London-based art director, tastemaker, interior stylist, and creative consultant Max Hurd has long maintained that colour possesses a profound and direct effect on human well-being. Best known for an exuberant aesthetic that he playfully describes as "Oscar Wilde meets Marie-Antoinette by way of a Brazilian bordello," Hurd has built a successful career across interiors and culture by treating vibrant hues not merely as decorative elements, but as essential tools for shaping mood and outlook. Today, as a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence, he argues that the very same design philosophies should be aggressively applied to the modern wardrobe, offering a much-needed antidote to an increasingly mundane menswear landscape.
Stepping out onto the city streets, Hurd frequently finds himself disoriented by the pervasive monotony of contemporary everyday dress. Across daily commutes and urban thoroughfares, the modern public is increasingly submerged within an ever-expanding sea of muted greys, flat browns, severe blacks, and predictable navies. It is a uniformity that prompts a fundamental question: why choose to blend into the background of a monochrome world? The morning routine of reaching for a standard grey hoodie or a charcoal overcoat rarely stems from a conscious desire to project an inspiring or memorable image into the environment. Instead, this chronic blandness has simply become the default uniform of modern life.
Yet, historical precedent suggests humanity has always known better. The earliest recorded evidence of textiles being dyed dates back to 34,000 BC, proving that prehistoric ancestors intuitively recognized colour as an essential path forward. Fast-forward to the current 2026 fashion cycle, and dynamic bursts of vibrant hues are finally beginning to materialize in surprisingly unexpected corners of the industry. Major luxury houses are leading the charge. Celine recently showcased a collection featuring striking, soft-textured gloves in vivid shades of red and lilac. Meanwhile, Geordie Campbell, a rising star of the London fashion scene, pushed boundaries on the runway by having male models stride forward in striking cobalt blue tights—a stylistic choice that bridges historical doublet-and-hose traditions with modern runway daring.
While turning up to a corporate office in brightly colored tights may stretch the limits of standard professional dress codes, integrating unexpected flashes of rich colour onto one’s person remains an undeniably effective strategy. If prehistoric societies could successfully incorporate dyed elements into their daily survival, contemporary dressers can certainly find room for a little chromatic bravery. For those feeling hesitant about introducing vibrant shades into a stagnant wardrobe, a thoughtful, measured approach offers a safe passage away from chronic stylistic monotony.
5 Ways to Embrace Menswear’s Colourful Clothing Trend
Not Your Grandpa’s Jumper
Over recent years, the menswear landscape has witnessed a significant evolution in what can best be described as the "fashionisation" of knitwear. This trajectory began with a widespread resurgence of cozy, classic Aran fisherman’s sweaters, followed closely by distinctive designer knitwear collections, such as the critically acclaimed pieces from Alexa Chung’s eponymous label. Today, the movement is spearheaded by visionary designers like S.S. Daley, whose whimsical animal-motif jumpers have captured the imagination of modern tastemakers. Owning a signature green lambs-wool knit serves as a potent reminder of how expertly woven, character-filled garments can instantly elevate daily spirits.
Colourful knitwear manages to remain simultaneously elegant and playful in a manner that standard cotton sweatshirts simply cannot replicate. No matter the luxury price tag or high-end branding attached to it, a casual sweatshirt inherently leans toward athletic sportswear, a category that rarely achieves true sartorial refinement. While ultra-luxe cashmere sweaters offer undeniable elegance, they can sometimes edge slightly too close to traditional femininity for the average male dresser, who might instead prefer a substantial, texturally rich chunky knit accented by a bold dash of colour. For women, however, the stylistic boundaries remain refreshingly wide open.
Brighten Up
In anatomical and stylistic terms, the neck functions as the primary scaffolding of the face. As the darker months drag endlessly on, cold weather inevitably takes a visible toll on personal appearance, leaving skin looking drier, paler, and more washed out. While few possess the specialized cosmetic skills—or the daily inclination—to wage war against seasonal fatigue with makeup alone, introducing a targeted splash of colour immediately beneath the face can effortlessly bounce vitality back into the complexion.
Red stands out as a perennial favourite for cold-weather accessorizing. Throughout the winter season, incorporating a strip of rich red fabric—whether styled as a classic neckerchief, a draped scarf, or an artfully repurposed textile cut-off—serves a dual purpose. Beyond instantly illuminating the face, it acts as a unifying chromatic anchor that ties an entire outfit together with polished precision.
Put a Sock in It
At the opposite end of the styling spectrum lies the humble sock. There is a distinct rite of passage recognized the moment a young man genuinely appreciates receiving socks as a gift. Beyond practical necessities, jazzy hosiery offers an accessible entry point into bold color experimentation. While novelty prints have their specific moments—perhaps best reserved for casual days spent in rugged boots—a well-executed sock rendered in a dazzling, saturated colour can effortlessly harmonize a disparate ensemble.
The distinct advantage of a vibrant pop of hosiery lies in the element of surprise it introduces. A conventionally dressed gentleman seated on public transit only needs to cross his legs to reveal a flash of golden yellow or vibrant crimson, creating a momentary flash of brightness akin to a sudden ray of sunshine breaking through a heavy cloud cover.
Pick a Pocket or Two
Though the mention of a pocket scarf might instantly evoke classic literary detectives or eccentric grandfathers, utilizing the accessory with intention adds an unmistakable air of effortless sophistication. The primary secret to wielding this sartorial detail with maximum impact is avoiding overly rigid perfectionism. A stiff, crisply ironed, mathematically folded pocket square tucked primly into a breast pocket risks looking overly formal and dated.
Instead, dressers are encouraged to embrace a more relaxed approach, tucking lengths of fabric away with the casual insouciance of a New Romantic. Allowing a vibrant silk square or patterned scarf to spill dynamically from a blazer pocket introduces movement, texture, and unexpected colour without appearing overly deliberate.
The Not-So-Humble Cummerbund
Following the blueprint laid out on recent international runways, eveningwear is experiencing a timely re-evaluation of formal waist accessories. Far from being a relic of stiff traditionalism, the cummerbund offers an immensely flattering silhouette and serves as an indispensable styling asset, particularly during the festive social season. More than almost any other item hanging on the formal rail of a modern wardrobe, a distinctive waist covering can elevate a standard evening look from ordinary to exceptional.
For too long, formal menswear has been dominated by a strict binary of black and white. Embracing softer, unexpected tones—such as pistachio green or delicate candy-floss pink—injects a modern perspective into classic tailoring. Paired thoughtfully with a crisp white blazer and sharp black trousers, a pastel cummerbund delivers a striking visual balance that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
As winter approaches, the atmospheric skies may remain stubbornly grey, but contemporary menswear collections make it abundantly clear that personal wardrobes do not have to follow suit. Heading deeper into the colder months, the prevailing directive is simple: rather than letting seasonal fatigue weigh down the spirit, wear the colours instead.
