, as its solid color blocking won’t be as busy as patterned patches.
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If you want patchwork prints to be the focal point of your casual outfit, then pair dark pants with a patchwork top instead. This method of styling can be applied with the Yualice Printed Button Down Shirt, as its overall dark hue can help keep your outfit cohesive when you’re working with dark pants. Though it still features different prints, it looks more harmonious and not all that busy thanks to its dark shades, making it a more neutral option for guys who are reluctant to try the patchwork trend.
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On the other hand, a patchwork bucket hat will be perfect for when you want just a touch of this trend in your outfit. Go for something that has some neutrals incorporated in its prints, like the Universal Textiles Patchwork Bucket Hat. By going for something neutral, the combination of prints won’t be as busy as more colorful patchwork combinations.
7. Casual Suits and Oversized Blazers
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Ditch the stuffy, tailored look in lieu of a relaxed fit for a more casual take on suits. Relaxed suits are great smart casual fashion ensembles as it treads the line between casual and dressy. When paired with other street style staples, such as sneakers and graphic tees, oversized suits and blazers can elevate and add more structure to your typical t-shirt and jeans combo. There’s no denying they’re a dapper look that could change how far men’s style choices can push the boundaries of casual fashion.
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Go for an oversized blazer for a retro feel that isn’t too formal-looking. Start with something basic, like the Men’s Lightweight Half Lined Two Button Suit Blazer from Chouyatou, before working your way towards louder prints and vibrant colors. This blazer’s cutting retains its classiness but the lighter tone tones down the formality, keeping your outfit looking fresh and laidback. Make sure to size up to achieve an oversized fit.
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Alternatively, going for a bigger coat can help you pull off the oversized trend with ease. We recommend the Nautica Men’s Big and Tall Wool Peacoat for its double-breasted detailing and larger sizing. Its dark colors make it easy to pair with other casual clothes as well. This makes a great addition to your winter or fall wardrobe to keep you warm and stylish.
8. Sheer Tops
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Looking to show off that hard-earned summer bod for the warmer months? Wearing a sheer top is a sexy and daring outfit choice that will be sure to leave a lasting impression. We’ve seen A-list celebrities such as Harry Styles, Cody Fern, and Jason Momoa rock sheer tops, so take them as style inspirations when putting your own spin on this trend. Sheer tops make good layering pieces as well — wear a sheer mesh or fishnet top over a t-shirt or undershirt for a more subdued look.
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For starters, sheer tops like the YiZYif Men’s See-Through Mesh Button-Down Shirt can be worn on its own or as a layered piece. You can wear it with relaxed blazers/jackets, shorts or even a plain white tee to spice up an otherwise basic look. As revealing as the sheer trend may be, it can be just as easily customized to fit your individual style.
9. Shorts
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Shorts are making a comeback in men’s fashion. You can take the runway route and go for flowy, boxer-like satin shorts for a fashion-forward take on this trend. In contrast, shorts can also be worked into casual attire with hemlines that are longer and over the knee.
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Longer shorts are definitely more street style and can look extra stylish when rocked with a good pair of kicks. Try the Loose Fit Multi-Pocket Work Shorts from Dickies for something sturdy enough to take to the streets. They’re of top-notch quality and are sure to last you a long while.
10. Chunky Sandals or Slides
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The quintessential footwear for summer, chunky sandals are not only comfortable, but they’re also a versatile fashion piece that’s easy to style. Many outfits for men incorporate chunky sandals, whether they’re worn with casual jeans or dressier trousers. You can even wear some funky socks with your sandals if you want a fun finishing touch for your casual outfits.
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Try the Dr. Martens Myles Charro Brando Sandal for chunky footwear that gives you a bit of added height. Considering how sturdy Dr. Martens shoes are, you can be assured that these sandals will last you even beyond the summertime. These sandals have that grungy look synonymous with Docs, so they’re going to be easy to pair with different casual clothes in your closet.
