2019 could very easily be re-named the year of the well-dressed man.
From Harry Styles and his penchant for bootcut flares and painted nails, to Timothée Chalamet and his palpable sense of sartorial daring, a cohort of increasingly dapper male public figures have begun to influence menswear sales.
In fact, so booming are menswear brands that, according to Forbes, they will outperform their womenswear counterparts between 2017 and 2022.
Could it be that now there's an urge to emulate the cool-guy, pared-back nonchalance of our favourite famous fellows?
Where once there was a simple sartorial formula for men, in 2019 the rules are being re-defined, with a host of brands offering an alternative to run-of-the-mill dressing.
We've rounded up a few of the best.
King & Tuckfield
Launched in 2016 by East London native Stacey Wood, King & Tuckfield is an homage to her fascination with how denim and merino can shape genderless silhouettes.
The brand's menswear offerings are sartorial staples - think pared-back pieces in muted hues. They're also crafted from sustainable materials, meaning they're kind to the planet as well as good for your wardrobe.
Our favourites are the Wide Leg Double Pleat Trousers which retail for £225. You can thank us later.
Lou Dalton
London-based menswear designer Lou Dalton launched her namesake label in 2005, after earning her fashion stripes in the world of tailoring.
Dalton's designs are simple, sleek and classic, but carry the same elusive characteristics that well-selected vintage pieces do.
We're lusting over the Zipthru Melange Knit Cardigan (£399), which would look particularly sensational paired with some slight boot cut jeans à la Harry Styles.
017 ALYX 9SM
Since launching in 2015, 1017 ALYX 9SM (formerly Alyx) has firmly cemented its position at the helm of the cutting-edge international fashion scene.
The brand is the brainchild of Matthew Williams - a.k.a Lady Gaga's ex-Creative Director - and its innovative designs have caught the eye of the industry.
While the streetwear label's jumper game is admittedly strong, it's their Tactical Mesh Vest (£620) that's the true star of the show: not only is it perfect for an injection of fun, but it would also look cool worn over a plain long-sleeved t-shirt.
CMMN SWDN
If you take one thing from this article, let it be this brand.
CMMN SWDN is Saif Bakir and Emma Hedlund's baby, who are the - very clued up - duo behind Kanye West’s design studio.
Since its launch in 2012, the Swedish menswear label has cemented its strong aesthetic with its array of quirky and cool pieces (their tie-dye game is particularly strong.)
Their Shawn Bleached Dyed Hooded Sweatshirt (£190) is the perfect addition to even the most lacklustre of wardrobes.
Endless Joy
Founded by British multidisciplinary artist Stevie Anderson in 2018, Endless Joy is a range of eco - and wardrobe - friendly silk shirts.
The prints are designed by Anderson and showcase intricate patterns on a series of bowling shirts, all inspired by the history of Bali.
For winter, pair with a pale polo-neck underneath and some classic Levi's. The brand's Snaker printed short-sleeved shirt (£395) is particularly slick.
Eytys
Swedish brand Eytys (pronounced like the decade) started out as a sneaker brand in 2013 - theirs are some seriously slick sneaks, FYI - but they have recently branched into unisex ready-to-wear.
The brand was founded by Jonathan Hirschfeld and former Acne Studios designer Max Schiller, meaning its DNA is contemporary and refined, but still fun.
Their Benz Tartan Check Jeans (£270) are the perfect dose of nostalgia.
Pop Trading Company
Amsterdam-based Pop Trading Company is the brand most known for amplifying Europe's skate scene and for keeping it real with their trend-led pieces.
Founded in 2013 by Messrs Peter Kolks and Ric van Rest, their ranges are understated and refined.
Their logo sweatshirt (£85) is perfect for the winter months, but cool enough to wear everywhere.
Basic Rights
Basic Rights was launched three years ago by British guitarist, Freddie Cowan, who was looking for menswear comfortable and durable enough to wear on tour without compromising his personal style.
The brand has just launched its Rubbish Collection, which uses upcycled materials to make all of its pieces, which are inspired by the likes of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen.
We are particularly obsessed with its Camp Collar Shirt (£85) which we are quite sure we need in every colourway.
