What is Modern Fashion Style?
Modern fashion style is diverse and personalized, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect fit for you.
More specifically, having a modern look involves staying updated with the latest trends, while also incorporating styles showcased by the fashion industry. If it shines on runways and fashion magazines or is worn by your favorite street style star, it’s probably a modern style.
Just keep in mind that whether you’re emulating the stars or mimicking new trends, true modern fashion embraces bold looks, confident colors, and figure-flattering silhouettes.
Seems restrictive?
Don’t worry, as the adaptability of modern fashion allows you to infuse your personal touch.
You can have fun blending various styles, colors, and garment types to achieve a look that reflects your personal style. If on a budget, you can adopt a more carefree, minimalist approach, marrying classical and modern elements to create a timeless, neutral wardrobe.
If we’ve piqued your interest thus far, stay tuned. We’ve gathered a comprehensive collection of modern fashion style examples, and what you need to do to achieve them.
Key Elements Of Modern Style Clothing
There are several key elements that signify a modern touch. Mastering these elements will give you some of the know-how you need to customize and personalize, without losing a modern fashion look.
Consider the following:
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Materials
Fabric texture appeals to the senses and plays a crucial role in your vibe and silhouette. Whether you go with the breezy feel of high-quality cotton, silk, and linen or the heavier presence of leather and wool, your choice will affect your desired look.
Further, the materials you choose will also impact the patterns seen in your clothing. For instance, the weave of the fabric can impact your style.
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Patterns
Graphic patterns are especially popular in certain modern fashion styles, such as street style. For example, the timeless combination of black and white is a perennial classic.
Remember that when mixing patterns for a modern look, you should consider sticking to the same color family. Alternatively, wearing two pieces with patterns of different sizes can prevent a cluttered look.
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Colors
Modern fashion is most commonly associated with bold, vibrant colors, but versatility is ultimately the name of the game. Modern-style clothing offers a wide range of color options— from neutrals, pastels, monochromes, and muted tones to bold, vibrant hues.
Despite the dominance of certain palettes, modern fashion is ultimately about experimentation. Feel free to wear shades that resonate with your style and bring you joy.
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Silhouettes
Everyone has a different body shape, so it’s important to go with a modern style that works for you. Luckily, modern clothes are diverse, allowing you to choose a simple silhouette that accentuates your best features and boosts confidence.
Examples of popular silhouettes today include flare legs, wide legs, and puff sleeves.
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Rhythm
Rhythm in clothing refers to the repetition of visual patterns. Achieving the perfect rhythm requires you to seamlessly blend different design elements, so you can guide the eye of the viewer.
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Embellishments
Modern fashion style is all about boldness, confidence, and pizzaz. Don’t be afraid to add embellishments like lace, embroidery, sequins, or feathers to your outfit.
While purchasing clothing with embellished pieces can be pricey, you can more easily embellish outfits through accessories.
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Layering
Another aspect of interest is depth, and you can add this to your clothes through layering. Modern style embraces combinations of jackets and shirts, scarves, hats, and more.
Examples of Modern Clothing Pieces
One of the most enjoyable aspects of modern-style clothing is the ability to mix and match different clothing pieces. You can create outfits for any occasion, any season, or any location.
If you want to know which clothing pieces are staples of modern fashion today, here are some examples:
Clothing
From blazers to trousers, here are some trending and classic choices:
- White tank tops. Classic and uncomplicated, white tank tops and t-shirts are commonly paired with baggy pants or an oversized blazer in modern styles.
- Blazers. Colorful and oversized blazers are very popular and common in modern clothing styles.
- Mock necks. These sweaters and shirts feature a non-folding high collar covering most of the neck. They’ve become very trendy when paired with high-waisted jeans.
- Long sleeves. This is a versatile style on shirts and dresses that can be used in casual and formal modern styles.
- Black dresses. This clothing piece, otherwise referred to as a little black dress (LBD), is essential for any modern style. To look even sharper, wear a LBD in leather.
- Cut-out dresses. Cut-outs are all the rage in modern fashion today. Showing some skin can certainly be fashionable, with common cut-outs being on the back, stomach, or legs.
- Trench coats. The timeless trench coat remains a fashion staple, and modern style has embraced the trend of casually layering it over sweats and comfortable attire.
- Cargo pants. One of the main trouser trends right now, baggy cargo pants or a jogger fit are especially popular.
Footwear
Never forget footwear when designing a modern style outfit. After all, you wouldn’t want to arrive at your job interview in Converse, or attend a first date in Crocs.
Not sure what to wear? Consider these options:
- Penny loafers
- Lug sole boots
- Retro sneakers
- High heels
- White boots and sneakers
Accessories
Adding accessories to your modern look is an enjoyable, charming way to embellish your style. Here are some trending accessories that might just go with your new outfit:
- Raffia hats
- Pearl jewelry
- Layered necklaces
- Chunky chains
- Large buckles
- Rosettes
- Extra pockets
- Black shades
Types Of Modern Fashion Styles
Achieving a modern look is easier when you have a popular style to follow. Once you know the ins and outs of a style, you can mix and match clothing, shoes, and accessories confidently.
While there are countless trending and fashionable modern fashion styles out there, we’ve gathered some of the latest fads you should be aware of:
1. Street Style
Street style, or streetwear, is a major trend in the modern fashion scene. The style originates from subculture groups like skateboarders, surfers, and hip-hop artists, with a refreshingly modern twist. The typically casual clothes worn by these groups become elevated with hints of luxury.
