Men's Style Guide: 7 Looks to Embrace in 2026

With the return to activities, back-to-school is the ideal time to breathe new life into your wardrobe. In this guide, carefully prepared by our menswear experts, we will introduce you to 7 popular menswear styles for 2026, namely:

WHY REVAMP YOUR WARDROBE?

It's no secret: your clothing style heavily influences first glances and first impressions! Indeed, people often judge an individual's values, profession, personality, activities, or even musical preferences by their appearance. At Ernest, we believe every garment you wear should support the image you want to convey—without compromising comfort or authenticity. Because when your style aligns with your personality, you automatically feel more confident, which is a significant asset, especially in the professional world.

Style also opens doors, as your clothes help you make a good impression in all sorts of situations (e.g., at work, on a date, at a formal event).

Adopting a new style for the back-to-school season inevitably brings positive effects you might not have considered, for example:

- Your entourage (colleagues, parents, friends, etc.) may have a more positive opinion of you;

- Your unique beauty is enhanced;

- Your clothing choices can help you convey a message;

- Your polished appearance "boosts" your confidence (and others have more confidence in you).

One thing is certain: good style isn't limited to appearance alone! It influences how others perceive you, but also how you perceive yourself.

Now discover the seven most popular styles among fashionable men!

THE DYNAMIC CHIC PROFESSIONAL STYLE

For back-to-school 2026, the dynamic chic professional style for men is a must-have. It features well-fitted suits with a modern, close-to-the-body cut, crafted from quality materials, often with stretch for superior comfort. A polished office outfit for men commands admiration and respect, whether in important business meetings or professional after-work events.

To further assert your dynamic personality, choose carefully selected accessories—a patterned tie, an elegant belt, or patent leather shoes, for example. For a dynamic look during your professional commutes, you can also rely on quality jeans, an elegant cardigan, a chic coat, and a plaid scarf.

THE CASUAL CHIC STYLE

Perfect balance between refinement and relaxation, the casual chic style for men allows you to make a strong impression for the back-to-school season, and this without a formal jacket or tie. It's the art of looking polished while remaining approachable. At first glance, your outfit conveys intention and mastery without overdoing it.

For a successful casual chic look, your clothes must be impeccable and well-cut. The chino, the perfect compromise between jeans and dress pants, is a sensible choice for a look that is both refined and relaxed. Choose it in caramel, beige, grey, khaki, blue, or black, for example. A pair of quality jeans is also an excellent way to create head-turning outfits!

For the upper body, a crisp shirt and a sports jacket are preferred choices. A plain T-shirt (e.g., white) with a crew, zip, or V-neck under a wool sweater, or a polo under a cardigan is also a good choice. Avoid overly tight fabrics or overly loose fits, as this detracts from the desired elegant appearance.

In short, a harmonious layering of classic pieces on top, nice trousers, and quality shoes or boots on the bottom, and you're all set for a successful casual chic look!

THE REFINED CASUAL STYLE

The refined casual style for men is one of the most popular clothing styles for people of all ages. It complements more formal outfits: the goal is a comfortable, versatile look. The key words? Simplicity and efficiency! This style is perfect for grabbing a drink with friends, running errands, working (if it's not a job requiring professional attire), etc.

Casual clothes and accessories remain accessible to everyone. At Ernest, we make it easy with a selection designed to combine comfort, style, and quality. You will find in our collections:

- Quality basic T-shirts;

- Comfortable zip-neck sweaters;

- Hooded jackets;

- Sports jackets;

- Versatile shackets;

- Jeans or chinos (brown, blue, or black);

- Textured knit sweaters;

- Sports shoes;

- Short-sleeve shirts;

- Capris, shorts, or bermuda shorts;

- Practical accessories like beanies or fine-knit scarves.

In terms of colors, choose those that enhance your complexion (if you're unsure, visit our store: our experienced stylists can guide you!). Remember, with the refined casual style, you stick to the essentials!

THE SARTORIAL STYLE

The sartorial style for men draws inspiration from the meticulous elegance of those who own bespoke clothing made by a tailor. As you might guess, it is meant for those who want to invest in a distinguished look! By adopting this style, you look well-dressed in any situation and inspire respect and confidence, because you wear a suit that fits like a glove and superb dress shoes (e.g., Oxfords).

