You know the vibe you want to give off but struggle to put looks together to express it –super frustrating. Maybe your wardrobe is chaotic with too many styles going on – sounds stressful. The solution? Choosing and following an aesthetic.
From The Starboy Aesthetic to The Streetwear Aesthetic, perfectly packaged ‘aesthetics’ have been growing in popularity over the last few years. They give us advice, rules, and guidelines on how to look fresh every day while staying loyal to our favorite style.
Here are the men’s aesthetics trending in 2024:
The Old Money Aesthetic
Old-school American preppy fashion meets relaxed silhouettes in the Old Money Aesthetic, also known as the Quiet Luxury Aesthetic. At the core of it, followers of this aesthetic want to emulate the refined ‘wealthy’ upper class – think traditional values and quality over quantity with a modern edge.
Play with the outfits of the upper class. Look for high-quality materials and cuts like neutral linen shirts, cotton polo shirts, Oxford cloth button-down (OCBD) shirts, sweaters, premium trousers, short-sleeved button-up shirts, and shorts.
The Vintage Aesthetic
You know when you see those comparison videos with a slick-looking dude from the early 1900s and a slouchy boy from our era? If you tend to think the older gent looks better, then chances are you’re going to be into The Vintage Aesthetic.
Think classy but not stuffy or focused on looking ‘upper class’ like The Old Money Aesthetic. James Dean is a good reference. You’ll be wearing wide-leg trousers, smart chinos, straight jeans, oversized blazers, bomber jackets, cardigans, crisp white shirts, vest tops, t-shirts, polo shirts, leather boots, and loafers. Psst, thrift stores are your best friend.
The Ralph Lauren Aesthetic
The name is kind of self-explanatory… but The Ralph Lauren Aesthetic is dedicated to the designer Ralph Lauren’s opulent and timeless creations.
Formal and preppy, this look centers around navy blues, creams, greys, dark greens, and the odd stripe or block of red. High-quality tailored suits, woolen vests, OCBD shirts, polo shirts, wool/cashmere sweaters, chinos, classic jean cuts, and leather loafers are a must.
The Opium Aesthetic
Inspired by Playboi Carti’s clothing line of the same name, The Opium Aesthetic combines dark ‘vampire’ looks with punk attitude and avant-garde, hip-hop vibes. Celebrity fans include Lil Uzi Vert.
Stick to black for the most part but mix up the textures, e.g., faux fur, chains & leather, and volumes, e.g., exaggerated puffer jackets with ripped jeans. Challenge fashion norms with decadence. Look out for brands like Balenciaga, Vetements, Raf Simons, Rick Owens, and Bad Blood. Go for silver, gothic-inspired jewelry – like rings and chains from Chrome Hearts.
The Starboy Aesthetic
Named after the Weeknd’s song Starboy, the Starboy Aesthetic mixes streetwear with retro styles and high fashion. It’s giving sleek fashion with a modern edge – neon lights, fast cars, and underground clubs.
Black, dark green, navy, and dark gray make up the Starboy Aesthetic palette, but you can add a little spice with bold patterns, like leopard print, to keep it interesting. Contradictions rule here. Vintage leather jackets fit the vibe as well as ripped jeans. Pair this with simple accessories like minimalist necklaces and rings. Finish with boots or high-top sneakers.
The Eclectic Grandpa Aesthetic
Think really comfy, cozy, stuff your grandpa would wear. It’s all in the details: mohair sweaters, Fair Isles sweaters, big dad sweaters, white T-shirts, black jeans, colored loafers, dad sneakers, tank-style watches, beanies, and colorful socks.
To see how the celebrities do it, check Matthew Gray Gubler and Tyler, the Creator.
The Preppy Aesthetic
The Preppy Aesthetic grew out of admiration of the fashion of Ivy League students and their elegant sophistication. Neat, clean lines and patterns defined the style, and popular items included polo shirts, button-down shirts, blazers, khaki pants, loafers, and classic watches.
The Minimalist Aesthetic
Like to keep it simple? Strip your fashion back to basics with monochrome staple wardrobe items made of premium materials. Choose plain black and white cotton T-shirts, luxury leather sneakers, and well-fitting jeans and trousers. Look out for brands like Good for Sunday, Arturo Denim, and MiiK, and stay away from big logos.
The Casual Aesthetic
Comfort + personal expression = the Casual Aesthetic. Staying away from all things formal and ‘office’, this style prioritizes functionality, practicality and simplicity. Classic denim jeans and chinos are must haves, as well as casual button-down shirts and leather jackets.
T-shirts with logos and graphics are often worn as a statement or as a means of self-expression. Sneakers all day long.
The Skater Boy Aesthetic
Skating isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. The Skater Boy Aesthetic is comfy, practical, and an act of self-expression to the world and other skaters. First, you’ve got to get yourself some loose-fitting graphic tees, flannel shirts, and hoodies – in dark colors to hide any scuffs and because it looks cooler. Next up are baggy cargo pants, ripped jeans, or chinos that allow you to move easily. Finish off the look with Vans, Converse, Etnies, and DCs.
The Normcore Aesthetic
In a world of people who want to look unique, the Normcore Aesthetic wants to be anything but. The mission: Look as ordinary as you can. No flashy or flamboyant clothing here – more, let’s see what they have at the thrift store. White T-shirts, straight-leg jeans, comfy sneakers, fleeces, windbreakers, and functional accessories like a Casio calculator watch.
