Outdated Suit Trends

It's usually impossible to pinpoint the exact beginning or end of a fashion trend. The cycle starts on the haute couture runways of Paris or Milan, trickles down to luxury boutiques, then mainstream department stores, until finally a watered-down version is available on sale in outlet shops. By that time, fashion cognoscenti have moved on to something new and the cycle has already restarted. The question is, which items will stay in style for years to come, and which will make us cringe when we see ourselves in old photos?

A number of older fads from the last decade or so are likely still lingering in our closets. I'm personally guilty of pulling clothes out, trying them on, deciding they're outdated, and then...putting them back in the closet. Broader trends might come back around again eventually, adapted for a new era, but when fads die they stay dead. Check your closet for these items that are not going to stand the test of time.

1. Ultra skinny suits

In the early 2000s suits were somewhat baggy and long, but that changed after Mad Men debuted in 2007. Set in the 1960s, the show highlighted period wardrobe trends like slim fitting suits with narrow lapels and ties. Before long, this was pushed to its extreme and suits became skin-tight. If you're still squeezing into one of these uncomfortable and unflattering suits, it's time to move on.

2. Extra short jackets and trousers

In the photo on the right, the jacket is both way too tight and too short. For a classic proportion, the jacket should cover roughly 50% of the body. That allows some overlap with the trousers, avoiding the awkward visual effect of the jacket being stacked on top of the pants. Sleeves should hit the wrist bone and show .25-.5" of shirt cuff. Cropped trousers, well above the ankle, were also a fad that looks dated now.

3. Skinny Ties

Tie width fluctuates over time, but the current standard is right in the middle of the spectrum at about 3.5 inches, give or take. If you don't mind storing them for awhile, narrow or wide ties can cycle back around, especially if the design is traditional. Skinny cotton floral ties probably won't be in vogue again in our lifetimes though.

4. Flower lapel pins

Men don't have a lot of options when it comes to accessories, so it's no surprise that lapel pins have always been a go-to option to add some character to a look. However, these big, silly flower pins were briefly popular among menswear dandies, usually as another over-the-top detail on an already loud outfit. Well made, tasteful accessories will always be in style, but these pins were neither.

Without all these outdated clothes taking up space in the closet, how can we avoid refilling it with the next hot—but temporary—trend? That's partly a trick question. Trends are a big part of fashion, so not every piece of clothing will be a long-term investment, and that's okay. On the other hand, the fast fashion industry creates incredible amounts of waste by producing cheap, poorly made clothing designed to profit from this week's latest micro-trend. Fortunately it's not actually all that difficult to stake out a middle ground.

• For "big ticket" items like suits and outerwear, which can last for years or even decades if cared for properly, prioritize quality construction and timeless design.

• Avoid the extreme ends of the spectrum. Exaggerated fits, patterns, and design details will fall out of style as soon as the pendulum inevitably swings the other direction.

• Quality vintage and thrifted items are a less expensive and more sustainable way to experiment with styles outside your usual comfort zone.

• When in doubt, start small. Pick up one trendy piece this season, and if it seems like it has staying power, gradually buy more later.

A mannequin in a shop window can wear a totally different style every week and look equally great in every single outfit. That's because a mannequin has no personality, no opinions, no sense of self. Sometimes they don't even have a head. You and I have all of those things, which means we'll naturally be drawn to clothing that reflects our unique style. Buy items that speak to you and represent you. Not necessarily the hottest trend, not the random piece that marketing departments have decided we're all supposed to wear this season. That said, if some future fad appeals to you, feel free to indulge and experiment with new things. Not everything is meant to last forever—just remember to clean out your closet when a trend runs its course.