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Over the past couple of years, the runways have felt hushed: classic colours, minimal silhouettes, understated accessories. This season feels like a gear change: the mood has lifted, and designers are getting playful again. We’re talking colour, stripes, brooches, bandanas, resort wear, jewellery, denim jackets, even pyjamas … Personality and feelgood dressing are back on the agenda.
I’ve put together a list of 50 tips and tricks to get you on top of your fashion game for the upcoming season. For spring, your best investments will be transitional layers that wake up your wardrobe – think denim jackets, long-sleeve bretons and argyle knits.
Of course, I’m not saying you should ditch the timeless wardrobe you’ve built during the “quiet luxury” era or splash out on loads of new pieces. In fact, I’ve included some subtle styling tweaks to give the staples you already own 2026 attitude, such as wearing an oxford shirt a little undone or even just popping your collar.
There’s plenty of inspiration around to give you a steer, from the runway to buzzy award-season movies (Marty Supreme and Sinners). And, of course, we can’t forget fashion pros such as Jacob Elordi (below), who are setting the standard for what menswear should look like this year.
The best men’s wardrobe updates for spring
Earn your stripes
Where better to start than the trend that was all over the spring/summer 2026 shows: stripes. Hermès. Louis Vuitton. Wales Bonner. Vivienne Westwood. Dior. Junya Watanabe. All the big houses were doubling down on the motif – and they came in all sizes, from candy, breton and block stripes to pencil and boating stripes. This long-sleeve option from Cos is a 2026 layering hero.
Cos relaxed jersey interlock long-sleeved T-shirt
Nightwear as daywear
At Amiri, there were house robe-PJ co-ords, while Dries van Noten showed bold, colourful sets, and Dolce & Gabbana doubled down on the classic pyjama-style piped shirt. Even Hollywood’s onboard (see Leonardo DiCaprio’s dressing gown in One Battle After Another).
Try the trend by wearing PJs as separates, whether it’s the shirt with a pair of tailored trousers or the pants with a boxy T-shirt – or even some boxer shorts. That way, you’ll hit the sleepy brief without feeling like you’ve just rolled out of bed.
Calvin Klein cotton poplin pyjama pants
Brighter things ahead
Even fashion houses known for keeping it muted injected some brights this season – Daniel Lee included a rainbow of colour in his collection for Burberry, from pink to green and yellow, while Jil Sander’s trademark restraint was lifted with pops of red, blue and purple. In Versace’s signature style, the entire collection went full-throttle. I’d suggest following Jil Sander’s lead, where small bursts of colour added energy without being overwhelming – whether it’s a bright sweater slung over your shoulders or a top layered beneath a blazer or a shirt.
Les Deux crew fit T-shirt
Big shoulder bags
It’s time to swap your cross body for a shoulder bag. It’s how A$AP Rocky (above) and Jacob Elordi are wearing them: and we’re not talking about those small, phone-keys-and-wallet pouches. Rather, the size that could see you through a full day out – with enough space for your laptop, your gym gear and a couple of essential toiletries (such as an aftershave and a lip balm). Leather tends to look best, but it’s usually expensive; structured canvas or technical fabric would do the job, too.
Stubble & Co laptop tote, 20l
Gramicci trail tote
Clothes that actually fit
Oversize dressing has been the cool-guy MO in recent years, but the slim fit is back on the up. Look at all the menswear pros who have tightened up on the red carpet: Joe Keery, Josh O’Connor (above), Timothée Chalamet. And that’s before you get to Demna Gvasalia’s recent debut runway show for Gucci. Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting skinny jeans – just considered proportions that look as if they fit properly.
Levi’s 502 taper jeans
Make your socks a statement
Statement socks are back. No, not novelty socks (I’d avoid anything that would be described as “fun”). But a more low-key statement: a slubby, slouchy block colour sock bunched up in a way that just looks comfy – think Tom Cruise in Risky Business and you’ll be on the right track. Wear them with shorts and loafers (or trainers) to give your look an instant lift. Have a peek at the Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2026 show for the moodboard.
