Men’s Modern Fashion Essentials: How to Nail the Mode Look

Men’s mode fashion blends minimalist, monochrome silhouettes with avant-garde design. Today, fashion-conscious men explore this style through pre-owned pieces from iconic designers like COMME Des GARÇONS, Yohji Yamamoto and Maison Margiela, combining individuality, sophistication, and sustainability.

Men’s mode fashion represents an avant-garde and highly creative approach to style. Unlike practical everyday wear, it emphasizes design, individuality, and the unique vision of each brand. The term “mode” comes from the French word mode, meaning “fashion” or “trend,” and refers to styles introduced each season by high-end designers in fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, and London.

Mode fashion focuses on cutting-edge design rather than purely functional clothing. Each piece reflects the distinctive world and philosophy of the brand, allowing wearers to express personal style through innovative silhouettes, textures, and proportions.

Men’s mode fashion trends are generally released twice a year—spring/summer and autumn/winter. Many trends are refreshed or replaced in the following season, so there is no fixed definition of what constitutes “mode.”

The modern concept of men’s mode fashion was shaped in the 1970s and 1980s by Japanese designers who gained global recognition. Pioneering brands such as COMME Des GARÇONS
and Yohji Yamamoto, often referred to as the “Black Shock,” introduced bold, avant-garde styling that has influenced men’s mode fashion worldwide.

When it comes to men’s mode fashion, three characteristics often come to mind.

・Black-based monochrome
・Oversized or unconventional silhouettes that deviate from the natural shape of the body
・Unique textures and fabric treatments

Mode fashion is sometimes perceived as avant-garde or difficult to wear in everyday life. However, there are simple ways to incorporate mode elements into your daily outfits, which we will explore in the following sections.

Does men’s mode fashion seem difficult? How to try mode styling with pieces you already own – Tips to master the look even for beginners.

・Base your outfit on monochrome colors like black, white, and gray
・Pay attention to silhouettes, such as I-line or Y-line shapes
・Incorporate seasonal items like T-shirts and jackets
・Add playful or unique design elements to your look

Feature a statement shirt as the main piece

Shirt: JUNYA WATANABE MAN / Pants: Dior Homme / Shoes: GIVENCHY / Bag: Maison Margiela

The outfit is unified in black, with a Junya Watanabe design shirt adding a striking accent. Sneakers create a relaxed touch at the feet, while a Maison Margiela embroidered backpack keeps the look from being too casual, achieving a well-balanced, mode-inspired aesthetic.

Make a Bold Statement with Red

Coat: JOHN LAWRENCE SULLIVAN / KNIT: JUNYA WATANABE MAN / Pants: YUKI HASHIMOTO / Shoes: BOTTEGA VENETA / Cap: visvim

The red-accented denim pants from YUKI HASHIMOTO are a perfect match for Autumn and winter outfits that tend to rely on darker tones. Pairing them with the classic style of JOHN LAWRENCE SULLIVAN brings out a refined, mode-inspired aesthetic.

COMME Des GARÇONS is one of Japan’s most iconic Japanese brands, renowned for its innovative menswear and contribution to men’s mode fashion. The brand offers a variety of lines, including the collection-focused COMME Des GARÇONS Homme Plus, the classic tailored COMME Des GARÇONS Homme Deux, and the shirt-centered COMME Des GARÇONS Shirt. Signature pieces—made with felted wool, patchwork, and unique cutting techniques—have earned COMME Des GARÇONS high popularity among men’s mode fashion enthusiasts both in Japan and internationally.　

Founded in 1988 in Paris by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, Maison Margiela has been a revolutionary force in men’s mode fashion. Known for its innovative approach to recycled fashion, garment reconstruction, and reinterpreted sizing, the brand has influenced countless designers worldwide. Emphasizing the clothing itself over the brand name, Maison Margiela’s signature “numbered calendar tag” stitched with four threads has become an iconic symbol. In 2014, John Galliano took over as creative director, building on Margiela’s identity and legendary designs while introducing more vibrant collections, attracting a new generation of fans.

Alongside Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto stands as one of Japan’s most iconic fashion houses. Centered on black, his work fully embodies the distinctive world he has created—most notably through Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme. His vision also extends to diverse collaborations and ventures, including Y-3 with sportswear giant Adidas and the online-exclusive brand S’yte.

RAGTAG is a curated used select shop where every piece is high-quality despite being pre-owned. Because it’s reuse, you can enjoy popular designer brands at more reasonable prices. We offers a wider variety of apparel—especially in the realm of high-fashion and mode styles—compared to other thrift stores. Our online store receives over 1,500 new arrivals every day, with more than 200,000 items always available. Find your next favorite piece at RAGTAG today!