It’s that time again, when we look back on the previous year in preparation to close the final chapter of 2016 and ask: “What the bloody hell was I thinking?” Like the blooper reel at the end of a movie, taking stock of your style outtakes from the last 12 months is a great way of ensuring you don’t come a cropper in 2017. After all, it’s been said that people who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and you probably, almost definitely, do not want to do that. So take heed, here – according to menswear’s most knowledgeable – are the biggest mistakes you might’ve made in 2016. #NeverForget. Nick Passmore, creative director, Whistles “We have seen a big trend for pyjama dressing this year. The girls have managed to pull off wearing theirs out of the house with a heel or some trainers, but a guy on the tube in his pjs is just plain weird. Keep them for home, guys.” Tony Cook, menswear editor, FarFetch “Branding came back, in a big way. But we paid for it. From Kappa to Fila to Ellesse, sports brands from the 1990s teamed with high-fashion design houses resulting in the most hyped trend of the year. In the end, the rising price tags got a little out of hand.” Thom Scherdel, buyer, The Idle Man “I’m over seeing super-skinny jeans and Yeezy-coloured oversized tops draped on pumped-up lads shuffling to house music. Surely people must be ready to move onto a slim or a straight leg now? 30-year-olds and 13-year-olds dressing the same isn’t right, and it’s not the teenagers who are in the wrong.”
James Jee, head of menswear, Jaeger “This year should have taught a lot of men the importance of understanding how their skin tone can play a part in their wardrobe. We saw a lot of light peach and pink colours coming through but, as an example, pale skin tones should steer clear of these because they wash you out (especially in photos).” Nish de Gruiter, vice president, SuitSupply “With relaxed tailoring becoming a bigger part of men’s wardrobes in 2016, we noticed that general fit has suffered slightly. Give yourself a refresh: Sleeve lengths should always show an inch of shirt cuff, while trousers should sit above your hips – don’t compare them to how your jeans fit.” Giles Farnham, Head of River Island Style Studio “Quite a few men got carried away with their smart accessories this year. A tie clip looks super sharp, as do cufflinks, collar pin etc… just don’t wear them all together. If in doubt, follow the old rule of losing one thing before leaving the house.”
Karen Mason, stylist and contributor, Jocks & Nerds “To be honest, I think everything has its place in fashion somewhere but if pushed, these trends from 2016 didn’t really work for me: head-to-toe tartan or plaid; crushed velvet, oversized anything, but especially oversized bags – pointless and impractical.” Jenna Riddle, stylist,
Tahmid Akthar, stylist, Thread “Bad layering has been a big problem in 2016. A single day can bring an entire season of weather, so it makes sense to pile on the layers. However, this needs to be done smartly to avoid ending up a sweaty mess. Wear cotton or other lighter fabrics, like Merino wool, closer to your skin as they’ll allow it to breathe. Then, build on this with warmer layers like chunky knits and an overcoat.” Erica Redgrave, buyer, The Watch Gallery “I’ve seen too many men this year wearing extra bling around their watch. The timepiece is your jewellery and needs no accompaniment, especially if you opt for a precious metal. If you must go for added wristwear though, wear simple cuffs that won’t clash with your watch – no diamonds or wooden beads.” Valérie Bungener Relmy, standards manager, Moss Bros “A common mistake we’re still seeing is tie length – often either too long, or too short. The length of a tie should just float on top of the belt buckle, so practice knotting your tie to the suggested length.”