Pairs wool knee-high socks
The return of the Kangol
JFK Jr’s style is back in the spotlight since the US show Love Story dropped on Disney+, so it’s likely that the rise of his signature Kangol isn’t far behind – loads of guys on TikTok are already back on the hype. But he wasn’t the only 90s style icon who wore the brand’s headgear – so did Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L Jackson and Adrien Brody. So, if you want to try something other than a baseball cap this spring, this is the way to go.
Kangol Tropic 504 flat cap in black
Quarter-zips
You heard it here first: the quarter-zip is now fashion-approved. All it took was a few shows (Dior, Chanel) and a viral TikTok video (Jason Gyamfi swapping Nike Tech and coffee for quarter-zips and matcha – but that’s a long story for another day). According to the latest Lyst Index (a quarterly ranking of the world’s hottest designs in fashion), a Ralph Lauren cable-knit quarter-zip is number one. You can now wear one without people assuming you work in finance. Wear it preppy, not boardroom, to make sure you beat any corporate allegations.
Lacoste men’s quarter-zip fleece top
Grow your hair on the sides
Forget the short-back-and-sides. This summer, the haircut is softer around the ears. Let it grow out just enough to pick up a bit of movement – a little messier, a lot less rigid. My top tip? Never go to the barber without a photo reference because then you know you’ll be on the same page. Harris Dickinson, Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles (above) all know the score.
Once it’s grown, look after it
Healthy hair starts with shampoo and conditioner. Though everyone’s hair is different, typically you’ll want formulas that cleanse and replenish. For normal hair, Murdock’s revitalising set is a solid choice: it will remove impurities, help combat dandruff, refresh your scalp and provide nourishment.
Murdock revitalising scalp care shampoo and conditioner, 2 x 250ml
Try a smart windbreaker
The windbreaker is having a moment this spring. You can partly thank Saint Laurent, whose womenswear version has been a hot favourite – Rihanna’s a fan – while Jacob Elordi’s (above) been spotted in a low-key Arc’teryx take. I’d recommend going for smart rather than super-retro, unless you fancy looking like you’re cosplaying as the Fresh Prince – and, generally speaking, they look best without a hood.
Jaded London tracksuit top
Preppy … but make it rebellious
There was a new preppy attitude at the menswear shows: less collegiate and more after-school detention. Untucked shirts at Ami. Messy ties at Dior (above). Undone cuffs at Celine. See it as an excuse to loosen the rules when you’re dressing up this summer – and don’t worry, you won’t be kept after class.
The multiple waistband moment
Waistbands are multiplying this season. At Fiorucci, there were jeans with three built-in waistbands, while 3.Paradis showed trousers with four. Elsewhere, the look was more achievable – at Mfpen, models wore fishnets peeking over their trousers, while No21 went for the 90s boxers-on-show look. For me, the latter’s your best bet. It’s easy to achieve, and doesn’t feel like too much of a thing.
Sunspel classic boxer short
Massimo Dutti relaxed fit wool trousers
Dig out your wired headphones
Wired headphones are back. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal are longtime stans. Macaulay Culkin wore them on the cover of New York magazine. Luke Thompson was spotted wearing them in London. And pretty much every guy you see in a coffee shop will be listening retro-style, too. If yours have gone missing, Apple’s USB-C EarPods will only set you back £19. I reckon iPods are next on the list for a resurgence.
Apple USB-C EarPods
Read our guide to the best MP3 players for more retro music inspiration
Classic argyle knits are trending
If you want an extra layer for chillier spring nights – whether you drape it over your shoulders or use it as a scarf à la Tom Ford – an argyle is the way to go. Well, that’s if you’re following the lead of Ami, Burberry (above) and Amiri. My favourite is this V-neck by Pringle of Scotland, but it’s a touch pricey at £175. This Gap wool-blend jumper is a great, accessibly priced alternative – or you could try a pair of socks as a knowing nod to the trend.
