8 Menswear Instagram Trends to Retire in 2016

There is definitely a certain visual vocabulary to menswear Instagram accounts. You’ve got to see the full length shot, preferably in mid-stride, the chest region, which showcases one’s tie/pocket square complimenting prowess and, of course, the worm’s eye view shoe shot.

I have to admit that although I enjoy seeing these shots from time to time, it does get a little monotonous. Doesn’t everyone’s feed start to look just a little bit similar? I think it’s time menswear Instagram evolves a little.

So this is a call to have a much more creative 2016. But in the meantime, here are menswear’s worst Instagram trends that need to be retired in 2016.

The Chestie
Ah, the chestie. That faceless square of blazer, shirt, tie, pocket square combination goodness. While we can’t fault Chestie-takers for providing endless inspirational possibilities, the -ism does sort of condone the unhealthy idea that you need to do something different every single day. Which you don’t.

I can’t imagine the anxiety felt by the most prolific of these folks – “Oh, no, I’ve run out of permutations! Time to buy more ties and pocket squares.” Maybe they do repeat combos every now and then, paving the way for an innovative niche troll, the Chestie Dick (short, for detective, people! Sheesh…).

The Headless Shot
Though The Chestie is technically a headless shot, it’s not The Headless Shot. The Headless Shot is an otherwise fine photo of someone except for the head being cut off.

Proponents of this menswear Insta -ism will tell you 1) that style is about the outfit and you shouldn’t be swayed by so-and-so’s handsome face and 2) that by removing the head, you can imagine your own head on the body! On some level I get that logic, but style isn’t just about the clothes you wear, it’s the whole package – including someone’s face. So… On with their heads!

The Shameless Shirtless
Okay, we get it, bro. You’re fucking ripped. Good for you. Don’t be such a narcissist and keep that shit to yourself from now on.

Applying Cologne Casually in Absurd Places
A favorite trope of #influencers trying desperately to make an interesting photo of a bottle of cologne for a paid campaign, because a photo of a bottle of cologne is, well, a photo of a bottle of cologne – i.e. not that interesting by itself.

The idea is to be “organic,” but when’s the last time you just happened to be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and thought to yourself, “Hey, I could use a splash of fragrance!” only to reach into your satchel and whip out a fresh bottle of department store cologne which you proceed to apply over your overcoat with the perfect sun burst lens flare behind you?

The My Feed Is Other People’s Photos Feed
The person or people who manage this kind of feed are the worst kind of parasites, in my book. They steal other peoples’ photos, rarely give credit and pass off the feed as something original.

There’s nothing wrong with curation, but these people who rack up hundreds of thousands – sometimes millions – of followers are making shit tons of money. Without creating anything original. That’s really not cool. Actually, that’s fucking despicable. (If you’ve read Lawrence Lessig’s Remix, let’s have a chat in the comments.)

Leaning Against Cars/Motorcycles That Aren’t Yours
All I’ll say is that if I ever saw a blogger sitting on my bike or leaning against my car for a photo (without me, like, if I just came across them doing that), they’d better run. Get your own!

The Neatly Organized Laydown
Before you say it, yes, yes, I know I am guilty of this one. Like, more than a little guilty. I’m willing to be lenient on the styled table, shoes, or accessories, but the overly neatly styled #ootds need to go. Why? Because I know how long they take to stage and I would like to encourage those who make these on a daily basis to reclaim some of that wasted time and apply it to another creative endeavor.

The Staged #Squad Photo
When a street style photog posts a hyperlapse of 200 shots and you see a crew of 12 dudes getting organized then walking up stairs 12-abreast, twice… Let’s get real, gentleman.

Anything you’d like to add to the list?

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style