# Modernized Formalwear Classic formal is merging with current funk. By [Christina Butty](https://www.trendhunter.com/christina) | Published Jun 10, 2009, updated Jun 25, 2009 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/modernized-classic-formalwear-merge-proper-attire-with-fads ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Modernized Formalwear trend? **Modernized Formalwear:** Over the past several years, a shift in fashion from formalwear to casual apparel has been prevalent, especially in menswear. As dress codes loosen, and job layoffs have people leaving suits in the closet, there is a fashion movement toward wearing classic pieces with modern twists. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 28, 2008 to Jun 10, 2009 - Published: Jun 10, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Modernized Formalwear trend ### Modernized Formalwear There is a fashion movement toward wearing classic pieces with modern twists. ### Genderless Fashion Increasingly men's fashion is being influenced by women's and vice versa. ### New and Old Fashion Combination Consumers are seeking products that combine a balance of new and old. ## What the Modernized Formalwear trend means for industry ### For Fashion and Apparel Industry professionals can tap into the modernization of formal wear trend to create new and edgy designs while still keeping the classic elements intact. ### For Gender-Neutral Products Business professionals in the fashion and apparel industry can consider shifting to gender-neutral clothing lines to cater to younger consumers. ### For Product Design Companies can explore product re-appropriation and combine seemingly unrelated elements in their designs to provide consumers with new unique options. ## Trend signals for Modernized Formalwear Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Modernized Formalwear trend 7 featured examples from Nov 28, 2008 to Jun 10, 2009. - [Female Tuxedos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rihanna-tuxedo-2009-costume-institute-gala): Rihanna at 2009 Costume Institute Gala at the Met in NYC (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion companies have the opportunity to innovate by creating gender-neutral and feminine menswear lines. - [18 Peculiar Cufflinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/18-peculiar-cufflinks) (Category: Fashion) - [Formal Gymwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gym-formalwear-jeremy-scott-adidas): Jeremy Scott's Adidas Line Features Frills, Tails and Tracksuits (Category: Marketing) Implication: Leveraging the trend towards fashionable athletic wear, companies can create new lines of gymwear-formalwear fusion and athleisure products. - [Strappy Men's Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/male-strap-vests-the-latest-fashion-accessorizes-for-men-is-strappy): Strap-Happy Accessories Dress Up a Man's Wardrobe (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for men's fashion brands to tap into the market demand for unconventional and cool strap vests. - [Manskirt Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gender-bending-business-suits-the-mankirt-suit-bythom-browne): Gender-Bending Business Suits by Thom Browne (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for brands to cater to a growing demand for gender-neutral fashion. - [Retro Modern Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-modern-menswear-mash-ups-luxe-looks-that-mix-old-looks-tih-new): Luxe Looks for Guys that Mix Old Fabrics With New (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion companies can leverage the trend of retro-modern menswear to create unique products that cater to consumers looking for a balance between traditional and modern elements i… - [Bizarre Bowties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bizzare-bowties-j-press-madras-bowties-rock-the-plaid-fad): J-Press Madras Bowties Rock the Plaid Fad (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands and retailers can benefit from incorporating madras plaid, unique bowties, and retro designs into their collections to attract younger generations and differentiate… ## 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)