Modern Muse: Tom Ford’s monochrome ensemble
Wardrobe Counsel
This past March Tom Ford showcased their Fall/Winter 2026 collection by Haider Ackermann. With beginnings at his own design house in Paris 2003, the acclaimed designer moved on to be the first appointed creative director of Canada Goose and now Tom Ford. Know for fluid, effortless silhouettes and skilled textural tailoring, Ackermann’s designs have effortlessly found their place in the lookbooks of all of these brands.
This Tom Ford collection, however, offers what can only be described as the designer’s most casual, bare-bones looks. This is not to say that the looks are not still exquisitely tailored and visually opulent; it is simply a show of Ackermann’s ability to bend to meet a brand where they are. Ackermann seems to understand the blood of a brand on a molecular level, which we see in his guest couteriership for John Paul Gaultier in 2023. The collection pulled inspiration from the designer’s original archives seamlessly through Ackermann’s interpretation, and the same is seen through this collection for Tom Ford.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Puffer in Polished Black
In recreating a Tom Ford look, the glasses are essential. With popular styles like the Bronson and Whitney ruling many archival resale sites, for this look, the glasses have to be perfect. At $202, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Puffer glasses have the same thick, puffed frames as the Tom Ford piece, with black tinted lenses and are available in 18 different colorways.
Norma Kamali Oversized Single Breasted Jacket in Chocolate
There is truly no easy replacement to be found for the original Tom Ford overcoat. It’s entirely unique with a silk body and velvet lapels which create a beautiful and complex contrast. The best stand in that I have found is the Norma Kamali Oversized Single Breasted Jacket, which features a similar silhouette, color, and innovative look and is now on FWRD for $256.
The Frankie Shop Jun Blazer & Tansy Pleated Trousers in Chocolate
Whether you’re sourcing pieces for office wear or just channeling the Copenhagen aesthetic, The Frankie Shop has it all and is proudly POC founded. The Jun Blazer & Tansy Pleated Trousers share the same cut of the Tom Ford pieces and are structured yet relaxed just as Ackermann would want. For $325 and $199 respectfully, this suit can be worn together or separate and is sure to never go out of style.
Reformation Veya Silk Top in Magnetic
A perfect scoop-neck 100% silk alternative to the Tom Ford piece, the Veya Silk Top from Reformation comes in four core colors with two new seasonal releases. At $148 this piece can be worn in the summer while keeping you cool, or in the winter layered as we see it on the runway.
Kenneth Cole Perfect Embossed Patent Heel in Hot Coco
The Kenneth Cole Perfect Embossed Patent Heels have all of the ingredients of the Tom Ford shoe; stiletto heel, pointed toe, and the chocolate patent finish, while also featuring shock absorbing lining and memory foam to support the foot all day. Currently on preorder for $129, this 100% leather heel is the perfect walkable height at 2.7 inches and comes in four different colorways.
Essential
Tom Ford Silk Satin Robe in Brown + Black
For this particular look, I would identify the essential item in this ensemble as the overcoat. Truly unable to find a suitable alternative that checked even most of the boxes, this is a rare case where I believe the essential item to be the original Tom Ford Silk Satin Robe. At $7,290, it is quite an investment, but is unparalleled in its ability to morph from a house robe to a luxurious staple for this look.
