Written by Sunjeev Prasad

Men’s fashion goes floral.

To set the record straight this isn’t supposed to be taken literally – feel free to buy yourself a bouquet if that’s what your heart desires.

In this context, the flowers being referred to has to do with the rise in popularity of floral patterns in menswear as of late.

Just the other day, a friend of mine was proudly rocking a black women’s blouse with red flowers all over it that he found in a thrift shop while on a recent trip to Europe.

It was only a year or two ago when floral patterns were considered too bold or eccentric – but companies like Stussy, Scotch & Soda, Levi’s and Club Monaco are all releasing their own versions.

One could argue that this is a resurgence of the “hippie era” …but there seems to be a more refined feeling to the trend this time around. Hate it or love it, floral patterns (and Hawaiian shirts) are becoming popular again.

Some of you may be wondering how this bold trend could gain such momentum.

Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, says, “The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”

This applies to music, fashion, and pretty much anything else that is constantly changing.

It only takes a handful of people (usually in renowned fashion capitals like LA or New York) to set a trend in motion.

A prime example would be the resurgence of Hush Puppies in the mid-90’s. The brand was nearly phased out but was saved by an increase in sales after young people in Manhattan were buying them up.

If you’re not convinced, let’s look at another example of a trend that’s taken over men’s grooming – beards.  It’s a safe bet to say that everyone knows at least one guy that’s grown a beard within the last six months to a year.

Just keep in mind that floral patterns or Hawaiian shirts may seem outlandish, but camo prints were less common in 2013 than they are this year.

No matter what the trend is, the decision to adopt it is up to you.

So do you want to show up late to the party and wear what the other guy’s have been for months?

Or would you rather be at the head of the pack pushing the pace?