I Get the Best Fashion Inspiration From Men's Fashion Week Street Style—3 Trends I'm Coping

Or, "To All the Menswear I've Loved Before..."

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lydia okello wearing an outfit inspired by men's fashion week street style; a man wearing a plaid coat in men's fashion week street style
(Image credit: Lydia Okello/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

We’re in it now, folks! We’re watching, wondering, and trend-forecasting based on what we're seeing on the New York, London, Milan, and Paris runways. But one of my secret obsessions actually happens about two weeks before Fashion Month even starts: the menswear shows.

Every menswear season, I'm exposed to designers and brands I didn't know prior that I’m then excited to follow. I don’t shop the men’s section frequently because my curvy short frame tends to be at odds with the fits. But I always note the styling, fabrics, and cuts—especially because, unlike what we see in the womenswear collections, the clothes are almost always functional. I love a tiny bag that fits nothing and an elaborate gown that requires at least two people to put on as much as the next person, but in my daily life, I try to diminish the amount of fuss my looks require. I get frustrated with clothes that get in the way; that seems to happen less in menswear. (Don’t mistake this for doldrums though: It’s just that the industry still treats utility in “men’s” clothing as a given, whereas “women’s” clothing doesn’t need to be useful as long as it is beguiling.)

What always has the biggest immediate impact on how I dress, though, is the street style outside of the menswear shows in Milan and Paris—even more so that what I see from the main Fashion Month. While scrolling through the street-style dispatches from January, I pinpointed three trends to adopt in my winter wardrobe ASAP. Here’s how I’m styling them.

Specific, Special, Considered Outerwear

a man wearing a striped trench in mens fashion week street style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

The street style at the menswear shows always has very, very good coats. It makes sense, since a huge part of that sartorial culture comes from the tradition of bespoke tailored clothing. Tweeds, plaids, and other rich fabrications are all in that tradition. Hurrah to folks of many genders embracing bold outerwear.

Lydia Okello

I’m wearing a Wray NYC coat, Eliza Faulkner blouse, Shop Noble vest, Penningtons wide-leg trousers, and Naturalizer loafers.

(Image credit: Lydia Okello)

I know I need a bump of fashion dopamine in the depths of winter, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. I’ll be getting mine from statement coats in classic prints with underlayers that make me feel like a wee lad.

Bombastic Pops of Color

a man wearing a red tie in mens fashion week street style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Personally, I find that, when I peruse the men’s section, I’m often shocked at how few colors are presented. Often, you’re limited to black, grey, and tans; maybe you'll find a blue or red in there. I know that men, like everyone, have different tastes and style desires, but the notion that gender could imply a lack of interest in vibrant tones is laughable at best.

Lydia Okello

I’m wearing a Connally Goods chore coat, What Lo Wants jacket, Naadam cardigan, Universal Standard shorts, and Dolce Vita wide-calf boots.

(Image credit: Lydia Okello)

At the menswear street style in Milan and Paris, a plethora of oddball color combos played out against the backdrop of the Fall 2026 shows. I took this styling to heart, using primary colors to make a quick and easy impact.

Ties, Ties, and More Ties

a man wearing a tie in mens fashion week street style

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

As someone who *just* bought four vintage ties from Etsy, I was ecstatic to see so, so, so many ties worn in Milan and Paris this winter—a trend that extended to the womenswear shows in New York. The vibes varied from banker bro to dandy to street.

Lydia Okello

I’m wearing a Brunette the Label jacket, J. Crew shirt, vintage Camilla Smith tie, Wray NYC trousers, and Vagabond Shoemakers boots.

(Image credit: Lydia Okello)

I’ve recently morphed into a dad with an extensive fun tie collection, and I promise you: If you want to make friends and impress people, wearing a fun tie is a surefire way to do so. My version plays with both business and leisure. (And, yes, I did get this tie from Etsy.)

Lydia Okello
Lydia Okello
Contributing Editor

Lydia Okello is a non-binary, plus-size fashion and lifestyle creator, wrtier and model. They use their platform to inspire and encourage others to step outside of their personal style comfort zone. You can find them on Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest and coming soon, Substack.