Sad Beige Is Dead — Why Men Are Wearing Colourful Accessories Again

# Overview

This piece argues that the quiet dominance of beige, grey and navy in menswear is loosening. Colour has reappeared on runways and in product drops for autumn 2026, and the recommended way in is through accessories rather than full-colour outfits. The author frames the shift as both aesthetic and practical: colour lifts the face and mood and can be integrated into everyday dress without drastic changes.

# Why colour, now?

The article points to recent runway moments and designer choices that place colour in surprising places. Examples cited include Celine gloves in red and lilac and Geordie Campbell showing cobalt blue tights on male models. The argument is simple: when most people default to muted tones, a deliberate dash of colour feels fresh and noticeable.

# Five easy ways to add colour

• Prefer playful, textured knits to sporty sweatshirts. The author cites S.S. Daley animal jumpers and mentions the popularity of elevated knitwear in recent years. Chunky or patterned knitwear can feel elegant and retain masculine proportions while adding colour.

• A strip of coloured fabric at the neck lifts the face and can unify an outfit. The piece highlights red as a favourite option and recommends silk or cotton scarves as an accessible way to bring warmth and personality.

• Bright socks are an easy, subtle way to shift the tone of an outfit. Well-chosen colourful socks can connect otherwise neutral pieces and are low-commitment.

• A colourful pocket square can punctuate tailoring without changing the suit. It's a small swap with a visible payoff for anyone who wears blazers or coats regularly.

• Presented as an unexpected accessory for menswear layering, a cummerbund can be used to inject colour at the waist, especially in evening or formal-adjacent looks.

# Practical styling notes and brands mentioned

• Specific brands and items referenced that exemplify the trend: Dries Van Noten wool-and-cotton sweaters, ZARA wool oversize jumpers, JW Anderson embroidered knits, ALEXACHUNG knitwear, McQueen silk scarves, Flore Flore cotton scarves, Valentino lace-fringed silk scarves.

# How to start this week

• Pick one accessory category and buy one item in a clear hue (red, cobalt, or a warm brown) rather than attempting a head-to-toe colour overhaul.
• Use scarves or neckerchiefs to lift facial tones during the paler winter months. Introduce patterned or solid-colour socks to unify shoe and trouser choices.

# Runway context and tone

• The trend is shown through playful and sometimes theatrical runway choices rather than strict streetwear rules. The author encourages restraint: small, deliberate colour decisions rather than theatrical extremes.

# Bottom line

If your wardrobe feels uniform, start with accessories. Small, intentional colour insertions—knitwear, neck pieces, socks, pocket squares and cummerbunds—change how you look and how others perceive an outfit without requiring a full wardrobe refresh.