As young professionals navigate the evolving landscape of work and city life, their fashion preferences are shifting towards versatile, comfortable pieces that effortlessly transition from the office to leisure activities. The rise of #SmartenUp aesthetics and #LowKeyLuxury trends has influenced this change, with a focus on elevated basics and timeless silhouettes. In this article, we’ll explore the key trends and must-have items for young men’s city dressing in A/W 24/25, helping you curate a compelling, on-trend wardrobe that seamlessly blends style and functionality.
Table of Contents
1. Mood and color palette for A/W 24/25
2. Extra-long trench coat: A timeless classic
3. Smarten up with denim co-ords
4. Half-zip pullover: Balancing casual and formal
5. Bermuda shorts: A genderless smart appeal
6. Officecore glasses: A youthful revival
Mood and color palette for A/W 24/25
The mood for young men’s city dressing in A/W 24/25 is all about effortless, intelligent style that draws inspiration from the past while embracing modern sensibilities. The aesthetic is rooted in the nostalgia of 1990s office attire, with a focus on comfort-led minimalism and softened tactility. This approach creates a timeless, approachable vibe that resonates with young professionals seeking to elevate their everyday look.
The color palette for the season features a rich, deep range of hues that exude sophistication and maturity. Midnight blue takes center stage, offering a versatile foundation for building outfits suitable for both work and play. Graphite and black provide a sleek, urban edge, while blond wood and sepia introduce warmth and texture to the mix. Ground coffee and dark olive round out the palette, adding depth and earthiness to the overall aesthetic.
Extra-long trench coat: A timeless classic
The extra-long trench coat emerges as a key piece for young men’s city dressing in A/W 24/25, offering a timeless, elegant appeal that perfectly complements the season’s sophisticated aesthetic. This classic silhouette has been updated with oversized proportions and maxi lengths, creating a fresh, modern look that caters to the needs of today’s fashion-forward young professionals.
To maximize the trench coat’s versatility and functionality, brands should consider incorporating design elements that facilitate transseasonal layering. This can include the addition of a removable lining, allowing the coat to adapt to varying temperatures and weather conditions. Raglan sleeves are another noteworthy feature, as they soften the overall shape and provide a more relaxed, comfortable fit.
When it comes to materials, sustainability is a crucial factor for eco-conscious consumers. Brands should seek out mid- to heavyweight options, such as BCI or GOTS-certified cotton, as well as recycled fabrics. Exploring natural, water-resistant finishes, like wax coatings, can further enhance the trench coat’s practicality and durability.
Smarten up with denim co-ords
Denim co-ords are set to make a strong statement in young men’s city dressing for A/W 24/25, offering a fresh take on the classic workwear aesthetic. These versatile sets, consisting of a jacket and trousers, provide a smart, yet relaxed look that perfectly embodies the season’s focus on elevated basics and functional fashion.
To create a refined, modern appearance, brands should opt for dark-toned raw denim with subtle textural interest. The jacket should take inspiration from traditional workwear designs, incorporating elements that emphasize the hybrid nature of work and leisure dressing. Straight-to-loose-fit barrel-legged trousers, similar to those seen in collections by contemporary labels, will complete the look, providing comfort and freedom of movement without compromising on style.
Thoughtful details can elevate the denim co-ord and add a youthful, trendy twist. Contrasting top stitches, for example, can inject a playful, eye-catching element to the ensemble, while classic features like rivets pay homage to the timeless appeal of workwear. By striking a balance between tradition and innovation, brands can create denim co-ords that resonate with young men seeking smart, versatile options for their city wardrobes.
Half-zip pullover: Balancing casual and formal
The half-zip pullover emerges as a key piece in young men’s city dressing for A/W 24/25, effortlessly balancing the line between casual and formal. With its collared neckline and easy-to-wear silhouette, this versatile garment is perfect for creating smart, comfortable looks that transition seamlessly from the office to after-work engagements.
