Paris Fashion Week S/S26 Menswear: Campus Trends Edition

Forget everything you thought you knew about high fashion being out of reach. Paris Fashion Week S/S26 Menswear just wrapped, and while the runways were filled with groundbreaking designs, the real news for college students is how they can totally get in on what’s next for campus life. We’re breaking down the freshest looks straight from Paris that will elevate your everyday wardrobe without breaking the bank. Here’s how.

 1. Romantic Nostalgia Meets Modern Tailoring

Jonathan Anderson at Dior brought a romantic twist with vests, high collars, baggy cargo shorts, and capes, think Austen-meets-Ivy League. There was a theatrical edge to the silhouettes, but also a softness that made them feel poetic and wearable.

Craig Green turned utilitarian garments into emotional statements by exaggerating structure, draping, and volume, transforming uniforms into sculptures.

🎓 College Style Tip: Pair an oversized button-up with fitted pants for balance. Layer a thrifted vest over a plain tee or shirt to add a vintage edge. It’s all about storytelling through what you wear, even if that story starts at the thrift store.

1. Men's Long-Sleeve Cotton Linen Button-Down Shirt

2. Slim-Fit Casual Stretch Chino Pant

3. Sweater Vest

4. White Pants Stretch

5. Polo Shirt

6. T-Shirt Pack

7. Cargo Pants

2. Quiet Luxury & Neutral Palette

Pharrell for Louis Vuitton delivered a refined "quiet luxury" vibe with tailored blazers, minimal logos, and earthy tones. The collection focused on quality fabrics, impeccable cuts, and subtle elegance rather than bold branding, a look that feels fresh and sophisticated.

🎓 College Style Tip: Invest in a solid beige or grey blazer, then pair it with neutral basics like chinos and clean sneakers. Focus on fabric texture and fit over visible labels. This is the go-to aesthetic for a presentation, internship fair, or when you want to elevate your day.

1. Men's Casual Sport Coat Jacket

2. Light Grey Pants

3. Dark Grey Pants

4. White T-Shirt

5. Adidas Shoes

   
   

   3. Utility & Streetwear Fusion

   Street-style blended soccer jerseys, cargo shorts, hiking boots, and technical vests paired with high-fashion accessories. The gorpcore movement is still going strong, but now looks more refined and fashion-conscious.

   🎓 College Style Tip: Combine a vintage soccer jersey or windbreaker with cargo pants or nylon shorts. Mix in high-low elements like a thrifted technical vest and a designer belt bag. This look is perfect for long campus days when you need comfort and edge.

   

   1. Adidas Tiro Nations Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

   2. Cargo Pants

   3. Shorts

   4. Adidas Black Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

   
   

   4. Elevated Athleisure

   Comfort met tailoring. Think hoodies under blazers, luxe track pants, and sporty accessories. Athleisure isn’t going anywhere, it’s just getting smarter. Designers embraced performance fabrics and soft textures without compromising polish.

   🎓 College Style Tip: Layer a soft hoodie with a denim or suit jacket, or wear joggers with a crisp tee and loafers. These combos blend comfort with a more put-together aesthetic, making them perfect for classroom-to-café transitions.

   

   1. Sweatpants

   2. Loafers

   3. Button Jacket

   4. Hoodie

   5. T-Shirt

   
   

   5. Formal is the New Casual

   Ties are back, but not like you remember. Loose around the neck, paired with relaxed tailoring, or worn with casual knits, the tie is becoming an unexpected off-duty accessory. Tailored pieces are being styled with sneakers, t-shirts, or even sandals for a look that blurs the line between smart and slouchy.

   
   

   

   
   

   1. Pleated Pants Wide Leg

   2. Blazer Jacket

   3. Oxford Shirt

   4. Trucker Jacket

   5. Button-Down Shirt

   6. Denim Pants

   7. Tie

6. High Necks & Scarves

Designers embraced high necklines and scarf layering to add dimension, warmth, and a bit of flair. Think of mock necks, wrapped scarves, or even layered hoods styled like accessories.

🎓 College Style Tip: Try a turtleneck under a jacket or layer a long scarf with a basic hoodie. It’s functional, stylish, and great for colder classrooms or chilly mornings.

1. Turtleneck Shirt

2. Shorts

3. Adidas Jacket

4. Chino Pants

5. Burgundy Jacket

6. Mustard T-Shirt

7. Scarf

7. Pajamas as Daywear

Pajama-inspired fashion continued to shine with silky, coordinated sets, relaxed trousers, and robe-like jackets. It’s a nod to comfort, but elevated with luxe materials and confident styling.

🎓 College Style Tip: Don’t just roll out of bed, look like you meant to. Match a satin PJ-style shirt with denim or wear a robe coat over basics. It’s cozy, comfortable, and very fashion-forward.

1. Navy Sleepwear Set

2. White Jeans Pants

3. Button-Down Shirt

4. Blue Jeans Pants

Budget-Friendly Fashion Hacks for Students

Adopting runway to real-life trends on a student budget is all about smart choices:

• Thrift and Consignment Stores: Your ultimate allies for unique, affordable finds.

• Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for student discounts and seasonal sales.

• Clothing Swaps: Organize a clothing swap with friends to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.

• Versatile Capsule Wardrobe: Focus on acquiring versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. A good pair of jeans, a few basic tees, a versatile jacket, and comfortable sneakers are your foundation.

Paris Fashion Week S/S26 Menswear proved that fashion is dynamic, expressive, and increasingly conscious. For college students, these trends offer a fantastic opportunity to experiment with personal style, embrace sustainability, and look effortlessly cool on campus and beyond. Don't be afraid to mix high-end inspiration with low-cost finds, and always remember that true style is about confidence and comfort in what you wear.

What’s your favorite PFW trend to try out this semester? If you want to look good without effort, download the Faxion AI app.