At a recent media event held by esteemed men’s clothier Harry Rosen, we got a sneak peek at what’s hot in fall formalwear, and a chance to sit down with a man who truly knows his suits. Edward Liston, Harry Rosen’s Merchandise Manager for the Designer Collections, has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Europe, as well as what customers across Canada are buying. With his help, we were able to isolate five must-have trends for every fashionable groom.
1) The “new” black suit.
Liston points to a sleek black Hugo Boss suit as the perfect example of a modern classic. This au courant silhouette includes the signature “narrow lapel,” as well as a slimmer trouser leg (borrowed from the “skinny” trend in women’s fashion). Liston also stresses that the “monochromatic look” is big for fall and winter. For example, pairing a black suit with a black shirt and a black tie.
2) The classic white shirt.
This is one piece of clothing that never goes out of style. However, buyers are seeing updated white shirts with “tonal effects” such as a white-on-white pinstripe. French cuff shirts are also a big trend for the fall, and are especially stylish when finished with a great pair of cufflinks.
3) The wingtip shoe.
The most important style by far this season is the wingtip. This traditional shoe design has been reinvented in new shapes and materials. A great dressy pair in polished leather is the perfect shoe for a groom—and will most definitely become a staple in his wardrobe for years to come whether worn with a suit or a pair of jeans.
4) The vest.
Another key piece this season is the vest, worn either as part of a matching three-piece suit, or with what Liston refers to as the “broken suit,” a tweed vest paired with a classic pinstripe suit, for example.
5) The “complete look.”
Liston observes that more and more men are going the “whole nine yards” in terms of dressing. In other words, it’s all about the details! Liston has noticed an emphasis on hardware such as bigger belts. Also men’s jewellery (including cufflinks) is back, and makes a great gift for your groom or his groomsmen. Furthermore, colours and patterns can be incorporated in small doses with ties and socks; hints of red are particularly important this fall.