To ensure the half-zip pullover becomes a timeless staple in young men’s wardrobes, brands should focus on creating clean, approachable shapes that prioritize both style and functionality. A high collar adds a touch of sophistication and warmth, making it an ideal choice for the cooler months. The streamlined design also lends itself well to layering, allowing the half-zip pullover to be easily incorporated into a variety of outfits for work or leisure.
When it comes to materials, knitwear takes center stage for A/W 24/25. Ribbed textures, in particular, offer a tactile and visually interesting element that elevates the half-zip pullover from a basic to a fashion-forward piece. While fine weaves like merino wool have their place, chunkier knits are more favored for their cozy, youthful appeal. By experimenting with color combinations and texture variations, brands can create eye-catching designs that stand out in a sea of plain knitwear.
The color palette for the half-zip pullover should revolve around rich, earthy tones that evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication. Brown shades, in particular, offer a calming, luxurious mood that pairs well with the season’s focus on understated elegance.
Bermuda shorts: A genderless smart appeal
Bermuda shorts are making a strong comeback in young men’s city dressing for A/W 24/25, offering a genderless, smart appeal that perfectly aligns with the season’s focus on versatility and style. These knee-length shorts have been identified as a key item for the upcoming season, thanks to their ability to be dressed up or down and their suitability for a wide range of occasions.
To capitalize on the Bermuda short trend, brands should consider offering wider silhouettes that prioritize comfort and mobility. Knee-length or slightly longer styles will provide a more relaxed, youthful vibe, while still maintaining a polished appearance. Incorporating pleats or pin-tuck details can elevate the shorts, adding a touch of sartorial flair that makes them appropriate for smarter events or work environments.
When it comes to materials, lightweight, responsible wool blends are an excellent choice for Bermuda shorts. These fabrics offer a luxurious feel and drape, while also providing breathability and comfort. By sourcing eco-friendly materials, brands can appeal to the growing number of sustainability-conscious consumers who seek out fashion that aligns with their values.
To further enhance the smart, sophisticated appeal of Bermuda shorts, brands can experiment with subtle check or stripe patterns. These timeless motifs, as seen in recent textile fairs, add a touch of visual interest and depth to the shorts, making them stand out in a sea of solid-colored options.
Officecore glasses: A youthful revival
As the revival of corporate attire and the librarian-chic aesthetic continues to gain traction among young men, officecore glasses emerge as a must-have accessory for A/W 24/25. These frames not only complement the season’s focus on smart, sophisticated dressing but also inject a youthful, trendy element into any ensemble.
To achieve the perfect balance between retro inspiration and modern appeal, brands should focus on sleek, minimalist designs that evoke the spirit of 1990s minimalism. Instead of opting for oversized, exaggerated shapes that can appear costume-like, a more refined approach is recommended. Slim, rectangular or oval frames in metal or acetate will provide a subtle, yet impactful addition to any outfit, elevating the overall look without overwhelming it.
When it comes to materials, the key is to create a barely-there effect that adds a touch of sophistication without distracting from the overall ensemble. Thin, wired frames or half-rim styles are excellent choices for achieving this delicate balance. For a truly minimalist approach, brands can even explore completely rimless designs that offer a clean, modern aesthetic.
Sustainability should also be a key consideration when designing officecore glasses. By utilizing recycled metals or eco-friendly acetates, brands can appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers who seek out accessories that align with their values. Additionally, by focusing on timeless designs and high-quality craftsmanship, these glasses can be positioned as long-lasting investment pieces that will remain stylish for years to come. Ultimately, the goal is to create officecore glasses that seamlessly blend form and function, offering young men a smart, versatile accessory that enhances their city-ready looks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key trends and must-have items for young men’s city dressing in A/W 24/25 revolve around versatility, comfort, and sophistication. By incorporating timeless pieces like the extra-long trench coat, denim co-ords, and half-zip pullovers, along with on-trend accessories such as officecore glasses and Bermuda shorts, young men can curate a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from work to leisure. Brands that focus on creating elevated basics with a focus on sustainability and longevity will be well-positioned to capture the attention of style-conscious young professionals seeking fashionable, functional clothing that aligns with their values and lifestyle.