Gap grey relaxed argyle jumper
Charles Tyrwhitt argyle socks
A baseball cap never fails
A baseball cap is the best hat to wear all year round. Trust me, if you look at my autumn updates for men, you’ll see one in there too. Now we’re entering spring, though, it’s less about warmth and more about sun protection – it protects your face from UV rays and stops you squinting. Always look for six panels (five often looks too structured on the front) and a curved peak. Forét has a great lineup, but this cap’s floral embroidery feels the best choice for the season.
Forét posy washed cap
Switch your retro Adidas sneakers for Nike
Adidas has been dominating the lifestyle sneaker market for a while (did someone say Samba?), but fatigue has set in. Nike is the brand taking over. In the latest Lyst Index, the sportswear giant has re-entered the leaderboard as the 19th hottest brand in the world – with Adidas nowhere to be seen.
Nike Waffle Racer OG sneaker
Shirts go boxy
Cropped, boxy T-shirts have been around for a couple of seasons, and now shirts are being given the chop. At Louis Vuitton, men’s creative director Pharrell Williams sent models down the runway in relaxed-fit, cropped, short-sleeved shirts. Percival always has a good selection (this cream number’s my favourite), or Weekday is a safe bet for the contemporary shape on the high street.
Weekday boxy long-sleeved cotton poplin shirt
A new kind of sunglasses case
According to the designers, guys will be carrying their sunglasses with pride this year. In clip-on carabiner cases at Paul Smith. On lanyards at Tod’s and Giorgio Armani. And I’m onboard: it means you won’t mess up your hair, you won’t misplace them easily, and it’s another detail that can add 2026 nuance to your outfit. Seeing as you can wear sunnies all year round (even winter), it’s an investment that will go the distance.
Saffiano glasses case keyring
Klättermusen Algir lanyard pocket
Hollywood legend sunglasses
Now you have the holder, why not get the sunglasses to match? Statement shades are on the rise (check out Miu Miu and Saint Laurent), but I’d steer well clear: they’ll quickly date, and you’ll just be that guy with the jazzy glasses. Instead, go for a classic silhouette – the kind that would be seen on OG Hollywood icons such as James Dean and Paul Newman. That means they’ll keep you looking fresh all the way from spring to summer and into next year – and no one will bat an eye. The Biko by Meller is a great fit.
Meller Biko sunglasses
The light spring overcoat
Outerwear’s not just for winter. In spring, wearing a big coat is an easy way to amp up your fits, too. You can get away with wearing one throughout most of summer, too – just go for something more lightweight than the heavy wools you’d wear in the colder months. We saw big coats in quite a few spring/summer shows – Giorgio Armani, Auralee and Fendi – but I’d follow the lead of Louis Vuitton and Prada: wear them over a shirt and shorts with long socks and leather shoes.
H&M mac-style coat
Pinstripe trousers
By now, I’m sure most of us have caught Harry Styles’ performance at the Brits (if you haven’t, I’d recommend giving it a watch). Besides the fact that the choreography almost broke the internet, it was also a defining moment for fashion: big pinstripe trousers have emerged as a hot contender for this year’s top trouser.
Topman pinstripe wide-leg trousers
Use your collars
Collars are being used as a styling tool all across the runways. At Dior, models wore one half popped. Boss and the Row went asymmetric – one collar out, the other in. And Fendi kept it more seventies-coded with a full spread collar over tailoring. So, whenever you’re wearing a collar (whether it’s a polo or classic shirting), play around with its placement – you might just find the designers are on to something.
Clean denim jackets
Denim jackets have been cropping up all over, from the spring/summer 2026 collections of hypey NYC labels Aimé Leon Dore and Todd Snyder to the IG feeds of menswear influencers Denny Rad and Seb Martens. But they look different this time around – instead of being oversize, wear it as a clean, understated layer that adds depth instead of taking over.
