Types of Fashion Aesthetics for Men
Are you looking for a different type of fashion aesthetic? Look no further.
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 2025:
The Old Money Aesthetic
Old-school American preppy fashion meets relaxed silhouettes in the Old Money Aesthetics, 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.