Styled by the Algorithm: How Social Media is Shaping Men’s Fashion
Photo Credits: Canva, AI and ChatGPT, AI
From TikTok tutorials to Pinterest boards, Gen Z is redefining what it means to dress well as a guy—and it doesn’t have to mean dressing in suits every day. It can simply be a polo shirt paired with nice pants and worn with sneakers, or it can be streetwear with layered pieces and lots of accessories. Looking put-together can be as standard as pairing basics with subtle jewelry and a nice cologne.
But with social media being so influential, cargo pants and grungy jackets are back and here to stay—along with lots of other 2000s throwbacks. Influencers are starting to elevate their jewelry game by wearing more rings, and there’s even a masculine take on pearl necklaces. The skinny jeans trend is being left behind, while baggy silhouettes and laid-back pants are taking over.
Unless it’s a street-style outfit with a statement belt, there’s been a noticeable shift leaning toward neutral-coloured button-downs over any graphic-designed shirts. This is where the classy aesthetic is, yet again, reintroduced through the younger generation’s fashion.
It’s elegant and mature, but the best part is it’s an easy style to put together. One common detail in all of the trending styles is avoiding ankle-cinched pants. With long-fitted but not “skinny” style trousers and a nude shirt of choice, you have a luxurious look.
When “old money” meets the “starboy” aesthetic, a classy downtown-wear style is born. It’s the perfect crossover of city night vibes although it still manages to maintain that lavish aura.
A lot of the time there’s an uncertainty of how to style outfits, and the safe choice is wearing clothes out of necessity rather than a fashion statement. With social media sharing new styling ideas, as well as recycling and bringing back old trends, there’s been an impactful increase in men’s fashion for teens and young adults. Pinterest and TikTok, being so all-consuming, encourage expression and creativity in men’s fashion.
Author: Daria Orth