Wrangler regular cowboy-cut jacket
M&S denim trucker jacket
Stick with the Guinness hype
You may have thought we’d reached peak Guinness, but it seems its ties with the fashion set are getting even stronger: JW Anderson just launched a collection inspired by the Irish stout, with a campaign fronted by Little Simz and Joe Alwyn. Prices start at £200 for a T-shirt, though, so heading to your local boozer and accessorising with a pint IRL will be a little kinder to your bank account.
Try a statement ring
As with most fashion, jewellery feels more statement this season. A$AP Rocky’s rings at the Chanel Haute Couture show were big. Timothée wore a Cartier eternity ring at the Golden Globes – less blingy but iced-out nonetheless. My favourite affordable pick is this one by Pilgrim – they’re about £30 each, so you could even buy a few. If you’re looking for affordable pieces made with precious stones and metals, though, an antique shop is your best bet.
Pilgrim air ring silver-plated
Resort wear is having a moment
Any true fashion fans will remember that sarong David Beckham wore on a date night with Victoria during the 1998 World Cup in France. Fast forward 28 years, and the garment has re-entered the chat thanks to Dries van Noten. If a sarong feels too much for you, though – as it would for most of us who aren’t big-time football legends – pure linen trousers are a wearable take on resort wear that are also on the rise this season.
H&M regular fit linen trousers
4th & Reckless Divina graphic sarong
The return of the moustache
Loads of A-listers have been flirting with upper lip hair recently – Benson Boone, Bad Bunny (above), Jacob Elordi, Kaytranada, Adam DiMarco – and each with their own spin, whether neat and tidy or more natural. A few are even pairing them with stubble or a goatee. You should take into account your hair growth when choosing your style: if it’s thick and even, you can get away with thicker bushier styles like the walrus or the chevron, and if it’s thin and patchy, thin styles like the pencil or petite chevron might suit better.
Chunky tool watches used to be the only timepieces for men. But if you look at the red carpet today, you’ll see micro mini tickers that feel more feminine – such as Connor Storrie’s (above) recent diamond-encrusted Tiffany flex. You won’t find precious stones for less than £100, but you can find a small timepiece in similar proportions for a good price. Timex has a great 34mm dress watch for £130 – or if you’d prefer something closer to Storrie’s, you could try Sekonda’s Bellamy ladies watch (it will fit most guys, too).
Sekonda Bellamy
Crafty necklaces are in
Necklaces have gone boho – think talisman pendants, rope cords, beads and pieces with a crafty, handmade touch. Go DIY by getting a pendant to pair with a cord or buy something ready made: this John Lewis option is a steal at £16.
John Lewis polished resin cord pendant
Pdpaola protection labradorite charm
Try a skin scent
In spring, it’s time to shelve your heavy, musky aftershave because perfume strengthens and projects even further when the weather’s warmer. Why not try a skin scent instead? They are soft blends often characterised by musky notes that feel intimate – but they’re not “fresh”, per se, so they don’t feel too summery. Closeness by Pleasing (Harry Styles’s beauty brand) blends musk with cashmere wood and cardamom for a light finish that’s like clean cotton sheets.
Pleasing Closeness eau de parfum, 50ml
The return of vintage Armani
Relaxed tailoring with strong shoulders à la 80s Armani is back – see Louise Trotter’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta to see the 2026 take on the silhouette. There are a few on the high street that cost just over £100 (sorry) – including this double-breasted design by Topman.
Topman relaxed wool suit jacket
Get a multitasking LED mask
An LED mask is the kind of skincare most guys can get onboard with. It’s low effort, easy to use, and you can strap it on while doing something else – WFH or watching TV – while it gets to work on your skin. Choose one with a few different coloured wavelengths (red for anti-ageing, blue for blemishes, green for skin tone), so you have easy access to a range of benefits. The only rule is consistency. You’ll start to notice real results after about three sessions a week for eight weeks.
