You couldn’t call it a boring year for menswear, could you? Looking back, it’s arguably been one of the most diverse, colourful and expressive spells we’ve had in a long time. Clothes became fun again. Menswear trends were chaotic and contradictory. People let go. Men got confident. Slim-fit minimalism found itself edged out.

What it all means for the average guy is this: options. More of them than we’ve had in a long, long time. This might just be the most exciting time men’s fashion has known, maybe ever. And in a year when all bets were off, these 5 best dressed men were there to show us how it’s done – leading trends, breaking rules, or keeping it classic, their message was the same: wear whatever the hell you want, and do it with a smile on your face.

1. Jake Gyllenhaal

Nobody has bridged the worlds of high fashion and everyday style better this year than Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s dabbled with trends (tie-dye, loose tailoring) and fallen back on classics (Harrington jackets, fisherman knits). Occasionally he’ll do something flashy, but more often he’ll abide by the fashion rules that govern everybody, not just Hollywood types with clever stylists. The colours suit him, the fits are always right and – importantly – he wears the clothes, they don’t wear him. As menswear gets braver and louder, that’s worth remembering.

2. Timothee Chalamet

His cherubic looks and his passionate acting along with his boundary-pushing approach to fashion make him our favorite style icon for 2022. Bejeweled holsters are an accessory many would be afraid to wear, but not Chalamet. Named a stylistic wizard by some, he can pull off some androgynous designed ensembles that would make some men cringe. Fearless on the red carpet, he seems to revel in the trickiest of fashion choices. His gift of “sartorial insouciance” has brought him the title of best-dressed man of 2022.

3. Brad Pitt

Although many others might be more fashionable and stylish than Brad Pitt, he has an unkept appeal about him that only he can pull off. One thing is sure, his good looks and his personality will always work in his favor. The man looks good in a plain t-shirt and jeans, his hats, as well as in a tailored suit. Rugged and masculine yet approachable and friendly make him a favorite on and off the screen. And let’s face it, his laid-back style is a look that he’s made his own.

4. Zyan Malik

Zayn, former band member of the same British boys band is also a familiar face during the fashion weeks. He showed up at the Louise Vuitton show in the perfect outfit, but also when he’s not in the spotlight he looks very chique in an effortless way.

5. Victor Cruz

The American Football player of the New York Giants is not only a very good player in the field, he shows up at the fashion weeks, red carpet events and he’s always looking fierce.

6. Chris Hemsworth

Our number 6 is the Australian action hero Thor. Chris Hemsworth knows how to play it cool when it comes to fashion, a very Australian laid-back style, but when it comes to red carpet events, he’s pulling it of in a very catchy and perfectly fitting suit.