My Go To Playlist

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

So now for something completely different, music. Now, as with any millennial music is all around me and is a big part of my day to day life. I listen to it on my commutes to and from work and uni which takes a fair amount of my day. So here it is what my go to playlist consists of and how I make it.

So firstly one song that will always be on my playlist is Mr Brightside. This has been my favourite song for years and in over a decade since it was released my love for it has never wavered.

As well as this song I’ll normally have a strong base for my playlist with my other favourite songs by The Killers as well as some of my other favourite artists like Queen, arcade fire and Ed Sheeran. After all Bohemian Rhapsody is a must on any playlist.

Now I have a massively varied music taste so whilst that is normally the basis of most of my playlist it’s supplemented by any number of things.

Normally next I’ll add some of the best singalongs from my favourite musicals. Let’s be real people who doesn’t like a good singalong while in the car. Some of my faves include My Shot from Hamilton, anything from The Lion King – both the musical and the movie, hell even some mamma Mia can sneak in there. A recent edition is the soundtrack from A Star is Born. What an incredible soundtrack and pretty much all of it makes it onto my playlist at the moment.

The other main section of my playlist is more current hits. Songs from Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, Halsey, George Ezra and many of the other chart toppers make it here. Some of the songs are incredible in their compositions and lyrics so it is nice to continually expand your musical knowledge. Anything and everything could end up hear because sometimes it’s nice to just relax and listen to some catchy pop music and there is nothing wrong with that.

There we have it the basic structure of my standard playlist and the types of songs that I like to listen to.

10 Student Fashion Essentials

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Backpack – Now every student has a fair amount of things to carry. Whether that is notebooks and pens of laptops and macs a student needs something they can depend on to carry the essentials. Ideally there would also be room for books, chargers, headphones and even in some cases additional layers in case it gets colder than expected. On top of all of this a backpack also needs to be stylish. Whether it has a simple minimalist silhouette or a workwear vintage aesthetic a backpack is one of the most stylish accessories you can get. Practical too. I personally have a preference for a more vintage style backpack a la Herschel Supply company. I feel it gives outfits a timeless vintage appeal. Get one in a versatile colour and prepare for it to elevate any casual outfit.

Slim Black Jeans – Black Jeans are the perfect base for innumerable outfits. They are so versatile. Black jeans are the perfect base to wear with anything and can even be the backdrop for experimentation with colours and logo mania. By pairing such things with black jeans it prevents the colour from getting too much as the jeans help bring the outfit back down to earth. A pair of slim black jeans also have a definitive rock and roll vibe and Parisian Air.

Chelsea Boots – Simply a smart casual necessity. Chelsea Boots can go with everything and strike the perfect balance between formal and casual. They smarten a casual outfit whilst bringing casual vibes to formal outfits. They strike the perfect balance between formal and rock and roll. They suit a variety of colours however my preference is for sand suede or classic black leather. As a student this is probably the most formal shoe you actually need. It’s just a bonus it comes with such cool factor.

Minimal White trainers -…Speaking If versatile shoes that just ooze cool the white minimal trainer is something that everyone should have in their wardrobe. They just look great with everything. This is a student necessity as you can match them with almost anything and it will look good. That kind of versatility is essential when you have to do your own washing.. invest in a good pair and prepare for them to show your serious style chops.

Navy Chinos – This list is all about versatile items that can be elevated with clever little touches and interesting combinations. Navy Chinos are no different. As long as the cut of the chinos is great they are an incredibly stylish trouser to wear and look great with a variety of outfits. The chinos can elevate anything you pair them with and never fail to make the look more sophisticated and preppy.

Sweatshirt – Sometimes you just need something you can throw on before your 9am lecture. And seeing as you are on this blog you must be interested in making that item as stylish as possible. Enter the sweatshirt. This item is perfect to throw over any pair of chinos or jeans. A hooded version can indulge in logomania and bring a streetwear aesthetic to the outfit. Alternatively an ordinary sweatshirt in navy or grey looks incredibly preppy especially when paired with other traditionally preppy pieces such as chinos. No matter which you version prefer this is the perfect item to keep you warm and looking stylish no matter the time.