Silk’n Facial LED mask
For more, read our guide to the best LED masks
Big, bold belts
Remember the Gucci GG belt from the mid-tweens, before it died a death with all things logomania? Well, thanks to Demna Gvasalia’s direction at the Italian house, it’s back. As are statement belts in general. Miu Miu’s are less logo heavy, but noticeable nonetheless. You don’t need one by a big designer, though. Case in point: this western-style design by Nudie Jeans.
Nudie Jeans 2.5cm western leather belt
Retinal is a skincare hero
Retinal is the most effective product in my skincare routine – it smooths, brightens, clarifies and shrinks pore size. If you’re new to it, start with a lower strength – say 0.03%, such as Medik8’s beginner formula – and once your skin acclimatises, you can up the percentage for even more results. It’s best used twice a week for the first two weeks, then three times a week, before bed.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 serum, 30ml
New ways to wear ties
Neckties are still in the spotlight. Sure, they’ve been around for a few seasons now – but for spring/summer 2026, there’s new ways to wear them. Turned back to front. Stacking a few at once. Or, the most wearable option: tucked into shirts or trousers.
For more, see: Ties are cool again – just ask TikTok. Here’s how to wear one
Jacob Elordi styling hacks
If you want styling tips, it’s worth checking out any of Jacob Elordi’s casual outfits. He’s a pro at wearing the kind of basics you probably already have in your wardrobe – whether it’s a T-shirt beneath a V-neck jumper, a simple T-shirt with straight-leg trousers or a black cardi on top of a full white look. If you’re missing any staples, Uniqlo is your best bet.
It’s tank top season
Tank tops usually reappear in summer, but I predict we’ll be baring arms even earlier this year. The look was featured in several Oscar-nominated movies – namely Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme, as well as best actor winner Michael B Jordan in Sinners, where one of the most notable pieces he wears is a ribbed, 1930s-style tank. And you don’t need to wear it solo like MBJ – before summer hits, you can go in Timothée’s direction and use it for layering under a shirt or blazer. Again, Uniqlo’s are my favourite.
Uniqlo Dry ribbed vest top
Dress tonally
Sometimes getting dressed feels like a real effort – until you learn how to dress tonally. That means wearing a full outfit of pieces in similar shades. Black and navy work well in winter, but summer calls for lighter colours, such as cream, blues or greens. Brad Pitt’s wardrobe is a great place to start.
Try a cream deodorant
If you tend to be sweaty during summer – don’t worry, you’re not alone – I’d recommend trying a cream deodorant by Akt. The brand was started by two West End performers who weren’t satisfied with the antiperspirants on the market, so they created their own. The result is a natural, skin-nourishing formula that offers professional-grade protection all day. The fragrances smell more like aftershaves than deodorisers.
Akt the starter set
Blonds have more fun
Since hair naturally lightens when the sun makes an appearance, spring is the best time to experiment with going blond. If you look at all the guys who have pulled it off over the years – David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Frank Ocean, George Clooney, Riz Ahmed – you’ll see it works for just about anyone at any age. Nicholas Hoult was last year’s blond poster boy, and this year it’s Joe Keery (above). You might want to start with a couple of highlights à la Keery to see how you feel before going for the full scalp bleach (which you could always try when summer hits). Speaking from experience, it’s always best to get it done professionally – especially if you have dark hair.
A new kind of cravat
The most prominent accessory to come out of the spring/summer 2026 shows is the little boy-scout-coded bandana neckerchief – they were everywhere from Hermès to Ami, Paul Smith and Etro. You could wear one with tailoring or a polo shirt – either way, it’s a great way to add some interest without much effort. And by the time summer arrives, it doubles as a holiday-and-festival-ready flex, too.
Arket cotton bandana
Aimé Leon Dore polka dot bandana
Watch Love Story
If there’s any series to watch for style inspiration, it should be Love Story, the Disney+ drama based on the real-life romance between John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette. Fascinating storyline aside, it has sparked a wave of social media videos on how to dress like JFK Jr. The vibe is Ivy League but with a cool edge: an oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves or a suit accessorised with a backwards cap, for example.