Whether you wear a classic suit, meaning a matching jacket and trousers (opt for neutral colors like brown and navy blue), or a three-piece suit with a vest, the sartorial style involves choosing a dress shirt or a high-quality sweater; in terms of colors, white is a safe bet, but a shade that harmonizes with your suit is also appropriate. Choose discreet socks that match your trousers or shoes for a continuous effect.

This sartorial style is the uniform of those whose style inspires confidence and authority (businessmen, politicians, lawyers, etc.): with a custom-made suit, you feel ready to conquer your interlocutors or captivate your audience! When it comes to accessories, don't overdo it, as flaunting wealth with an accumulation of flashy accessories, for example, can quickly make this style veer into bad taste. Often, a pocket square or a nice watch is enough to complete your outfits.

This sartorial style also helps you make a good impression at events where elegance is essential, such as a professional meeting, a gala, or an important celebration. To look classy, avoid ill-fitting or worn-out pieces. If necessary, have alterations done — at an Ernest store! — because it's an investment you'll never regret!

THE ROCK STYLE

No matter your age, you can sport a rocker look with character and confidence. The material that characterizes this more sophisticated menswear style than you might imagine is black leather, but other colors can work too, like denim blue or red (if you like to attract attention on the street, these bold hues can strengthen your presence). At Ernest, we offer leather pieces designed to assert your style while remaining refined.

Key takeaway: the dark leather jacket is undoubtedly the flagship element of men's rock style. You can complete it with jeans and accessories like leather shoes or boots, sunglasses, and a leather bracelet.

A well-thought-out rock look is less common in a traditional professional context, but it is perfect for the weekend and outings (bar hopping, music concerts, festivals, etc.).

Express your rebellious side with assertive pieces, designed for a style that is both bold and controlled.

THE MODERN ADVENTURER STYLE

Discovering breathtaking landscapes, traversing rugged trails, exploring natural sites… Do you enjoy nature in your free time? The adventurer style for men is for you! This style evokes outdoor excursions, with an urban touch that works beyond the forest.

It includes quilted garments with a sporty cut (coats, sleeveless vests), warm sweaters for a weekend at the cottage, scarves, beanies, and sturdy boots suited to various conditions. This style is designed for those who like to blend nature and urban life.

THE SPORTSWEAR STYLE

Men's sportswear has been gaining popularity for several years. It bridges the gap between sporty functionality and everyday style. What sets this style apart is its freedom of interpretation: it is not "stuck" to one particular sport. In other words, depending on your favorite activities, you can adapt sportswear to your daily life coherently.

If your favorite activities include tennis, mountain hiking, golf, or running, for example, you can achieve a sportswear look by combining classic pieces (e.g., a cardigan) with slightly more sporty items such as:

- A striped polo;

- A zip-neck sweater;

- A sporty hooded coat;

- A fitted beanie;

- A sporty T-shirt.

A plus for this trend: moisture-wicking fabrics offer superior comfort, especially in summer! Finally, stick to neutral shades.

10 TIPS TO FOLLOW

Regardless of the menswear style that appeals to you for back-to-school 2026, it's important to avoid certain faux pas. Here are 10 tips from our experts to help you make a great impression!

1. The right size

If you don't know your shirt or trouser size, it's never too late to fix that! Once you have this information, your shopping is easier, and your comfort is optimized! Keep in mind, however, that there is a fine line between a close-fitting garment and a tight one, and a loose garment should never leave enough room to fit another person! To find pieces that will fit you perfectly every time, grab a tape measure, paper, and a pencil, and check out our size guide.

Speaking of "trimming": if you wish to trim your beard and cut your hair for a polished back-to-school look, take a look at our list of the best barbers in Quebec.

2. Quality

At Ernest, we pride ourselves on offering our clients quality clothing. In this era of overconsumption and fast fashion, we believe that it is better to buy less, but better. In short, buying 20 quality pieces you will take good care of is more cost-effective than having 60 low-quality pieces you will have to discard early!

3. Get rid of old clothes

Have you lost (or gained) weight and your clothes no longer fit? Did you go through a themed phase (tropical, gothic, etc.) and no longer want to wear those clothes that remind you of your past life? Do you have a nice winter coat, but it's been at least 5 years since you last wore it?

