By Rifan Muazin 
To predict the can’t-miss movements awaiting us, the GQ Recommends squad has scoured runway stills, dissected street style shots from Paris to Tokyo, and curated personal mood boards to synthesize where the state of our highly specific fashion union is headed. This analysis intentionally avoids the obvious; while trucker jackets and cozy knits will always find a home in autumn, this forecast is a place for bigger gambles and the "weirdest, wildest" moves expected to define the year.
The return of the plaid shirt marks a significant pivot in the rugged-meets-refined aesthetic. Initially a wild card layer for the summer of 2026, the style is reclaiming its rightful place as a fall heavyweight. Whether knotted around the waist in a nod to 90s grunge or worn as intended, plaid provides a hit of color grounded in masculine roots. Brands like GAP are offering sunwashed twill variations that feel broken-in from day one, while Wythe and Carter Young are leaning into the heritage "pearlsnap" and Western flannel silhouettes. This trend is a "can’t fail" move that manages to remain impressive due to its rugged versatility.
Horological trends are shifting toward the NATO strap, a military-derived accessory that has held watches comfortably in place for decades. While the NATO strap sees periodic peaks and dips in popularity, the scene is warming to its utilitarian charm once again. Influencers like Jason Jules have been spotted pairing NATO straps with classic Brooks Brothers timepieces, and the recent collaboration between Timex and Noah—featuring a bold red and navy strap—signals a wider market resurgence. This move allows collectors to bring vintage or retired watches out of retirement, giving them a contemporary, functional edge.
Perhaps the most divisive yet inevitable trend is the rise of "Croakies" and other eyewear leashes. Once dismissed as the domain of the uncool, sunglass straps have become a signifier for a new generation of stylish men. The confluence of sport and prep influences has made the eyewear retainer—represented by brands like Cablz and the original Croakies—a practical necessity with a "so-ugly-it’s-good" appeal. Much like the unexpected rise of Birkenstocks or square-toed shoes, the sunglass leash offers an "unexpected sauce" that elevates a standard outfit into something more intentional and idiosyncratic.
In the sneaker world, Vans OTW (Off The Wall) is reclaiming the spotlight. The brand has successfully fused archival details with a DIY, high-fashion attitude. By utilizing materials like shredded mohair, steely studs, and tasteful distressing, Vans is transforming its pioneering skate shoes into high-attitude footwear. The LX Authentic 44 and LX Old Skool 36 are currently the silhouettes of choice, proving that even the most iconic designs can be reinvented for a more "angsty" and aggressive fashion landscape.
Layering for 2026 is seeing a revival of the striped long-sleeved tee. Competing with ringer tees and v-necks, the striped shirt persists as a favorite for those aiming to evoke the memory of Kurt Cobain or the classic French "Marinière" sailor. Brands such as Another Aspect and Le Mont St Michel are leading this charge, offering boxy, high-quality iterations that defy the old myth that stripes are unflattering. When paired with a "thrashed cap"—a baseball hat that is intentionally ripped, washed, or scuffed—the look becomes a "cool-guy signifier" that suggests a summer spent entirely outdoors.
The "jean-width discourse" has reached a new turning point with the emergence of slimmer straight jeans. While relaxed and wide-leg denim remains popular for many, the early adopters are already pivoting back to shapes that follow the leg. This counter-movement is a classic example of fashion’s cyclical nature. Brands like Drake’s and Lee are providing the "tapered selvedge" and "straight cotton" options that define this new silhouette. Parallel to this is the rise of creased denim. Inspired by vintage Levi’s 517s and high-end offerings from Husbands, pressed denim adds a formal, sharp element to an otherwise casual fabric, a move championed by design gurus like Aaron Levine.
Accessories are becoming increasingly playful and gender-fluid. The "gentleman’s handbag" has finally entered sharp focus, moving from the runway to the streets as a pragmatic solution for the modern man. Small, structured bags like Balenciaga’s Le City Uptown Bag are being embraced by famous men everywhere, breaking outdated norms in favor of polished practicality. Similarly, colorful "fun socks" are back, as fashion editors ditch plain white crew socks for vibrant hosiery that peeks out from under trousers. This shift away from dusty tones is mirrored in the jewelry sector, where beads, bangles, and whimsical signet rings—like those from Bleue Burnham—add a sense of play to "Normcore" fits.
The technical evolution of the backpack is another key 2026 move. Dudes are increasingly opting for svelte, technical packs from brands like Arc’teryx and Klättermusen over the standard tote bag. These "rucksack 2.0" designs, made from lightweight nylon and featuring intricate mesh and strap details, are being paired with everything from jeans to blazers in a look reminiscent of JFK Jr.’s effortless urban style.
Outerwear for the season is dominated by the field jacket and the chore coat. The field jacket, particularly the M-65 heritage style from Alpha Industries, is enjoying a massive resurgence, timed perfectly to the industry’s obsession with military utility. Meanwhile, the chore coat remains a celebrity favorite, with stars like Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi frequently seen in broken-in blue versions. The nylon jacket is also being reimagined; instead of the typical gray windbreaker, 2026 favors "punchy" colors like iridescent green and polar white, or fashion-forward tailored cuts in black, as seen in Arc’teryx’s Veilance line.
Footwear is seeing a "race to the bottom" in terms of bulk. The "no-shoe shoe"—barefoot-style sandals and minimalist footwear from brands like Xero and Gnuhr—is trending as a reaction to years of chunky sneaker dominance. This health-conscious, orthopedic-adjacent trend is joined by the "approach shoe." Originally designed for rock climbers, the approach shoe (like the Keen Jasper) offers a slim, torpedo-like silhouette that maintains a "gorp" aesthetic without the weight of a traditional hiker.
For those seeking a more rugged boot, the engineer boot is poised to take over from the cowboy boot. Clunkier and usually black, these boots offer a powerful statement for Fall 2026, especially for those looking to add a bit of height and industrial edge to their look. Prada’s leather mid-calf boots are the gold standard for this trend. Conversely, the "final boss" of footwear remains the black derby. As loafers take a backseat, the resoleable, sustainable black derby—offered by Our Legacy and Prada—stands as the most versatile shoe for both suits and denim.
Tailoring is not exempt from these shifts, as the 3-button suit begins its inevitable return. After years of 2-button dominance, the 3-button blazer, like the Sabriel from The Row, offers a fresh proportion that challenges the modern "golden ratio." This move toward more buttons is mirrored in the "high and tight" v-neck, which is reclaiming space from the crew neck. Unlike the deep Vs of the "indie sleaze" era, the 2026 v-neck is conservative, revealing only a whisper of clavicle.
Finally, the season is rounded out by "bandwagon swag"—crispy, bright sports jerseys (Arsenal, Knicks) worn by the FOMO crowd ahead of the World Cup—and the "layered jersey knit" trend. Doubling up on t-shirts in vivid color combinations is the new way to achieve a layered look in the lingering heat of early autumn. Whether it is a $10 Comfort Colors tee or a $500 Camiel Fortgens "wrinkle tee," the message is clear: the Fall 2026 man is experimental, nostalgic, and unafraid to take a big sartorial gamble.