Denim Trucker Jacket – As a student it’s likely that your go to jacket will go through a lot. To put up with this it needs to be durable which makes denim the perfect candidate. Dodge flash in the pan trends by opting for a dark indigo colour. This will look surprisingly formal but the workwear nature of the denim will keep things balanced. The perfect denim jacket would look as at home with some light wash jeans and a tee as with more formal navy Chinos and shirt. This makes a denim trucker the perfect versatile jacket for a student. To make things even better it can be layered under an overcoat or trenchcoat in the winter for an interesting layering combo.

Raincoat – Now especially in the UK the weather isn’t exactly predictable and in Scotland it tends to rain..a lot. Therefore you need something that keeps you dry as well as stylish. A couple of the best coats for the job would be a retro inspired raincoat in a bright colour such as red or yellow or a classic trench coat. Either is very stylish, it just depends on your personal preference. The retro raincoat would add a splash of colour whereas the trenchcoat is just so iconic and adds a relaxed yet timeless elegance to the overall look.

Shirts – Everyone needs some good shirts even as a student time will come for a shirt , whether that be a nice meal out or a job interview. When the time comes make sure you stamp your own identity and style on it. Oxford button-down shirts are infallible and can go with anything. Go for a simple colour such as White or blue and it will seamlessly slot into your wardrobe and go with nearly anything. If you want to bring something more unique to the table opt for a grandad collar. This will add a Parisian Air to the outfit as it is one of the key building blocks of French style. However the rest of the outfit will need to add formality as the grandad collar is more casual than its button-down counterpart.

Colour-Block Tees – One of the most basic wardrobe essentials there is. However if the fit and material is right they can also be one of the most stylish. A simple white Tee tucked into some navy Chinos is a basic outfit but also looks incredible so long as the fit is perfect. A good T-shirt is the base of many a great outfit so find ones that fit great and get them in as many colours as you fancy. A couple of simple moves that can elevate your standard Tee include the tuck and the sleeve roll. Tucking the tee into the trousers streamlines the casual silhouette as well as providing separation between the top and bottom halves of the body which flatters most body shapes. Overall it gives the outfit a more continental feel. Similarly a sleeve roll means that the sleeves can be the exact length you want. It also emphasises the biceps flattering and making them appear bigger. This style hack also gives the outfit a retro feel as the sleeve roll was first used by people such as Marlon Brando and James Dean.

The 8 Shoes Every Guy Needs

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

If you have no other shoes at least make sure you have some of these.

1 – Black Chelsea Boots – One of the most versatile items of footwear around. Black Chelsea Boots can effortlessly pair with anything from casual to full on smart dress codes. This adaptability is only one benefit of these shoes however. They can also add a rock and roll vibe to any outfit due to the sheer cool factor they possess. As well as adding this cool factor they cut the perfect balance between smart and casual. Adding formality to the most casual of looks whilst also providing levity and contrast when worn with formal items.

2 – White Minimalist Sneakers – Since Common Projects brought the humble white trainer to the fore they have been a wardrobe must have. They are such a versatile item that looks incredible with anything and everything. They can make a suit more casual or add a sophisticated angle to the most casual of looks. The key is to get a pair made of luxurious materials with a solid construction. A good pair can mould to your feet and be one of the most comfortable shoes you can own. A plain white pair needs to be kept in excellent condition but as long as you do this it matches perfectly with anything from office wear to weekend outfits.

3 – Converse High Tops – Everyone needs a great pair of throwback sneakers in there closet so why not go back as far as sneakers go, converse high tops. Dating from the beginning of the 20th century the Converse All-Star is among the most iconic items of footwear of all time. They have now been updated to exist in multitudes of colourways and collaborations, notable the collaboration with Comme Des Garçons. The Shoes are incredibly versatile particularly in my preferred white colourway and provide an excellent retro touch to an outfit. After all a throwback to when times were simpler is never a bad thing.

4 – Winter Boots – Now as fun as it is to dress with practicality at the back of your mind eventually reality comes calling. It does that sadly often these days and when it does it’s best to be prepared with a pair of boots that are both stylish and practical. A brown of black lace up pair in leather with a thick sole would always be my ideal choice in winter. This would make them versatile and incredibly stylish. However this still gives you lots of room to play around and put your own stamp on things. A chunkier than normal sole or a shinier leather can alter this type of shoe to your own personal style. However you wish to work it a practical and stylish winter boot is a must- there’s nothing stylish about falling on your ass.

5 – Loafers – Moving swiftly away from the winter boot to the far daintier loafers. Now my personal favourite type of loafer is the horsebit loafer most commonly associated with Gucci. Now, their loafers are a thing of beauty a item that can be worn smart or casual and have true versatility – something of a theme on this list. A true loafer can be worn with anything from suits to shorts and even jeans and look damn good whilst doing it. Now if you are less of a fan of horsebits there are also penny and tassel loafers. These are less formal than the horsebit loafers and nearly as versatile with G.H Bass’s ‘weejuns’ another notable name in the loafers game. The penny loafers tend to be chunkier than the horsebits so bear that in mind when making your decision. As well as in summer loafers, in leather at least, can be worn very effectively in autumn and spring too. Wear them with a pair of socks if the temperature falls too low and watch them reinvigorate your outfits by giving them a fresh preppy spin.

6 – Casual Trainers – Now these are the real workhorses of your footwear collection. You know the shoes I mean, the versatile fallback shoes that could go with any casual outfit and can be thrown on for anything from a stylish outfit to walking round the city to wearing to uni. A shoe this important and likely to be worn this much needs to be comfortable and it needs to be any colour other than white. After all you should already own one box fresh pair of shoes and who wants the effort of that multiple times. A colour such as navy, blue, red or black is far better suited to the kind of mileage you’d be getting out of these shoes. Every company no matter how high end make shoes to fill this category but in my opinion the best would be a pair of Adidas Campuses or Vans Old Skool. Timeless silhouettes in a variety of colour ways so you can get exactly the colour you want. A shoe like this is a mans best friend. Not your favourite shoe in your wardrobe but the one your most attached to.

7 – Espadrilles – A far more stylish alternative to flip flops espadrilles are what you wear when you might need to leave the beach. Although traditionally just beach shoes espadrilles now have enough durability to venture beyond the sands. Perfect for a coaster city where you might be at the beach one minute then walking into shops and bars the next. They have a inherently casual vibe and yet look far more sophisticated than flip flops or slides. The perfect shoe for the summer.

8 – Black Derby’s – Sometimes work just gets in the way. However with a pair of black Derby’s you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from work to the weekend. This is a type of shoe that is perfectly suited to both work and off duty outfits and one pair can carry you from 9-5 to the club all in a day. A Derby is less stuffy than its cousin the Oxford shoe and thus works perfectly with denim, chino or suits and so should be your go to suit shoe due to its extra versatility. For more formal occasions you should reach for something more formal but in today’s climate the time for full formal dress is becoming rarer and rarer.

Here we have it the shoes you NEED to have in one form or another. As you may of noticed and because this is a relatively short list versatility is key with shoes. Almost all of these would work under a suit or under jeans and that is the beauty of it by having fewer shoes which can be worn with everything else in your wardrobe you will get more use out of them and keep your rotation and outfits looking fresh.

Winter Outfit #2

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Base Layers

White Jeans – playing around with peoples expectations is a thing I love to do. These are just as versatile as black jeans and yet subvert peoples expectations. You need to be careful wearing white jeans in winter but as long as you do this, white jeans are an excellent way to jazz up a winter outfit. The white jeans lend an air of the riveria to the ensemble and even evoke memory’s of Italian fashion weeks.

T-Shirt – A simple t shirt works well here. Find one with a killer fit and made of a soft pure Cotten. There are many options both affordable and not but on opposite ends of the spectrum my favourites are Uniqlo’s supima Cotten Tees and Sunspel’s Riveria Tee. In winter a tee is mostly just a base layer but in many outfits it can still display a style nous unknown to most. With this style I would recommend a plain white or black tee. This may seem unexciting but a well fitting tee just looks effortlessly stylish.

Mid-Layer

Rollneck – A Burgundy, Navy or Burnt Orange Rollneck jumper will add depth and a slight splash of colour to this look. Now although the rollneck adds colour I would recommend steering clear of brighter hues in favour of richer colours more suitable to winter. The white jeans have already added enough of a colour shock to the look so it is important not to overdo it by attempting to add brighter colours in this mid-layer. The Rollneck adds more interest to the layers than a conventional crewneck and will also give the look some more louche bohemian vibes that never fail fo enhance Sophistication.

Top-Layer

Leather Biker Jacket – Now on the outer layer it’s time to let out your inner Enfant Terriblé. The biker jacket adds a distinct masculine edge to the look as well as conjuring iconic imagery that can only be gained from one of the most famous menswear items of all time. Despite being an inherently casual item the leather jacket is incredibly versatile and combined with the rollneck and white jeans as well as the Chelsea boots (we’ll get to that) balances the look excellently between smart and casual. The ultimate statement piece.

Accessories

A black woven belt – Now a normal belt would work here but where’s the fun in that? Sub that in for a black woven alternative. This provides an extra element of texture and interest to the look. A belt also flatters by cinching the waist and providing a clear distinction between the upper and lower halves of the body. This kind of added touch is what really helps elevate an outfit.

Shoes

Chelsea Boots – A pair of black Chelsea boots expertly walk the tightrope between smart and casual and that is why they are perfect for this outfit. The whole outfit takes inherently casual items and through combinations of colour and context elevate them to a higher level. This is why the Chelsea boots are important to smarten the look further as well as giving it a stylish base. They look incredible with leather jackets as well as white jeans and this completes the outfit perfectly. Take this smart item and lean into the rocker vibes. Now that’s Parisian. Tres bon, oui?

Style Move

Tuck – Tuck the T-shirt Into the jeans to smarten the silhouette once the outer layers have been removed. This is a simple style hack that never fails to make the outfit look more pulled together as well as showcasing some serious style nous.

My Top Films of 2018

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

So changing it up a bit from the last few posts I’m going to touch upon my favourite movies of 2018. I actually work part time in a cinema so get plenty of opportunities to see the latest films. So here it is – my top ten films of what has been an incredible year for cinema (I should know I’ve had to deal with the crowds) 

1 – Avengers: Infinity War  – One of the biggest cinematic events in recent memory. The culmination of 10 years of build and hype. This was a movie I had a great personal investment in as I had followed the MCU closely and seen all of the films. I was not disappointed. This is a movie that contains SO much movie. There is so many soon to be iconic scenes crammed into its runtime and it does an incredible job of balancing a stacked cast. Not only that but it showcases an incredible nuanced character in Thanos brought to life by a sensational Josh Brolin performance. A movie that not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it. 

2 – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Now something you will soon come to realise about me is that I am a massive Harry Potter fan. This partially explains why such a controversial movie is so high up on my list. However while I admit it has flaws and is definitely just a stepping stone to other things this movie gets loads right. While many were shocked at the movies twists and turns and considered them against the existing cannon, my thoughts here are that the movie was written by JK Rowling! She is the final word when it comes to Harry Potter and I trust that she has a grand plan that fits into the existing story we all know and love. On top of that this movie has great performances. Jude Law as young Dumbledore was great. And Johnny Depp brought the dark charisma and grandiosity I’d always imagined from Grindelwald. The returning cast were all great yet again and I loved how much they crammed into the film. This all made this film in my own opinion pretty great. It was a breathless headfirst sprint into the unknown realms of the wizarding world. Which was what I loved about it. 

3 – A Star is Born – One of the hottest ‘Oscar’ films of the year and I can see why. The performances are all incredible as is the script and direction. There’s also that flawless soundtrack that rises and falls perfectly and makes full use of Lady Gagas’ incredible voice. Not to mention Bradley Coopers’ surprising singing ability. This all added to an inventive and devastating take on a classic tale that had me completely engrossed in these characters throughout. However it is not an easy watch and whilst holding up-to repeat viewing it is definitely not one for blue days. 

4 – Black Panther – A Cultural Phenomenon. This movie is so vibrant. The culture and places it depicts so otherworldly yet grounded firmly in reality. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before. It gave a unique aesthetic that was completely original and its references to cultures from all over the world captured the worlds imagination. On top of this vibrancy and culture the movie also boasted incredible performances with Micheal B. Jordan making Erik Kilmonger one of the most relatable villains in cinema history. His final line in the movie was instantly iconic. Chadwick Boseman was also fantastic. Another thing I loved about this movie was the shared imagery it had with the Lion King. Overall one of marvels strongest movies Kilmongers final utterance alone makes it worthy of this inclusion in this list. 

5 – Crazy Rich Asians  – Oh, would you look at that another cultural phenomenon. This was a movie that made me yearn for a trip to Singapore. Not only that but it was the single greatest rom-com I have seen in FOREVER. It had such humour and heart. Not to mention an incredibly stylish cast and surprisingly relatable considering the wealth on display. The chemistry between the cast is unreal and who didn’t love Henry Golding in the lead role. You know we all cried a little at the end. 

6 – Deadpool 2 – Now changing pace dramatically, this took everything great about the first Deadpool then made it even better. All that fun 4th wall breaking Ryan Reynolds Deadpool only this time with a rollercoaster story and excellent performances by the rest of the cast as well. Not only was it an excellent movie but also had some of the funniest movie moments all year, that baby legged basic instinct parody anyone? You even got a happy ending if you were patient enough to watch the mid credit seen. Whether that ending was Vanessa coming back to life of Ryan Reynolds being stopped from making Green Lantern is your call. 

7 – Blockers – Now this is one of the funniest original comedy’s I can remember. It is right up there with American Pie, Step Brothers and even The Hangover. Not only that but it was funny with a forward-thinking and intelligent twist on an established formula. On top of that for a comedy this has a surprising amount of heart and character to it with all the differing threads coming to a satisfying conclusion. Particular shoutout to John Cena’s sidesplitting performance. I’m not sure I have ever laughed so much in a cinema as I have at this movie and that’s enough for it to land a spot on that list in my book. 

8 – Incredibles 2 – The first Incredibles was one of my favourite movies growing up so I was slightly concerned when they announced a sequel so long after the original. Boy did they deliver. This surpassed even my greatest hopes and somehow managed to be a whip-smart commentary on the now booming superhero genre whilst also carrying the story to new heights. No doubt in my mind that this film surpasses the original. The whole switch between Mr Incredible and Elastigirl adds a whole new dynamic to the film that works both dramatically and comedically switching our expectations from the first movie. Despite my fears this was a rare sequel which surpasses its predecessor. 

9 – Ready Player One – Classic Spielberg. Only this time with ALL of the pop culture. This was a movie I knew little about going into it and I thought it was a blast. It’s just crammed full of references and nods to these incredible movies. This makes it such a great watch as each time you watch you’ll find something new. Added to that is all that classic Spielberg charm. Sure it’s a story that’s been told differently before but the way it’s told here is just different enough. This movie assumes we’ve seen all of those classic movies and so steers into that. The intelligence which this movie uses existing pop culture phenomena really blows my mind. Not to mention THAT Shining Sequence. 

10 – Bohemian Rhapsody – Now, I know. Anyone who knows anything about queen will know this is not a historically accurate film, but what biopic is? This movie had so many great moments set to some of the best songs ever and great performances to boot. Rami Malek transformed into Freddie Mercury and did the music icon justice. This film is a fun romp through Queen in all there pomp and there’s nothing wrong with that. Even if it stretches the truth occasionally it is just so fun and the music sequences are just incredible. Especially in the Cinema itself. That diagnosis followed by the live aid sequence certifies it’s place on the list without a doubt. 

Winter Outfit #1

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

So Guys, it’s that time of year again. You’ve got a good haul from Santa and now it’s time to turn the style up to 11. It may be bleak weather and the days may only last around 20 minutes but winter is an exciting time for style. Sure, everyone loves summer, but winter provides the opportunity to experiment with layers and hey – what stylish guy doesn’t love jackets?
Let’s start with the basics.

Base Layers

Black Jeans – The basis of many a sensational outfit and should be a top priority for any guy. Black jeans could be the basis for any outfit no matter how smart or casual it may be.

Plain Black Tee – A tee with a killer fit is hard to beat in my opinion. For this outfit opt for a black tee with a killer fit. If you need to delayer you’ll still maintain an edge due to the black with black nature of the jeans and tee.

Mid Layer

Breton striped jumper – This adds warmth as well as a chic Parisian air to the outfit. The horizontal stripes suit most and it adds an element of interest to the overall look. The classic Breton stripes suit most as well as adding an element of roguish charm to the overall look due to the Parisian associations. If you don’t take my word for it, trust one of the most stylish cities on earth.

