Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Fashion 263
AS we step into 2026, fashion enthusiasts across the globe are already preparing to refresh their wardrobes, experiment with new styles, and bid farewell to trends that have run their course.
Happy New Year to all fashion lovers, may your year be stylish, bold, and unapologetically you — but a little caution is needed: not every trend deserves a place in your closet.
To begin with let me start with men then next week I will touch on women.
Gentlemen, take notes.
For men, the trend cycle moves at a breakneck clip, and keeping up can be a royal headache.
Which is why, at the start of every new year, I like to wipe the slate clean and start fresh, setting last year’s trends entirely aside—sorry, flip-flops and butter yellow—in order to clear make mental (and wardrobe) space for all the style swerves the next twelve months might have in store.
If you are wondering what is going to dominate 2026 men’s style, you are not alone.
It is true that emerging fashion trends promise to reshape the way men dress.
I remember my fashion friend Hollywood Lee (Lilian Madyara) telling me that, the runways appeared to be redefining masculinity, blending boldness and brilliance.
And girl, the main street is following the runway in carving new directions for men’s style.
“In 2026, we are seeing men finally lean into clothes that express attitude and purpose—and a dash of playfulness. It is not about chasing trends—it is about owning your style,” said one stylist Taelor Head of Styling Melissa Slavick, who has styled over 3000 men in a career spanning 14 years as a professional stylist
Well, this year, bold colours and statement silhouettes are making a comeback.
Expect oversized blazers, puffed sleeves, and tailored separates paired with vibrant hues like emerald green, tangerine, and ultraviolet. Sustainable fabrics and eco-conscious brands will dominate runways, reflecting a growing shift toward mindful fashion that blends style with responsibility.
Accessories will be maximalist: chunky chains, geometric earrings, and designer belts will take centre stage.
On the flip side, some trends are quietly fading. Minimalist neutrals, washed-out pastels, and overused micro-bags are slowly being retired. Fast-fashion knockoffs of runway hits are also losing appeal, as the world shifts toward investment pieces that last.
Colour brightens the way
It is fact that think deep reds, buttery yellows, bright greens, and striking shades of blue. This year, colour is not just a detail—it’s the story.
We know that there was once a time when one colour of the year announcement was accepted like an undisputed statement.
But for 2026, we are seeing multiple contenders vying for the crown of colour of the year.
I know gents doesn’t like to play with colour but pick an item with colour thus tie or socks among others.
Tip – Monochromatic dressing: Incorporating bright shades in attire does not mean a riot of colours. Sophisticated men’s style in 2026 is likely to be built on strong, confident, monochromatic lines. You can focus on neutrals as always.
Even formal looks are being updated with vivid colours that stand out.
Some are of the opinions that, colour will get a bit softer in men’s wardrobes in the new year.
Traditional blues, grays, and blacks remain foundational, though they are increasingly complemented by warmer and lighter tones.
My friend points to olive green and butter yellow as shades gaining traction, along with pale ivory tones, an indication of perhaps some influence that Pantone’s Colour the Year “Cloud Dancer” has had on the fashion industry.
These colours are appearing across suits, trousers, jackets, and even tailored shorts, offering an alternative to more conventional neutrals.
Then on t-shirts, sweaters and jerseys, sometimes, something is so out for so long that it comes full circle, and it’s imminent in-ness starts to feel inevitable. Such is the case with the v-neck, once relegated to the annals of indie sleaze and reruns of Jersey Shore.
In 2025, I felt myself begin to crave v-neck knitwear for the first time in nearly a decade, and looking ahead to 2026, I can sense a v-neck tee in my future. But—importantly, integrally—not all Vs are created equal. In 2026, your v-neck should be tight and high; anything that reveals more than a whisper of clavicle should remain banished to the past for now.
Obvious 2026 you also need to understand that proportions remain key.
Fitting remains one of the clearest indicators of where menswear are headed.
“Men will return to cleaner proportions and meaningful layers in 2026,” says Jaanai Jones, Men’s Global Denim Designer at Levi Strauss & Co.
He points to straighter-fitting jeans, tailored garments, and layered jackets as signs of a wardrobe that’s composed with a purpose, leaving nothing superfluous to the overall outfit.
Aggressively cropped or overly tight fits are giving way to jackets and trousers that sit naturally on the body. The return of pleats follows the same logic, offering movement and drape while reinforcing a classic silhouette. “We are back to normal proportions, gents want to look good and feel good, no matter the circumstance– work, after-hours, date-night, weekends.”
New Year, Lasting Style
Ultimately, whether going bold or keeping it simple, the key to 2026 is balance. Trends will come and go, but finding shapes, fabrics, and colours that work for your style will leave you entering the new year with a few thoughtful upgrades to your wardrobe.
My friend Takudzwa is a avid fan of crocodile shoes, footwear is important. This is a topic for another day but black shoe is a must for every guy.
Happy fashion weekend!