11. Rugby Shirts
Photo from Tommy.com
An old school classic, rugby shirts give casual wear a more refined vibe. They’re definitely not as dressy as polo shirts, which makes them ideal staples when you want to take on casual fashion without looking too rugged. They come in a wide variety of color combinations and can be worn with a multitude of other timeless pieces in your closet.
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When you want something easy to style, the FRONTROW Sewn Stripe Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt will be the one for you. This rugby shirt comes in chunky stripes that will look great with dark-wash denim. Since rugby shirts are a classic, it will be hard to mess up this trend. As such, go ahead and experiment with rugby shirts to find how to best integrate them into your personal style.
12. Non-Motorcycle Leather Jackets
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Without a doubt, motorcycle jackets are a classic wardrobe staple for any guy. However, there’s now a more updated take on these jackets for men’s outfits. Forego the motorcycle cut for a sleek leather jacket that adds elegance instead of ruggedness. On top of being extra fashionable, leather jackets also help add texture and dimension to casual outfits. They’re best to pair with softer fabrics, like sheer tops, for a good mix of tough and delicate.
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This Faux Leather Bomber Jacket from Tommy Hilfiger is a nice piece to start with when trying out non-moto leather jackets. The jacket has a simple cut with minimal details that won’t detract from its leather texture. Its simplicity makes it excellent to layer with, which is exactly how you’ll want to play around with this trend.
13. Double Denim
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Denim has always been a classic staple regardless of whether or not you dress casual or enjoy something more formal. Today, double denim is making a comeback, so now’s the perfect time to bust out those denim jackets to go along with your denim jeans.
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Make sure that your denim pieces share the same wash to achieve a streamlined, cohesive look. Start with a jacket, like the Levi’s Men’s Original Trucker Jacket. If you need some suggestions for denim jeans, check out our best jeans for men to find your next favorite pair. It’s always worth investing in a good classic, so you really can’t go wrong with the double denim trend.
14. Cropped Pants
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Cropped pants are in this year. Showing off your bare ankles will add a more casual feel to your pants, so forego socks in favor of this trend. Go for a pair of white low-top sneakers for an outfit that looks clean and fresh. Another styling option would be to pair your cropped pants with two-strap slides if you want something breezy for everyday casual fashion.
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If you’re looking for cropped pants that are easy to style, we recommend the Plaid&Plain Men’s Slim Fit Chino Pants. They come in a selection of colors that range from bright to neutrals. Moreover, their slim-fit makes them a sleek pair of chinos that can be styled up or down, depending on what the occasion calls for.
15. Multi-Pocketed Clothes
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Pockets are becoming a more highlighted feature in casual clothing. They’re a convenient addition to casual clothes and can give your outfits a more utilitarian look. It should come as no surprise then that cargo pants are seeing a resurgence in men’s fashion. They’re the easiest way to sport the pockets trend, after all, and they can give your outfits a cool vibe.
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One stylish cargo pants option would be the AKARMY Must Way Men’s Cotton Cargo Pants. It includes eight pockets, so you’ll have plenty of “storage space” to fit all your belongings with these bottoms. Furthermore, it has a nice rugged look, so it will fit right in as a staple piece that can be easily paired with any casual outfit.
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The Abetteric Men’s Multi-Pocketed Short Coat is the perfect example of how multiple pockets can look stylish without being overwhelming. It looks structured and utilitarian without being tacky. With this coat, you won’t have to force yourself into cargo pants just to sport the multi-pocketed clothes trend in the world of casual fashion.
There’s a fine line between what looks simple and what’s deemed stylish when it comes to casual fashion. Going for a casual style of dressing might not be considered fancy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look flashy nor sophisticated either. Good casual outfits can look visually appealing, but great ones are versatile and can be transformed without any unnecessary fuss.
Regardless of which fashion styles reflect your own tastes, it’s important to remember that what truly makes an outfit is the person wearing the clothes. Take these trends as inspiration instead of a strict guide that dictates how to dress. Ultimately, the best advice we can give you is to have fun. At the end of the day, anything can look fashionable so long as you have the confidence to wear what you want.
