Men’s Fashion Revives Yuppie Gray Suits with Modern Flair

Fashion enthusiasts are witnessing a notable resurgence of gray suits among male celebrities, echoing the iconic yuppie style of the 1980s. This revival is characterized by tailored silhouettes, three-piece suits, and statement accessories, as seen in recent collections from renowned designers such as Giorgio Armani, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. This trend not only reflects a shift in men’s fashion but also hints at the influence of upcoming media portrayals, particularly the much-anticipated series featuring John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

In mid-January 2024, actor Hudson Williams showcased a striking gray suit from Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection. Transitioning from casual sportswear, Williams donned a wool-blend jacket paired with relaxed slouchy trousers, accompanied by a matching gray tie over a crisp white shirt. His ensemble blended elements from different eras, evoking a mix of 1920s gangster charm and 1990s heartthrob appeal, further complemented by a sharp black coat and distinctive oval sepia glasses.

Shortly after, Austin Butler made headlines in Paris, embodying a modern-day Elvis Presley in a deep slate gray, double-breasted suit from Saint Laurent. His look featured a dramatic V-neck blazer with an unbuttoned white shirt, paired with a sleek black coat and polished black dress shoes. Butler’s tousled hair and layered jewelry added a personal touch, establishing him as a style icon of the current generation.

The trend seems to gain momentum, with Jacob Elordi also making a statement at the London premiere of “Wuthering Heights.” He opted for a contemporary take on Edwardian suiting, wearing high-waisted trousers and a long coat in a cement gray hue. His outfit, styled with a smooth cotton button-up and a darker leather tie, highlighted the classic with a modern twist, showcasing the influence of Bottega Veneta. Elordi’s messy mullet and diamond stud earrings provided a youthful flair to the otherwise traditional look.

Not to be overlooked, Bad Bunny embraced the gray suit trend with his unique maximalist approach. Ahead of his Super Bowl LX halftime performance, the acclaimed artist arrived in San Francisco sporting a loose pinstripe gray suit, paired with a white collared shirt and an oversized shearling coat in a shimmering gray. His unreleased Adidas BadBo 1.0 sneakers, alongside black shades and a playful ribbed gray beanie, transformed the sophisticated aesthetic into something distinctly his own, bridging yuppie style with Puerto Rican cultural elements.

As these fashion-forward figures continue to redefine gray suits, the blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair suggests that this revival may have lasting power. The resurgence in tailored clothing highlights a broader trend where nostalgia for past styles is reshaping modern menswear, captivating audiences and inspiring future collections.