Runway to Reality: 5 Men’s Fall Trends

This fall fashion review by Joe Lupo was originally published on highfashionmen.com.

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It’s always exciting scoring the latest piece that makes your wardrobe feel fresh. While I appreciate trends and those who religiously adhere to them, I am never one to follow them precisely as they’re shown on the runway. I tell my clients to think of current trends as elements that are meant to be ‘infused’ into your wardrobe.

Here are my top five trends for fall/winter 2014 and some tips on how to translate them from the runway to reality.

CORDOVAN

Belstaff | Berluti | Berluti | Bespoken

After seasons of black and gray, cordovan has become the hot color in men’s and women’s fashion this fall. Whether you wear it as an accessory, like a classic pair of wingtips or a Balenciaga or Bottega wallet, or go big with a coat, like one of the incredible pieces by Valentino or Belstaff, the trend is here to stay.

GREEN

Balmain | Prada | Richard James

Green is also one of the hottest colors this fall. We are seeing it in various hues in all the top collections. The most wearable are the darker, forest tones. I love the look in leather and knits. Green reads back to any tone of brown or black, and pairs really well with cordovan. Try wearing it with navy or wine cords or dark indigo denim.

HIGH NECK KNITS

Berluti | Berluti | Hermes

High neck sweaters are a must have this fall, whether you choose to wear a clean classic turtle neck (like this Uniqlo one) with one of your textured blazers or coats, or go with a chunky high neck sweater with side buttons (like this blue mélange knit Berluti piece). The side-zip, half zip or button versions are easier to wear if you feel confined with a classic high neck.

DOUBLE BREASTED JACKETS

Berluti | Hermes| Zegna

European Designer labels have demonstrated that double breasted jackets are hot this fall, bringing back the incredibly elegant look. The most current looks are highly textured or subtly plaid. If you happen to be under 5’11 (like myself), try a shorter version and only wear it with skinny jeans or pants, as it tends to compromise the length of the torso.

TEXTURED COATS

Textured coats are all the rage! There are so many from all of my favorite collections this season, it was next to impossible to choose ‘the one’.  Here are a few ideas to get you started. If you’re on a budget, choose one with clean, classic lines – maybe in charcoal grey – but be sure there is texture.  I am a firm believer that coats are investment pieces and you can easily get a few years out of most pieces.