There's no point in cluttering your wardrobe: donate your unused clothes to a charity. Not only will you be doing a good deed, but your drawers and closets will welcome new pieces you'll be eager to show off to everyone! For example, you could entrust your clothes in good condition to these reputable donation centers:

- Renaissance;

- Village des Valeurs;

- Salvation Army.

4. Step away from the "jeans" avenue

We agree: jeans are a must in a man's wardrobe. However, it's a shame to limit yourself to them! Chinos are an excellent alternative, as are capris, dress trousers, or cargo pants, depending on the season. Explore your possibilities; you might be pleasantly surprised!

5. Don't hesitate to layer

Layering clothes, when done tastefully, always adds character to a look. Ask our specialists for advice on mastering this highly aesthetic technique! Well-thought-out layers add depth and character to your silhouette. To avoid a cluttered, messy effect, choose harmonious cuts and complementary materials. Our in-store stylists can guide you in creating a balanced and sophisticated layered look.

6. Not too many frills or flashy patterns

Unless you are attending a fashion or contemporary art event where sartorial exuberance is strongly encouraged, exercise restraint with ornaments, shiny finishes, or patterns (stripes, polka dots, checks, floral prints, etc.). That said, you can mix patterns, but the result must be harmonious… When in doubt, consult a stylist!

7. Build a solid foundation with timeless essentials

No matter the style you adopt for back-to-school 2026, a well-thought-out wardrobe starts with quality basics: a well-tailored trouser, a white shirt, a neutral sweater, or a structured jacket. These pieces let you create varied outfits with ease.

Are you a man over 60? For advice tailored to your stage of life, check out our article.

8. Wear comfortable underwear

Wearing underwear that is too tight at the waist, rides up, or constantly gets stuck in your gluteal fold can ruin your mood as much as your look. Thus, choosing beautiful, luxurious, and well-fitting boxers is an excellent way to "boost" your self-confidence, even if no one can see them. Discover our superb models from SAXX, Timeless, and Anthony of London!

9. Don't forget accessories

Once you've chosen the clothes that make up your outfit, add accessories that make all the difference! Even though the time is displayed everywhere, especially on smartphones, true stylish men wear a nice watch that completes their outfit! Check out our watches and bracelets: you are sure to find the model that will perfectly match your shirt or jacket, for example.

Depending on your outfit, a tie or bow tie always looks great! However, make sure you know how to tie them properly, or ask someone to do it for you. And depending on the occasion (ball, wedding, gala, etc.), a pocket square is the noticeable finishing touch!

Furthermore, men of taste can carry their wallet, keys, tablet, etc., in a messenger-style bag or briefcase that is as chic as it is practical. As a bonus, your trousers will look better with pockets free of clutter!

Moreover, we cannot stress this enough: a belt isn't meant to hold up trousers that are too big, and suspenders aren't accessories meant to keep your trousers from falling down to your ankles! Belts and suspenders are rather central pieces of a man's look and, for this reason, must be chosen carefully. A leather or woven belt in a neutral color like black or cognac will define your waist elegantly, while suspenders will give an irresistible allure to your ensemble!

Have you noticed how much attention men who wear a head covering draw? Wearing a cap or hat (e.g., Fedora style) that harmonizes with your outfit will certainly earn you compliments! And don't forget the power of a nice beanie, which perfectly completes many outfits in various styles.

Especially in summer, quality sunglasses are a must, and in colder seasons, a scarf or wrap adds character to any ensemble. Visit your Ernest store to find 1001 trendy accessories for men!

10. Stay in your comfort zone

To display your style with panache, you must fully embrace it! So, for bolder items, it's best to take it slow. Otherwise, you will feel "dressed up," and it will show!

Need ideas to create your own style? Observe the looks of male public figures (actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, content creators, etc.) for inspiration!

Bonus tip: cultivate your stylistic eye

To develop your good taste in menswear styles, stay curious and attentive to the evolution of men's fashion (look at websites like YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what's trendy, among others) and be ready to apply the benchmarks proposed in this guide or in other reliable sources from here and elsewhere.

Do you now have a better idea of the style(s) that inspire you for back-to-school 2026, or do you want to explore more than one depending on your activities? Ernest offers a curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories to help you define a style that reflects your personality. We handpicked clothes from brands renowned for quality, plus shoe and accessory collections for every style and occasion.

Looking forward to meeting you!