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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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