The art of layering
Eckhaus Latta schooled us in layering for spring/summer 2026. The New York-based label built layer upon layer upon layer: a shirt over a knit, a tank top over a T-shirt over a long sleeve. If you try a few pieces in your wardrobe in unexpected combinations, you might just land yourself a completely new outfit that you never knew you had.
Amp up your tailoring with a brooch (or pin)
Beyond choosing a shirt, a tie and shoes, it isn’t always easy to inject personality into tailoring. But there’s another accessory you can use in 2026: the brooch. Connor Storrie was wearing one at the Golden Globes. Gucci and Wales Bonner (above) featured them for spring/summer. And Giorgio Armani and Connor Ives doubled down for autumn/winter – so it looks like there’s longevity for next season, too.
Swarovski Matrix tack pin
Eclectica preloved clover brooch
Clear opticals for new-gen geek chic
Expect a nerdification of menswear this year – in fact, searches for “nerd outfits men” on Pinterest are up 320%. If there’s one guy whose lead you can follow, it’s Ryan Gosling’s Ryland Grace, a former teacher and biologist who wakes up on a spacecraft with amnesia in Project Hail Mary – no big deal. There’s the ringer tees. The knitwear. The shirt-tie-and-jeans. And no take on geek chic is complete without some glasses. This year, take your cues from Gosling and try going rimless – or, if that’s too much, maybe a clear acetate à la Tyler the Creator (above) will do.
Seen SN OM5003 glasses
Clean boy makeup
Men are often nervous about using makeup, but a recent trend makes it look easy: “clean boy makeup”. Guys such as @hectorpdoria show how a few simple products – in his case, concealer, blush, eyebrow brush and lip balm – can make a big difference. Search the term on TikTok or Instagram for extra tips and tricks.
Nars radiant creamy concealer, 6ml
Saie dew blush liquid cheek flush, 12ml
Or double down on skincare
If makeup feels too much, though, you could go for a fresh-faced approach instead. A hydrating serum and a good moisturiser are all you need for a natural finish. Want to kick it up a notch? Mix facial oil, such as Aesop’s Fabulous Face Oil (£47), into your moisturiser for a radiance à la Pharrell Williams – and it will give a powerful hit of nourishing actives, too.
Horace hyaluronic acid + panthenol serum, 30ml
Rhode comforting daily moisturiser, 1.7oz
Cool-guy sneakerinas
For the past few months, some of the world’s highest-profile men have been chasséing around in ballerina shoes. Bad Bunny at the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere; Jacob Elordi on Jimmy Kimmel; Harry Styles in a Chanel pair at the Brits, and another pair from Dior in the video for his single Aperture. Unless you’re literally a boyfriend of the internet, though, it can be hard to wear them without looking a touch eccentric.
There’s a more accessible way to reference the trend, though: the sneakerina. My favourite is the Daze Runner by Axel Arigato (£220), which comes in many colours. Adidas Tokyo and Puma Speedcat are two good options that are easier on the bank account.
Puma Speedcat
Adidas Tokyo
Take care of your lips
Winter’s seen as the harsher season for your lips, but spring and summer have their pitfalls, too – UV exposure, hot weather, dehydration. With that in mind, it’s always good to have an SPF lip balm to hand. Though Aesop’s isn’t cheap, it’s formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E and botanical oils – and it’s a twist tube, which typically lasts longer than one you have to squeeze.
Aesop protective lip balm SPF30, 5.5g
For more, read our guide to the best lip balms
Ditch your Kindle
There’s nothing more attractive than a guy who reads – there’s a reason the Instagram account @hotdudesreading is still going strong 11 years after it launched. Ditch your Kindle and take your books with you instead. Just don’t go too #PerformativeMen (a recent social media trend that calls out guys whose “interests” look as if they’re intended for attention). That means reading books you actually like rather than ones you think look good to other people, even if you’re into trashy crime thrillers or nerdy sci-fi novels.
For more, read how to look after your knitwear and how to buy secondhand clothes online that you’ll actually wear
Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty
