6 super easy styling hacks to borrow from Men's Fashion Week, from statement necklaces to slouchy socks

Cosmopolitan

9 hours ago

It's been a mega couple of weeks for men's fashion. And while having separate, designated gender-based fashion weeks seems like an archaic idea (especially when most designers now present co-ed collections, and all clothes are really unisex anyway) that doesn't mean inspiration isn't there for the taking.
While the British Fashion Council announced it was cancelling the men's edition of London Fashion Week back in April, Martine Rose hosted a show in a disused Marylebone job centre and flew the flag for UK-based designers. Then it was Milan's turn, where Prada creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons invited guests to a cavernous warehouse, covered in giant, flower-shaped rugs. And finally, to Paris, where designer Jonathan Anderson presented his first and much-anticipated collection as creative director for the house of Dior. Celeb guests including Sabrina Carpenter (who unveiled a surprising new look), Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, Robert Pattinson and many more showed up and showed out for this major fashion milestone. Content creator and fashion commentator Lyas even hosted a viewing party for the show's livestream at a Parisian bar — our kind of Super Bowl tbh.
While these were all Spring/Summer 2026 shows, you don't need to wait until next year to test out the trends. We've rounded up some easy styling tips lifted straight from the catwalks that you can use to update your wardrobe right now.
One for all the cyclists out there! Tuck your trousers into thick sporty or slouchy socks to instantly give your outfit a fashion-forward feel — make sure they are a contrasting colour. Take inspiration from the likes of Dior, Willy Chavarria and Kiko Kostadinov, and finish off with a loafer or smart lace-up style shoe.
This is really easy way to add interest to any outfit. Hermès opted for bright poppy colour neckerchiefs against neutral toned ensembles, Saint Laurent went for sheer shirts with matching neck-tie details, and almost every look at Dior featured a cravat or bow-tie in a fabrics ranging from denim to silk (bare chest optional).
This probably isn't one for trying right now given the heatwave but...it looks so good! Make sure to go for contrasting textures and colours, like Louis Vuitton which styled a blue crocodile skin hoodie with a buttoned-up denim workwear jacket. Junya Watanabe went down a similar route, with one look layering a short black leather jacket over a longer beige trench coat, and Craig Green clashed a green and yellow chore jacket underneath a voluminous parka. Why wear one jacket if you have two good ones?
An oldie but a goodie styling hack, statement jewellery goes a long way. It was the turn of the necklace this season, with Jacquemus showcasing chunky gold styles alongside its monochromatic looks. Dries Van Noten took a more DIY approach, with models wearing giant seashells on knotted shoe laces about their necks. And Vivienne Westwood went all indie sleaze, with slogan necklaces reading 'Chaos' and 'Truth' in heavy gold letters.
The menswear catwalks proved that the boxer-shorts-as-actual-shorts trend will continue well into next year. Martine Rose went for ultra-feminine, lace-trimmed versions, worn with heavy outerwear and sportswear for a contrasting clash. Saul Nash, who usually shows in London but has decamped to Milan, chose traditional checked styles. And finally, at Louis Vuitton, creative director Pharrell Williams put his own spin on the traditional blue-and-white striped boxer shorts, by covering them with embroidered zebras, rhinos and palm trees.
Layering pieces are a quick and easy way to elevate your outfits — so it's time to welcome the humble turtleneck. Seen on almost every look at the Prada show, they add a pop of colour underneath jackets, shirts and even T-shirts. Saint Laurent took the base layer and made it front and centre, with mustard yellow and caramel styles tucked into pleated suit trousers. At Wales Bonner, they peeked out underneath workwear style jackets, polo shirts, and delicately beaded dresses.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.