When you look at some of the most stylish men on your Instagram feed, it’s easy to forget that many of them aren’t doing the job on their own. They’ve got the help of a stylist—someone who knows where to get a trouser tailored, the difference between a shawl and a wing-collar jacket, or which brands and stores to make a beeline for in a wardrobe emergency. Which is where Rahul Vijay comes in. For the last decade, Mumbai-based Vijay has styled a roster of dapper men—Padmanabh Singh aka Pacho, Vedang Raina, Aditya Roy Kapur, the entire Shetty clan (from Suniel Shetty to son Ahan Shetty and even son-in-law KL Rahul)... The list goes on.
They come to him for his ability to put together an effortlessly stylish look that’s firmly in the grownup, ‘I’ve-got-my-shit-together’ territory. So, naturally, since it’s the start of the year and we’re still setting optimistic goals about the year ahead (I will make it to the gym tomorrow!), we asked him to share the key ingredients for a 2026 wardrobe refresher. The resulting picks are impactful, versatile, but also easy(ish) on the wallet, ranging from his high street favourites to luxury buys. Scroll below to see his picks:
Preppy is in and ties are back
One look at the spring/summer 2026 Dior or Louis Vuitton runways and it’s clear—the shirt-and-tie is back. But this time around, don’t approach it as a straitjacket to corporate style. Vijay’s easy 101 on choosing the right one? For starters: “Definitely don’t choose a skinny tie; that era is over. If you’re really confused, just remember preppy is so back! I love adding a bit of colour or texture with a self-stripe or a polka dot.” He recommends a classic Ralph Lauren style in the brand’s signature emerald-green and purple palette. His biggest pet peeve? “I hate when men don’t wear ties on the red carpet, especially with a double-breasted suit.”
We’re not going back to skinny trousers just yet
A great-fitting trouser can provide a solid foundation to any menswear look, but the key giveaway is not whether you prefer a roomy cargo fit or skinny denim; it’s where your trouser hem falls. Vijay recommends something between an 18- to 20-inch hemline that skims the top of your shoes just so. He says, “It works well with a heel as well as Oxfords or loafers—the multi-break on the hem is definitely the new way to go.” These trousers by Eudaemon, a Gurgaon-based menswear brand founded by a former Zegna business manager, sit high on the waist but are roomy on the hip and fall straight. “You want something that’s not too baggy or too tapered,” suggests Vijay.
A linen shirt for an Indian summer
It may be winter but some of us are still holding on to our hot-weather essentials. “I buy at least one white linen shirt each month,” reveals Vijay. His pick for us is Massimo Dutti: “It’s the best brand in this price range.” Apart from the ease of the fabric and fit (you could, maybe, sneak out without ironing a good linen shirt), this one gets bonus point from us for coming in icy blue—the cool shade that Pinterest has already predicted will be ultra hot in 2026.
Put a cap on it
Harry Styles loves them. So does Austin Butler. Donald Trump too. I’m talking about a good ol’ baseball cap. Whether you like yours to sit a little high and scruffy or prefer a trucker hat with the mesh panel at the back, putting a lid on it is an easy way to tame a rough hair day and also add a bit of instant cool. “I literally live in my caps even when I’m at home,” says Vijay. Naturally the big brands have also jumped on this streetwear-inflected trend. Want something appliquéd with the Celine logo on denim? How about a pure cashmere and leather version from Loro Piana. Vijay’s pick from Berluti comes with a leather visor and would look good either at Davos or men’s fashion week.
The perfect jacket does exist
A good leather jacket never goes out of style, but rather than picking up something off the rack, Vijay suggests supporting a homegrown brand instead. “This leather jacket by Countrymade was just photographed on Saif Ali Khan, and Adarsh Gourav wore it for the premiere of Aliens in London last year. Founder Sushant Abrol’s craftsmanship is on another level.”
