You know that feeling when someone walks past wearing the exact same designer piece you have hanging in the wardrobe? It’s happening more and more these days. Some luxury items have become so popular that they’ve basically turned into a uniform for men who want to look stylish. Although there’s nothing wrong with liking what everyone else likes, when you’re paying designer prices, most people probably want to stand out a bit more than this.
Contents
Everyone’s Got the Same White Trainers
When did white leather trainers become absolutely everywhere? You can’t go to a coffee shop, pub, or even a wedding without seeing at least five pairs of near-identical white trainers. Common Projects started it all with their minimalist approach, then Golden Goose jumped in with their deliberately scuffed look, and now Alexander McQueen’s chunky soles are taking over.
The mad thing is that these trainers cost more than most people’s monthly phone bills, yet they’ve become as common as a pair of Converse.
Logo Belts and Branded Everything
Gucci’s double-G belt has got to be one of the most recognisable accessories in fashion right now. People see it everywhere; wrapped around jeans, over dresses, holding up trousers that probably fit fine without it. The same goes for those chunky Balenciaga hoodies with the massive logo splashed across the front.
It’s like people have forgotten that luxury used to be about subtlety. Now it’s all about making sure everyone knows exactly which brand someone’s wearing, even from across the street.
Designer Shirts Keep Popping Up Everywhere
Even something as basic as a shirt isn’t safe from the trend cycle. Certain designer shirts have become so popular that people start recognising the cut, the collar style, or that particular shade of blue from a mile away. The challenge lies in finding unique designer shirts that offer both quality and originality without following every current trend. Premium brands create genuinely beautiful pieces that blend proper craftsmanship with modern style, but when half the men at a dinner party are wearing virtually the same thing, it loses that special feeling.
The Baseball Cap Situation
Stone Island’s compass logo. Off-White’s industrial straps. Palm Angels’ gothic lettering. These caps have become the easiest way to add some designer flair to any outfit, which explains why they’re absolutely everywhere.
They’re perfect for:
- Hiding a bad hair day whilst looking expensive
- Adding instant street cred to basic outfits
- Showing off brand loyalty without spending thousands
But when queueing for coffee behind three other men wearing nearly identical designer caps, anyone’s got to wonder if the whole thing’s got a bit out of hand.
Breaking Away from the Pack
The trick isn’t to avoid designer stuff completely, as that’s just silly if you can afford it and like nice things. Consider these alternatives:
- Vintage pieces that nobody else has
- Smaller designers who aren’t plastering their logo everywhere
- Classic items that’ll still look good in ten years
The most stylish men aren’t necessarily wearing the most expensive gear – they’re wearing things that actually suit them and reflect their personality. Mix a beautiful designer piece with something unexpected, and anyone will stand out for all the right reasons.