Don’t fret, though, as street style looks can be achieved whether or not you choose to go with designer pieces.
Some common trends you might see in the street style include:
- "Limited Edition" sneakers
- Artistic and graphic t-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Bomber jackets
- Joggers
Visually, street style can be achieved using a variety of shapes and colors. Some fashionistas opt for bold, all-over prints, while others prefer the subtlety of black, athletic-inspired tracksuits.
2. Classic Style
There’s nothing wrong with sleek clothing that’s paired with a simple silhouette, a look unsurpassed by the timeless classic style. Instead of relying on fleeting trends, the classic aesthetic revolves around elegant, modern pieces. For example:
- Tailored jeans, suits, and skirts
- Blazers
- Scarves
- Traditional print shirts and jackets
- Button-up t-shirts
- Wool sweaters and overcoats
- Tote bags
Neutral colors and tones are key when it comes to achieving a classic style outfit. Stick with black, navy, gray, and tan hues. Patterns should be refined, rather than bold, and should also match the neutral palette.
3. Business Casual Style
Business casual style has been popular since the 80s, though it’s been continuously updated to match the times. It's a harmonious blend of traditional business wear and more relaxed pieces, allowing you to create an office-appropriate look, without going too formal. The casual aspect of business casual style allows you to enjoy this look anywhere, rather than just in the workplace.
Expect to see:
- Tailored Slacks, khakis, and chinos
- Knee-length skirts
- Button-down shirts and polo shirts
- Blouses
- Sweaters and cardigans
- Loafers, pumps, and flats
Neutral neutral or dark hues are king when it comes to business casual. These tones allow you to exude a smart yet comfortably chic vibe.
4. Athleisure Style
As a recent and trendy addition to modern fashion, Athleisure seamlessly blends the comfort of gym staples with a relaxed aesthetic. The style harmonizes clean cuts and simple silhouettes with fitness-inspired accessories. For example, you can expect to see:
- Hoodies
- Leggings and joggers
- Biker shorts
- Sports bras
- Baseball caps
- Backpacks
- Sneakers
While this on-the-go look will mainly consist of a neutral pallet, including black, white, and grey, you can also spice up your look by adding pops of color here and there.
5. Parisian style
Hailing from France, and more specifically Paris, Parisian fashion style exudes très chic vibes without being afraid of minimalism. The effortlessly classic and carefree aesthetic still radiates sophistication.
Whether you’re in Paris or Chicago, here as some staples of the Parisian style:
- Blazers
- White button-up shirts
- Tailored jeans
- White sneakers
- Delicute jewelry
- Neutral jackets
Parisian style clothing is typically monochromatic, and consists of pieces that can easily coexist in your rotation. Try to pair light make-up, clean hairstyles, and neutral colors with your look.
6. Retro Style
Styles that incorporate nostalgic elements from the past can be just as modern as any other style. Redo style does just that, combining old-fashioned looks anywhere from 20–50 years ago with modern trends.
Today, popular retro-style clothes include:
- Butterfly clips
- Low-waisted jeans
- Bedazzled jackets
- Velvet track pants
- Chunky heels
- Tie-dye t-shirts
As of 2023, Y2K (the turn of the century), is the inspiration for the trendiest retro clothes, but inspiration from the 80s, 70s and older are also popular. The key to any retro style is taking inspiration from the colors and silhouettes of a certain period, and blending them with other modern fashion elements.
7. Minimalist Style
Simple silhouettes require minimalism, and this style perfectly encapsulates the elegance of simplicity. While clean and uncomplicated, minimalism extends beyond monochromatic basics. By stripping away unnecessary elements, the style creates a wardrobe that is highly functional and versatile, but deliberately limited in quantity.
Here are some of the clothing pieces utilized in a minimalist style:
- Turtlenecks
- Tailored jeans
- Neutral sweaters
- Classy blazers
- Jumpsuits
- Demin jacket
- Trench coats
Unsurprisingly, minimalist style favors neutral colors like beiges and greys. These pallets are especially useful when your goal is to own fewer clothes, and rely on mixing and matching. Overall, think of minimalist style as the opposite of modern overconsumption.
Modern Style Clothing Is All About You
Modern fashion floods you with variety, but ultimately, this variety is all about letting you express yourself to the fullest. Modern styles act as guidelines, rather than hard rules, that allow you to mix and match clothing pieces and colors to achieve your own personalized style.
But don’t worry. If you don’t know where to start, you can always look to specific styles and celebrities for inspiration.
That’s the beauty of modern looks, as you can be as inspired or experimental as your heart desires.
Take Your Modern Style Clothing Design To The Next Level
If you’re ready to experience modern-style clothes tailored to fit your personal style, you should consider designing your own custom clothing. At Q Clothier, our custom tailors know exactly how to provide you with the perfect fit, and a great long-term investment.
From street-inspired t-shirts to fully customized suits, we’ll work with you every step of the way to meet all of your needs. Plus, you’ll be able to sit back and relax knowing you’re going to get the best quality. Not only are our tailors highly experienced, but we only partner with the world's finest mills (e.g. Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, Scabal, and more).
So, if you’re interested in taking your modern style clothing design to the next level, you can get started on our website, or contact us at one of our many locations around the US.
