SPONSORED: FIVE (PLUS ONE) MUST-BUY TRENDS FOR MADE IN ITALY WEEK

It’s day three of our Best of Italy preview of the Chicago Collective. Today we’re spotting the trends that menswear aficionados will be wearing (and selling!) for spring/summer 2024. Italian brands have an innate skill for producing sophisticated apparel and accessories that are on-trend, without sacrificing quality or tradition. As manufacturers, they know it’s important to harness technology, but always in service to the long-standing practices that result in clothes with that elegant Italian flair. Here are some of the leading concepts that we think will be breakthrough hits for 2024. Look for them all from Italian brands at the ITA section of this weekend’s Chicago Collective.

SUITS U

Whether it’s an actual suit, a matching two-piece ensemble, or just a coordinated tonal look, this is all about easy, don’t-think-about-it, elegant dressing. Men are busy: let’s give them one less thing to think about in the morning.

DENIM-IC DUO

A classic 5-pocket jean has become the new standard for work dressing, and we particularly like this season’s refreshing take on the “Canadian tuxedo,” pairing a minimal, textured denim, chambray, or just plain indigo-hued shirt with a favorite denim wash. It’s a classic look that sells easily against patterned sportcoats and also pairs nicely with the ubiquitous 1/4-zip pullover.

TIE ME UP

Is it truly the return of the necktie? Well, maybe not as fast as some of us would like to see, but this season’s runways and fashion week street photography saw a serious return of neckwear but worn in a not-so-serious way, loosely tied and paired with everything from shorts to active sportswear. We also like the insouciance of bandanas and scarves that can make even a simple T-shirt or tank top look elegant.

SHHHH!

The fashion press has made a great deal out of quiet elegance in the last few months, and dressing simply but luxuriously. We think it’s got the potential to sell for seasons to come (and, let’s face it, has always been in style for people in the know). Keep things elegant, tonal, and easy. Nobody has to know.

TOUCH CONTROL

Normally reserved for fall/winter, texture has been popping up as a must-have for spring/summer inventory, too. From elaborate — though always lightweight — knitwear to just woven fabrics with a bit of character, display these attention-getting pieces with sleek, glossy, neutral accouterments.

TOUCH BASE

Our plus one? The texture treatment isn’t just for apparel. Spring/Summer 2024 is seeing lots of touchable finishes in shoes, belts, bags, and more.

Catch all these trends at the Chicago Collective, August 6 to 8, 2023.