Classics and Top Trends For Men’s Formal Wear In 2025

Men’s fashion is evolving in exciting ways as we move through 2025 and look ahead to 2026—especially when it comes to formalwear. While timeless styles still hold their ground, designers are breathing new life into classic silhouettes with modern cuts, innovative fabrics, and fresh details. The result? A refined yet comfortable approach to dressing up that blends tradition with trend.

To get a better understanding of what’s ahead, we sat down with Robert Brunelle, president of Main Street Formals in Acushnet, MA. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Robert is a respected authority in men’s fashion across the region. He shared his expert insights on the key trends, must-do style moves, and what men should avoid as they dress to impress in 2025–2026.

1. What are the top emerging trends in men’s formalwear for 2025–2026?

I’d say the biggest paradigm shift is that we’re seeing men accept that “beauty is painful,” a truth the ladies have know for years. To wit, they want a more refined, tailored silhouette, and they are willing to make sacrifices in comfort to look their best.

Suits

2. Which classic styles are still going strong—and what’s officially out?

We’re not quite seeing it that way. I attribute it to the internet and social media, ie, everyone finds their own “tribe.” As such we don’t see dominant trends as much as we see multiple trends evolve simultaneously. There is definitely a resurgence of black tie, which we emphatically support. We see a secondary trend of grooms who emphasize certain economic practicalities and buy suits to get the most value over time. And then we get the outliers who do their “barn suits” or rent vests to wear with jeans and cowboy boots, but the latter has sort of jumped the shark.

3. How important is tailoring, and what fit mistakes should men avoid?

That’s simple. We try to get mean to wear the smallest size they will allow us to put on them. Obviously they are they ultimate arbiter on what they get, but when it’s close to the body, it might “feel” uncomfortable but you will get more compliments and paradoxically “feel” better.

4. What are the biggest do’s and don’ts for dressing up in 2025–2026?

I have been recommending classic black tie for 30 years, and I’m not changing my advice anytime soon. If you’re not getting dressed up for your wedding, what exactly are you waiting for?

Groom2

5. How can men personalize their formal look without going overboard?

I am very sentimental, but to me, that’s more of an accessory question than a garment question. The ladies have “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Every now and then we have a groom come through with something like his grandfather’s watch or his dad’s cufflinks, and it, if you’ll pardon my slang, “hits me in the feels.” Sometimes they’ll ask us to see a scrap of an old handkerchief or such into their lining, but I’m an old softie, and the antique accessories always get me. 

Final thoughts:

As men’s formalwear continues to evolve in 2025 and beyond, one thing remains clear: style is becoming more personal, more intentional, and more expressive. From tailored silhouettes that demand confidence to sentimental touches that honor tradition, today’s formalwear strikes a balance between polish and personality.

Robert Brunelle’s insights remind us that dressing well isn’t just about following trends—it’s about understanding what fits, what flatters, and what tells your story. Whether you’re donning a timeless tux or adding a meaningful accessory passed down through generations, the key is to wear it with purpose, because when it comes to the biggest moments in life, showing up in style never goes out of fashion.