Men's Fall '26
Athleisure took the men’s business by storm with soft joggers, hooded jackets and white sole sneakers, but finally, men's fashion is remembering how to dress…properly.
For the better part of five years, luxury menswear has been suffering from a rather peculiar identity crisis. We were told that quiet luxury was the height of sophistication. Apparently, spending $3,000 on a beige sweater that looked remarkably similar to one from Costco was the ultimate expression of wealth.
Then came oversized/undercooked everything. Jackets with shoulders wide enough to accommodate a second passenger, trousers that swallowed perfectly good shoes, and sneakers that resembled orthopedic equipment. Sport jackets that were ‘club worthy’ suddenly had a cotton stretch hood growing out of the collar, not to mention, highwater pants and button stances at nipple height.
Thankfully, Fall 2026 suggests the pendulum is finally swinging back toward something resembling personal style. And frankly, it's about time.
The Proper Trousers
Let's begin below the belt.
The skinny trouser is largely behind us, and the ridiculously oversized alternative deserves to follow it out the door. What's emerging is something considerably more civilized: higher rises, comfortable thighs, subtle pleats, and a beautifully proportioned straight leg.
Italian houses such as Canali are embracing relaxed tailoring without abandoning the fundamental principle that trousers should actually flatter the man wearing them. Pair them with a fine-gauge cashmere polo, a soft-shouldered blazer, or a beautiful suede jacket. Effortless, masculine, and mercifully free of theatrical runway nonsense.
Brown Is the New Black. Almost.
Chocolate, espresso, tobacco, caramel, and rich olive are becoming the season's most desirable colors. And they look particularly spectacular in suede, cashmere, corduroy, and supple leather.
A chocolate suede bomber over cream flannel trousers is infinitely more interesting than another black-on-black ensemble. Add a beautiful watch, polished loafers, and perhaps a silk scarf, and you've accomplished something increasingly rare: looking expensive without advertising it.
Outerwear Worth Owning
The great coat is back.
Long cashmere overcoats, beautifully constructed leather jackets, luxurious shearling, and sophisticated technical outerwear are among the season's strongest statements.
Todd Snyder and Canali are among those demonstrating that traditional menswear can feel contemporary without looking desperate for attention.
Our advice? Stop buying five mediocre jackets and invest in one exceptional piece. A beautifully made coat should last a decade, not a fashion season.
Interesting Knitwear
Cashmere remains king, but the humble crewneck is getting some competition.
Textured cardigans, sophisticated argyles, substantial cable knits, and colorful patterned sweaters are returning. Dries Van Noten has demonstrated how expressive knitwear can transform otherwise conservative clothing.
The trick is restraint. One interesting sweater is personality. Three competing patterns are a cry for help and a trip to Goodwill.
Preppy Without the Country Club Costume
Rugby shirts, corduroy, checked jackets, and traditional collegiate influences are back, but with softer tailoring and less predictable combinations.
It’s not that Ralph Lauren pushed an attitude, but rather his consistency has brought a renewed focus to the brands and everyone is now following.
A beautiful tweed jacket worn over a cashmere rollneck with relaxed trousers? Absolutely. A popped collar, embroidered trousers, and a sweater tied around your shoulders? Perhaps leave that particular ensemble in the club locker room, but there are plenty of ‘in-betweens’ that will work well.
Velvet and Leather…Drama
Eveningwear is becoming interesting again, with velvet jackets, luxurious fabrics, and less rigid interpretations of formal dressing.
A burgundy velvet dinner jacket with perfectly tailored black trousers can be spectacular. An entire velvet suit requires considerably more confidence, and possibly an invitation to perform onstage…so don’t go there.
Meanwhile, leather is moving beyond the obligatory black motorcycle jacket. Rich tobacco suede, olive leather, and softer silhouettes offer a more sophisticated alternative.
Accessories Are Add Ons
A great watch, distinctive eyewear, a beautifully crafted leather bag, or an elegant scarf can completely change an outfit. And gentlemen, please understand that an expensive logo does not automatically make something stylish.
Taste still matters. Perhaps more than ever.
Comments