Happy New Year! 2026 has arrived, and to start the year I figured it’d be fun to share four items on my wishlist. This year, I’m focusing on purchasing items I truly want instead of alternatives—quality over quantity, with an emphasis on more natural fibers. With this mindset, I want to be more deliberate about what earns a place in my wardrobe.
Eyewear, Reconsidered
Starting the list with eyewear, the Foygel sunglasses from MOSCOT. The brand has been crafting eyewear for over a century, with roots tracing back to 1899. I’ve had my eye on the Foygels for about a year now—specifically the black colorway paired with the Forest Wood tinted lens, which gives them a more elevated feel. Round sunglasses tend to complement my face shape best, and I currently own the Kaya sunglasses in black with a red lens from AKILA. While both share similar design qualities, the warmer wood-tinted lens of the Foygels feels more versatile, easily moving between casual and more refined looks.
A Watch for Myself
Next on my list is the Swatch Clearly Gent, a reissue of the original Swatch Jellyfish from 1983. Like the original, the Clearly Gent features a transparent case and dial with red, blue, and yellow hands paired with black indexes. It isn’t the kind of watch you notice on the wrist of a stranger in passing, and that’s exactly what draws me to it. I like the idea of wearing something that feels personal rather than recognizable — a watch that’s playful, understated, and worn more for my own enjoyment than for attention.
A Slimmer Silhouette
In terms of footwork, I have two on my list. The first is the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD in white. After searching for a slim, all-white sneaker to replace my Stan Smiths from Adidas, the Mexico 66 SD feels hard to overlook. From a design standpoint, they strike a nice balance between the Stan Smiths and Sambas — all leather like the Stan Smiths, with a toe box that subtly echoes the Samba
The Stan Smiths are a classic, but I’ve realized I prefer how slimmer silhouettes look on my feet. Now that I’m paying closer attention to proportion and what actually suits me, the Mexico 66 SD feels like a more intentional fit for my style.
Choosing a Direction
Lastly, I’d like to add a new pair of boots to my rotation this year. I never thought finding a pair of boots would be so overwhelming. There’s just so many options to choose from, but I’ve narrowed it down to a two pairs. The Camion Boots from Our Legacy in brown and The Square Toe Boots from 3sixteen in black.
I’m drawn to the minimal aesthetic of the Camion boots. They aren’t over the top — and that’s exactly the point. It’s simplicity done well. The brown calfskin upper looks smooth and substantial, the kind of leather that will patina beautifully over years of wear. What appeals to me most is that the boots won’t look the same five years from now as they do on day one. With time and proper care, they’ll earn their place in my rotation.
After months of searching for a black pair of boots, I came across the Black Calf Leather Square Toe Boots from 3sixteen. What drew me in was the design’s mix of eras — the square toe and side zip referencing 70s campus boots, combined with apron toe paneling often seen on 60s Beatle boots. I also appreciate the Goodyear welt construction, which means they can be resoled and worn for years. Compared to the Camion, the square toe feels slightly more assertive — a different direction, but one I’m curious to explore. The only issue? They’re constantly out of stock. Wish me luck on securing a pair.
I’d be thrilled to own both eventually, but this year, adding just one would be enough.
Final Thoughts
So that’s what’s on my wishlist for 2026. I won’t be heartbroken if I don’t get everything on this list — it’s a wishlist, not a set of essentials. What matters more is the mindset behind it. Each piece has been carefully chosen, not as an alternative or a placeholder, but as something I genuinely want. If I add any of these to my wardrobe this year, it’ll be because they’ve earned their place.