Trend cluster
Category

Flexible
Formalwear

Work apparel shows casual undertones to add maturity to everyday apparel.

Contemporary Sports-Inspired MenswearSophisticated Flamboyant MenswearDashing Fall MenswearTuxedo-Appropriate SneakersSupremely Stylish Seersucker Suits

Trend

What is the Flexible Formalwear trend?

Flexible Formalwear: As work and life become increasingly intertwined, maintaining a sense of professionalism at all times becomes a necessity. Seeking to uphold an air of elegance in a more casual, everyday technique, men are turning to suits and formal attire that blend structured fit with flamboyant colors and casual accents, allowing consumers to maintain a sense of maturity in a more relaxed, and flexible manner.

Trend themes

Themes within the Flexible Formalwear trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Flexible Formalwear

Men are turning to suits and formal attire that blend structured fit with flamboyant colors and casual accents, allowing consumers to maintain a sense of maturity in a more relaxed, and flexible manner.

02

Stylish Comfortable Footwear

Designers are creating dress shoes with comfortable soles for all-day wear, enabling men to remain stylish and comfortable during formal events.

03

Contemporary Menswear

The use of modern styles and patterns with fabrics like seersucker and linen is rapidly gaining popularity among young fashion-conscious men.

Industry implications

What the Flexible Formalwear trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Fashion and Apparel

Incorporating modern trends into formal and casual wear creates opportunities for companies to attract young customers with non-traditional styles.

For

Retail and E-commerce

Online retailers can leverage the popularity of modern menswear trends to target younger customers seeking unique and stylish options.

For

Footwear

There is a growing demand for dress shoes with comfortable soles, presenting opportunities for companies to merge style with comfort in footwear.

Trend signals

Trend signals for Flexible Formalwear

Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 82%, freshness 8%.

Popularity68%
Activity82%
Freshness8%
Audience
70%Men
30%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Flexible Formalwear trend

11 featured examples from Feb 20, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014
Contemporary Sports-Inspired Menswear
CategoryFashion

Contemporary Sports-Inspired Menswear

This Publish 2014 Spring/Summer Collection is Sleek

Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Adopt augmented reality technology to offer virtual shopping experiences with personalized options.

Sophisticated Flamboyant Menswear
CategoryFashion

Sophisticated Flamboyant Menswear

The Mark Jacobs Spring 2014 Menswear Collection is Poised

Designers can explore new avenues in creating bold and flamboyant menswear collections.

Dashing Fall Menswear
CategoryFashion

Dashing Fall Menswear

The Latest Fashion Collection by Rake is Perfect for Travel Gettaways

Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by creating stylish and functional clothing inspired by alpine themes.

Tuxedo-Appropriate Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Tuxedo-Appropriate Sneakers

The Cole Haan 2014 Spring Shoes for Men are Comfortable and Classy

The footwear industry can explore new ways to incorporate comfort and style into formal shoe designs.

Supremely Stylish Seersucker Suits
CategoryFashion

Supremely Stylish Seersucker Suits

This Suit Was Designed by Brooks Brothers x Skate Shop Supreme

The collaboration between Supreme and Brooks Brothers presents opportunities for fashion retailers to partner with other brands and create buzzworthy products.

Sneaker-Shaped Wellies
CategoryFashion

Sneaker-Shaped Wellies

The Hunter Daleton Boot are Slimmer and More Conspicuous

The footwear industry would benefit from incorporating more functional yet stylish designs for different occasions.

Dapper Camo-Soled Footwear
CategoryFashion

Dapper Camo-Soled Footwear

The Dries Van Noten Derby Shoe is Made for Military Desk Jobs

Opportunity for luxury shoe brands to expand their product lines with unique and edgy designs.

Contemporary Suited Casuals
CategoryFashion

Contemporary Suited Casuals

The Bottega Veneta Cruise 2014/2015 Lookbook is Debonaire

The fashion industry can explore the use of dying, bleaching, and patterned designs to create contemporary suits and ensembles for the summer season.

Airy Fall Fashion
CategoryFashion

Airy Fall Fashion

Prada's Latest Autumn Line Boasts Lightweight Constructions

Fashion industry can explore lightweight materials and militaristic designs to create new collections.

Brooding Seaside Advertorials
CategoryFashion

Brooding Seaside Advertorials

The Los Vladimirovich Spring/Summer 2014 Campaign is Darkly Dapper

Opportunities for fashion brands to capitalize on dark and dramatic imagery to create a strong brand aesthetic.

Dapper Skateboarder Menswear
CategoryFashion

Dapper Skateboarder Menswear

Tony Kelly Shoots Stylish Gentlemen Skating Backyard Pools

The rise of stylish skateboarder menswear creates an opportunity for the fashion industry to create functional yet fashionable clothing for skateboarders.