Rewriting the Menswear Code
As a new wave of leading men emerges, Will Ashley, Josh Ford, and River Joseph redefine what it means to dress the part—on screen and beyond.
Published on Mar 12, 2026
Menswear has long functioned within a rigid system—defined by exact proportions, sharp tailoring, and age-old conventions.
At its very core, classic dressing is a discipline of precision. For decades, style rules have followed fixed formulas: the proper way to knot a tie, what constitutes a suit, and where buttons should fall on a shirt. The blueprint is simple and familiar—a sharp two-piece, a crisp button-down, tailoring executed with accuracy. Finishing touches typically rotate among neckties, bow ties, pocket squares, and suspenders.
Formality is deeply embedded in the language of traditional menswear. For purists, experimentation often feels limited within this territory. Today, however, with fashion increasingly democratized, wearers have greater freedom to style and interpret garments.
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This month’s edit is an invitation to loosen the rules of menswear.
Representing a new generation of young actors, Will Ashley, Josh Ford, and River Joseph bring a fresh perspective to getting dressed. In this Preview Original production, the stars of The Secrets of Hotel 88 front a menswear narrative that feels more open, expressive, and less confined by convention.
Introduce bolder hues and graphic motifs into your rotation, or wear shirts in less conventional ways. With these fresh-faced actors as muses, we present a guide to elevating your personal style using familiar wardrobe staples you probably already have.
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A Guide to the New Menswear Code
Skip the blazer
Blazers are a reliable shortcut to looking polished. But you can achieve the same refined look with relaxed outerwear already hanging in your closet.
The key is all in the fit. Shoulders should sit cleanly, and lengths must complement your proportions.
An oversized button-down, for instance, functions seamlessly as a layering piece. Worn over a more tailored shirt and fastened midway, it introduces structure without rigidity. Button the inner layer fully and add a tie for definition.
To elevate the composition, experiment with color and pattern. Build around complementary tones, then ground everything with neutrals for balance.
Try adding a knit cardigan into the mix. Layer it over a long-sleeved button-down and fasten it just below the undone collar.
Let the collar and cuffs peek through—plus points if the inner layer comes in a vibrant shade.
Swap out the classic tie
Go for casual suiting with a printed necktie, like this floral piece. Pair the pink pastels with a butter-yellow button-down, then match the brighter palette with a boxy grey check blazer.
Or maybe, skip the tie altogether and replace it with a scarf.
Start with a neutral base: a light blue button-down and grey trousers. Choose a playful print and drape it neatly beneath the collar.
To achieve the “scarf tie,” fold a square scarf into a long rectangle, then place it around your neck with one end longer than the other. Cross the longer side over the shorter, loop it underneath and around to form a knot.
A puzzle of colors and prints
Introduce blocks of color and pattern through a button-down.
Trade plain styles for something livelier and more expressive. Look for bases featuring stripes or tonal panels, then temper the visual energy with a sharply tailored blazer in a solid shade.
A Preview Original Production
Photographed by Jana Jodloman. Videos by Bea Felice Panganiban. Styling by Paulina Singh, assisted by Kevin Troy Paguntalan. Grooming by Aron Guevara (for Will), Hernan Soriano (for Josh), and Jericho Andrade (for River). Hairstyling by Chino Maniquiz (for Will), Hernan Soriano (for Josh), and RJ Dela Cruz (for River). Shoot assistants: Almarc Rico and George Tuliao. Special thanks to Star Creatives.
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with coffee in hand, and dressed in an oversized blazer with floor-grazing jeans.