Last weekend the biannual event of London Fashion Weeks Mens took place with an impressive fifty shows and presentations happening at various locations across the city. Aside from an appearance from David Beckham to support his Kent & Curwen label, the four day event lacked the usual array of A-listers gracing the front row. Despite this we were still given plenty to talk about, ranging from the wild and unwearable garments to fresh takes on classic wardrobe staples. Here are the five key trends to consider when updating your winter wardrobe.

The Hoody

Last worn on the street corner in your teens or slung on to coincide with a gym visit, the hoody is making a big comeback in 2018. Gracing every street style report following Mens Fashion Week, anyone who’s anyone was seen to be sporting a pullover either teamed with sharp tailoring or honouring the full sportswear look head to toe. Demonstrating this trend to its best ability was singer Tinie Tempah whose label What We Wear was dominated with sports-luxe pieces.

The Puffa jacket

Perfect for the chilly winter weather the puffer jacket continues to be a winter staple year after year, however, this time around they can be found in an array of different colours, length and shapes of varying density to suit every taste. Adorning the catwalks of Alex Mullins, Blood Brothers and everyone in between, these padded essentials can be worn just about over any outfit.

The Chunky Sneaker

If your lucky you may have a pair of these lurking at the very back of your wardrobe, if not its definitely time to invest in a pair of chunky-soled sneakers. Defined by exaggerated proportions akin to the days of the Spice Girls, these sneakers can be teamed with anything from a tailored suit to double denim to echo true 90s style. The resurgence of the chunky sole featured heavily on the feet of every fashion editor and blogger alike at Mens Fashion Week. Time to embrace this so called ‘ugly sneaker’ trend. And remember the bigger the platform the better……

Leather/leather look Trouser

Possibly too ‘millennial’ for a lot of peoples taste and equally too reminiscent of that episode of friends featuring Ross getting trapped in a pair of leather trousers. The leather trouser is indeed a key aspect for AW18. Most notably seen on the runway at John Lawrence Sullivan teamed with double leather and denim, the more conservative dresser can opt to pair either with a chunky knit or sports hoody and oversized jacket to minimise the head turning impact guaranteed with a pair of these.

Man Bags

Where do men carry anything other than phone, keys and wallet? Use a briefcase and run the risk of mirroring the style of an unfashionable teacher, use a backpack and end up looking like one of said teachers dishevelled students. Addressing one of fashions greatest mysteries, designers sent models sauntering up the catwalk aiming to answer this taxing question. Here designers ranging from Cottweiler, Liam Hodges and Raeburn gave a practical solution in the form of the bum bag. Some discrete, others celebrating ombre colours, the only rule was to wear it slung over the body.

Words / JOANNE M KENNEDY

Main image credit: Idle Society

All other image credits: Vogue.com