While the temperatures in this country are climbing into the minus range, the men at the Pitti Uomo fashion fair in Florence are not stopping from presenting their latest looks. While some of them primarily focus on practical and warming styles, others added a bit of color at the start of the FW24 season.
Hot ears
As we all know, we lose most of our body heat through our heads, so many Pitti visitors wear a stylish hat or other warming headgear. What was the cowboy hat last summer has been replaced this season by a hat with earflaps.
Like its predecessor, the hat with ear flaps was the it-piece of each look. Depending on the style of the hat, which ranged from hunting to a streetwear version, a suitable outfit was created around it. The color palette of the looks was independent of the style, mostly reserved and dark.
Explorer
In keeping with the season and based on the Gorpcore trend, some visitors also made use of weatherproof outerwear pieces that are stylish but also practical.
In addition to classic two-piece rain suits, there were also some pieces that took the theme to the next level and went beyond a practical jacket and trousers with lots of pockets. The bridge was built to classic menswear with straight-lined coats and fabrics such as tartan, without losing the practical aspect.
Army style
The many army jackets and camouflage onesies that were on display during the trade fair were certainly practical and, above all, warm. As is typical for the area, these relied on shades of brown and green. Occasionally, however, some color could also be seen, such as a gentleman in a gold and yellow flight jacket, which he combined with blue, wide parachutist trousers and matching boots. But the army accessory couldn’t be missing here either: a weekender with a ‘US Air Force’ print.
Even though discarded military uniforms and looks inspired by them are quite common in menswear, wearing such items privately seems a bit strange at a time when several wars are still being fought.
Throw
Things are much looser with the following trend, which has been playing a role in womenswear for a long time: throws in different styles and patterns. Capes and ponchos could be seen, although the cultural clothing of indigenous peoples is probably less of a trend.
In addition to these pieces, there were also some simpler, monochrome capes on show. But the outdoor theme was also represented with a tartan variant from the British brand Barbour, which was combined with a bright hat and color-coordinated suit.
Colorful coats
In addition to the mostly simple color palettes, some visitors also opted for colorful statement coats. These ranged from single-colored pieces in bright ruby red to coats with small patterns as details to a mix of colors in a wild pattern.
The wearers usually combined the colorful coats with simple pieces. Black suit pants peeked out at the bottom of the coat, which were combined with simple sneakers and more stylish shoes. Cool sunglasses, a simple handbag and a plain scarf complete the chic yet cozy look.
Hip hop hat
On the other hand, things went less smoothly upside down. After the baseball cap with a curved peak was an integral part of streetwear trends in recent seasons, the peak of the cap now seems to be a little straighter again. The front of the so-called crown becomes higher again. Another big difference is that these models, which had their heyday in early 2000s hip hop, don’t all have an adjustable closure. For some of them – similar to other hats – you have to choose the right size.
At Pitti Uomo 105, several visitors were seen wearing peaked caps offered by brands such as Mitchell & Ness and New Era. As with baseball caps, these are usually adorned with various franchise brands for US sports teams.
Since the pieces are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, they can also be incorporated into individual styles. The look with a sports jacket and baggy pants can be more “old school hip hop”, but a slightly more elegant combination as a contrast is also conceivable.