This unisex style came from a comic by Ryan Estrada in 2008, about a city full of weird subcultures that created the ultimate subculture: Normcore. Celebrities known for their Normcore include Ryan Gosling and Kanye West – probably because they want to blend in.
The 90s Hip Hop Aesthetic
The 90s Hip Hop Aesthetic never went away. It does change slightly throughout the years, however. Classic elements of this look – made famous by the likes of Biggie, Tupac, and Nas – include Timberlands, dungarees, double denim, bucket hats, luxury tracksuits, puffer jackets, and Air Jordans.
To give the 90’s Hip Hop Aesthetic a 2024 update, focus on oversized designs, retro sunglasses, and color-blocking, and stay on the lookout for iconic logos. Loose-fitting jeans and a fitted top create balance. Retro sneakers and chunky chains and earrings finish the look.
The Softboy Aesthetic
Softboys need a Softboy Aesthetic. Wondering if you’re a soft boy? If you’re into music, art, philosophy, or photography, and aren’t scared to get in touch with your emotions, you fit the criteria.
Your wardrobe needs straight-leg, light-wash jeans, cozy oversized sweatshirts, striped or pastel-colored dress shirts, and corduroy pants. Ask your hairdresser for soft medium-length hairstyles with curtains or a middle part.
The Grunge Aesthetic
The Kurt Cobain-inspired Grunge Aesthetic is still around 30 years later. Why? The angsty, nihilistic, anti-authority feeling is passed down from the youth of one generation to the other. And this current generation of young people has a lot to be angry about.
Staples of the Grunge Aesthetic include plaid shirts, ripped denim, graphic T-shirts, oversized sweaters and longline cardigans, most of which you can find at the thrift store.
The Eboy Aesthetic
Not quite emo, not quite grunge, the Eboy Aesthetic takes modern trends and casts them in a shade of nonchalance, edge, and femininity. You’re going to need long hair that covers part of your face, like emo fringes or 90s middle parts. Clothes-wise, get yourself band merch oversized T-shirts and sweatshirts, or keep them plain. Pair with cuffed black pants, chains, and Converse, Vans and Doc Martens.
The Dark Academia Aesthetic
Classic literature fashion tropes and academic style meet beautifully in the Dark Academic Aesthetic. It’s kind of like goth but less about rebellion and more about intellectualism and the arts.
Tweed jackets and tailored blazers are essential. Underneath, wear OCBD shirts and high-quality knitwear. Get yourself some wool trousers or corduroy pants and finish the look off with leather belts, shoes, and satchels. Dark colors and muted earthy colors only. Rich yet soft.
The Workwear Aesthetic
Workwear doesn’t date and neither does its popularity. Inspired by the clothes manual laborers wear to work, the Workwear aesthetic combines functionality and longevity. Key items include Dickies trousers, Barbour jackets, Carhartt… well, Carhartt everything. Keep the fittings relaxed and pair workwear items with tailored tops or bottoms to keep it modern.
The Streetwear Aesthetic
Inspired by urban environments and heavily influenced by surf, skate, and hip-hop cultures in California, the Streetwear Aesthetic has been around since the 70s. Today’s Streetwear style also has a sprinkling of sneaker culture and luxurious collaborations.
To finesse this aesthetic, start with statement sneakers, like Air Jordans, Converse, and Adidas Superstars. Add oversized hoodies and sweatshirts, graphic boxy T-shirts, and tactical cargo pants. Finish with hats and beanies from brands like Supreme, and designer crossbody bags.
The Clean Boy Aesthetic
The Clean Aesthetic doesn’t discriminate – guys can get in on it too. Enter your Clean Boy Aesthetic era with a cool, modern, and soft take on American prep styles. OCBD shirts, chinos, khaki pants, and tailored shorts put together with a casual vibe. Neutrals are your best pal here with splashes of pastels like light blue, lilac, and pink. If you’re going to go for prints, they should be subtle, like small geometric patterns, and they should be used sparingly. Top it all off with classic sneakers, like Adidas Sambas, and retro accessories, like tortoiseshell sunglasses.
The Downtown Boy Aesthetic
If you love the city, let your style speak for you with the Downtown Boy Aesthetic. Dreamy, vintage, and grunge, this look requires a few key pieces, most of which you could pick up at a thrift store. Layer vintage knit sweaters and baggy T-shirts with leather and corduroy jackets. Baggy jeans and Converse are non-negotiables.
The Surfer Boy Aesthetic
Name a cooler sports aesthetic than the Surfer Boy Aesthetic. Surfer style is chill, fun, and always brings the vibes. Lightweight breathable fabrics are important if you’re going to be at the beach a lot. You’re going to need board shorts, graphic tees and tanks, hoodies, flip flops and slip-ons (like Vans), waterproof watches, and sunglasses – and why not throw in a shell necklace while you’re at it?
The Gorpcore Aesthetic
‘Gorp’ is an acronym for ‘good ol’ raisins and peanuts’ – popular ingredients in trail mixes people take on hikes and other physical pursuits. It’s giving wholesome yet functional – and that’s what the Gorpcore Aesthetic is all about. You’re going to want some cargo pants, puffer jackets, hiking boots, and waterproof jackets. Keep your eye out for brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx.
A more refined and subtle ‘quiet gorpcore’ is also on the scene for this summer, with subdued hues and a focus on product sustainability and quality. Fans will be sporting lightweight gilets, liner jackets, tech cargo shorts, and Timberland boots.
Which aesthetic speaks to your soul? Don’t worry if you haven’t found your style soulmate just yet – you’ve got to experiment with these things to see what feels right. Now go out there and try some of these aesthetics on for style.