Perhaps its just the coming of age, or perhaps it truly is the fact that dapper men are now everywhere.

Menswear styles exploded in the mid 2000s, starting with grooming line introductions that are still bestsellers. With cities like Milan and Mumbai launching their separate menswear fashion week, its inevitable that a distinct menswear forecast is in order. Starting with the color palette, here are the 7 key hues to memorize.

Pastels

Similar to damsels, pastels are in vogue for men too. What with cooling shirts, crayon trousers, dapper scarves or ties and statement socks and shoes, pastels have a lot more to offer to menswear owing to a man’s many wardrobe staples.

Grayscale

Its not like gray was never dominant in a men’s collection! However, of recent years, the invasion of watercolors has penetrated the vintage hues, which are now making a comeback. Heathers, silvers, charcoals, all styled up to look dapper, seen at Delhi Fashion Week, and are thankfully all resurfacing as a primary hue for 2014.

Metallic

Men will not be spared the sunglasses inducing craze of metallic which is trending for women too. Interestingly enough, the forecast says its primarily on trousers! Metallic pants exude a sheen on long legs that is unmistakably alluring. Similarly, shirts and embellishments on bombers and tees and coats will continue to ensure that heavy metal grounds menswear into triumphant style… and poses many-a-hassle at airport security!

Blue

Girls wear pink, boys wear blue. The baby theme could not be more adult than in 2014, when pink is trending for the ladies, and blue for dudes. Given the year of the horse, rather the Blue Wooden Horse, the midnight, darker hue of blue is poised to linger this year, already seen on previous menswear runways. Symbolizing mystery when dark, freshness when light, and overall freedom due to its shared hue with sky and water, this is one trend that nobody will complain about.

Floral

In a funny twist of irony, the floral trend of yesteryear is back, but skips over the Y chromosome to become a trend juxtaposed against muscle. Floral complements a man’s stature and size, owing to the surface area that a shirt has to cover, making floral art akin to a painting canvas. Expect to see punchy florals to continue invading menswear like vines in a garden, with one particular red rosy blazer that I fell in love with at NYFW.

Plaid

Plaid is a personal favorite since childhood, owing to its sharp and classy appeal. Marrying the grunge concept for the year, it will return on blazers, trousers and shirts as a subtle sophistication with just the right level of ruggedness, effortlessness, and disheveled appeal. Spotted in transit at NYFW, too!

Logo Mania

Akin to women’s wordplay, us boys will sport words as well, alongside blatant logos. A trend that gained momentum with the rappers and TV stars in the 90s and paved a path for minimalism thereafter. But high end brands like Louis Vuitton and Versace and the effervescent Chanel, as well as mainstreamers like Armani Exchange, are collectively ensuring its back. The use of pop icons like Mickey, wordplay on Disney and Harry Potter, or the use of mainstream brands like Pepsi, Coca Cola and Jelly Belly will be a spelled out craze, too.

So while we see some overlap with womenswear, there are several trends that are unique to men. As it should be, for balance is the basis of equilibrium!