# Flexible Formalwear Work apparel shows casual undertones to add maturity to everyday apparel. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 4, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/extended-formalwear ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 11 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 11 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 20, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Jun 4, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Flexible Formalwear trend ### 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. ### 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. ### Contemporary Menswear The use of modern styles and patterns with fabrics like seersucker and linen is rapidly gaining popularity among young fashion-conscious men. ## What the Flexible Formalwear trend means for industry ### 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 for Flexible Formalwear Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 82%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 82% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Flexible Formalwear trend 11 featured examples from Feb 20, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Contemporary Sports-Inspired Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/publish-2014-springsummer): This Publish 2014 Spring/Summer Collection is Sleek (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Adopt augmented reality technology to offer virtual shopping experiences with personalized options. - [Sophisticated Flamboyant Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-jacobs-spring-2014): The Mark Jacobs Spring 2014 Menswear Collection is Poised (Category: Fashion) Implication: Designers can explore new avenues in creating bold and flamboyant menswear collections. - [Dashing Fall Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-menswear): The Latest Fashion Collection by Rake is Perfect for Travel Gettaways (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by creating stylish and functional clothing inspired by alpine themes. - [Tuxedo-Appropriate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cole-haan-2014-spring): The Cole Haan 2014 Spring Shoes for Men are Comfortable and Classy (Category: Fashion) Implication: The footwear industry can explore new ways to incorporate comfort and style into formal shoe designs. - [Supremely Stylish Seersucker Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seersucker-suit): This Suit Was Designed by Brooks Brothers x Skate Shop Supreme (Category: Fashion) Implication: The collaboration between Supreme and Brooks Brothers presents opportunities for fashion retailers to partner with other brands and create buzzworthy products. - [Sneaker-Shaped Wellies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hunter-daleton-boot): The Hunter Daleton Boot are Slimmer and More Conspicuous (Category: Fashion) Implication: The footwear industry would benefit from incorporating more functional yet stylish designs for different occasions. - [Dapper Camo-Soled Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dries-van-noten-derby-shoe): The Dries Van Noten Derby Shoe is Made for Military Desk Jobs (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for luxury shoe brands to expand their product lines with unique and edgy designs. - [Contemporary Suited Casuals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottega-veneta-cruise-20142015): The Bottega Veneta Cruise 2014/2015 Lookbook is Debonaire (Category: Fashion) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airy-fall-fashion): Prada's Latest Autumn Line Boasts Lightweight Constructions (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion industry can explore lightweight materials and militaristic designs to create new collections. - [Brooding Seaside Advertorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/los-vladimirovich): The Los Vladimirovich Spring/Summer 2014 Campaign is Darkly Dapper (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunities for fashion brands to capitalize on dark and dramatic imagery to create a strong brand aesthetic. - [Dapper Skateboarder Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skating-backyard-pools): Tony Kelly Shoots Stylish Gentlemen Skating Backyard Pools (Category: Fashion) Implication: The rise of stylish skateboarder menswear creates an opportunity for the fashion industry to create functional yet fashionable clothing for skateboarders. ## Recent trend clusters - [Aromatic Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aromatic-utility) (Fashion) - [Channel Blending](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/channel-blending) (Fashion) - [Aromatic Bodycare](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aromatic-bodycare) (Fashion) - [Smile Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smile-cosmetics) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Elegant Bookbinding-Inspired Shoulder Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boky-bag) - [’90s-Inspired Fall Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-and-jason-bolden) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)