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7 items to perfect the soft boy aesthetic

Feb 02, 2021

Photo: @harrystyles/Instagram

From Harry Styles and Conan Gray to K-pop sensation BTS, men’s fashion and representation in mainstream media is no longer confined to butch personas. The resurgence of the soft boy aesthetic – a style of fashion that is geared towards guys who want to show off their sensitive and/or artsy sides – allows men to explore a less rigid sense of what it means to be (and dress) like a man.

Below, we’ve picked out seven fashion items that you can mix and match into your wardrobe to look every bit like a soft boy.

Gucci green wool GG cardigan

Photo: Gucci

A cardigan is a style staple for all soft boys, and this long-sleeved rib-knit wool cardigan in green will especially suit those with a pale complexion. The embroidered logo at the chest and welt pockets at the waist adds to the soft boy’s nerdy and soft-spoken charm.

Available on ssense.com

Retrosuperfuture Numero 61 Argento

Photo: Retrosuperfuture

Soft boys often use accessories to appear more artistic and scholarly. Invest in a pair of quality optical frames such as these rounded, wide silhouette glasses that sit between classic and modern minimal.

Available on retrosuperfuture.com

Dries Van Noten orange floral pocket shirt

Photo: Dries Van Noten

Floral motifs correlate to femininity, so be sure to have plenty of these in your closet. This short-sleeve semi-sheer shirt with multi-coloured floral patterns give off an ambiguity that is exactly on brand. 

Available on ssense.com

Champion Big Sky tie-dye bucket hat

Photo: Champion

Soft boys are generally non-threatening, non-toxic, and definitely know how to wear pastel. This tie-dye bucket hat in cotton canvas fits the bill perfectly.

Available on urbanoutfitters.com

11.11 Vboy oversized striped cotton shirt

Photo: 11.11

This oversized printed shirt with red and yellow stripes and exaggerated long sleeves gives you a nice and willowy silhouette, regardless of your body type.

Available on MATCHESFASHION

Benefit Gogotint cheek and lip stain

Photo: Benefit

The soft boy aesthetic goes beyond clothing. A tinted stain like this one from Benefit helps to recreate an effortless, sun-kissed complexion. This is smudge-proof, so it guarantees a vibrant flush that lasts for hours.

Available on benefitcosmetics.com

ADER ERROR blue oversized Pelton jeans

Photo: ADER ERROR

Soft boys are obsessed with vintage clothing. These wide-legged non-stretch denim jeans that are faded, distressed and hand-painted are right up their alley.

Available on ssense.com

See also: 7 gender-fluid collections to cop in the new year

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