Top-Layer

Black-double breasted overcoat – This acts as the perfect final piece of most winter outfits. You can invest in this and wear it over basically anything during the winter months. This gives the look an air of elegance and formalises the look preventing it from straying too far into casual territory. The right overcoat can elevate near enough any outfit and paired with the black jeans and the Breton jumper this completes the look and makes it the perfect combination of badass, stylish and wearable.

Shoes

Chunky Trainers – One of the biggest trends of the last few years. The Fila Disruptor II is the best way to do this, a retro shoe for the modern age. With the right pair you can nail the chunky trainer trend as well as adding a splash of colour that is most definitely needed in the winter months. An added bonus is how surprisingly practical these shoes are in winter.

Style Moves

Tuck – Tucking the T-shirt into the jeans gives the whole outfit an extra element of formality that elevates the whole thing. It smartens the whole silhouette as well as making the look even armer for winter. This is a simple style move that really shows some style nuance and helps you stand out from the crowd.

This outfit was inspired by the fashion of Paris and so brings a timeless French chic. However current trends are also met with the chunky trainers giving the outfit a perfect High-Low contrast between the timeless elegance of most of the outfit and the hyper modern chunky trainer trend.

My Style

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

So, having written a few posts now it’s come to my attention I haven’t really outlined my own personal style to you all. I have many influences ranging from all over the world but have attempted to narrow them down for the sake of ease. 

My main style inspirations come from Italian, French (particularly Parisian) and American style. I normally attempt to mix the nonchalance and elegance of the French and Italian with the edge and prep that comes from American style.

In the Autumn and Winter I tend to favour Parisian style full of dark denim and striped tops with Chelsea boots or minimalist sneakers both high and low tops. I take a lot of influence from the Heidi Slimane era of Saint Lauren which led to the creation of an edgier French style. You can never go wrong with slim black jeans paired with a trusty leather biker jacket. I keep a razor sharp attention to detail and try to subvert expectations with subtle touches such as a woven belt or tucked T-Shirt. Another favourite accessory is a scarf which can be used in so many different ways to contribute to outfits.  I attempt the effortlessness that stylish Parisians are famous for but I’m not afraid to have fun with colour even in the darker months. Key to my style is the integration of American staples such as denim and leather jackets as well as other preppy items such as sweatshirts and chinos into a more continental way of dressing. In the winter months I tend to do a lot of black and navy tonal dressing with perhaps another statement colour such as burgundy or moss green as an interesting contrast. And I’m not afraid to use the occasionally preppy logos to jump on the Logomania trend. 

In the warmer weather I attempt to give my looks a more Rivera inspired feel. I tend to bring lighter trousers, particularly white jeans into the fold. I have always been a fan of a tonal neutral outfit of whites,off-whites and beiges which is heavily influenced by the Italians. I’m not afraid to experiment with colours just to add further dimensions to my outfits and favour blues and reds most of all. As much as possible I would wear loafers or espadrilles because I feel they add an effortless elegance to outfits that other shoes do not. I am also a massive fan of the Cuban Collar shirt trend and vary from floral styles to plain colours. Similarly to winter I tuck my shirts and T-shirt’s during the summer and attempt to add texture and interest to my style where possible. I’m not afraid to steer into naval colour palates despite the cliches just because I feel they are so timeless. 

In transitional seasons i tend to focus on light jackets layered over T-Shirts or if it’s especially cold a light gauge jumper. I favour leather jackets or trucker jackets when dry and trench coats when raining. I favour trainers in these months of both the high and low tip variety. I try rotate block colours such as navy, white and black. Each look great with a wide variety of outfits. 

No matter the season I am a massive fan of Breton Tees and horizontal stripes in general. And I always like printed shirts particularly with a Cuban Collar. I normally attempt to use prints and patterns as another way to build and improve my outfits, it’s a trick that most people don’t think to use but if done right and with restraint can add so much to an outfit. Another of my key influences no matter the season is Alessandro Michelle’s Gucci. I appreciate the pomp, bombast and old school elegance of the brand and so try to utilise some of these traits in the way I dress no matter the season. 

I also attempt to integrate some of the more streetwear trends into my outfits inspired by New York. I wear trends like chunky Trainers frequently and although I’m not the biggest fan of joggers I always appreciate a little Logomania. 

There we have it I have tried to give as succinct a summery as I possibly could to my style but it’s almost impossible to do so. There are so many ever changing influences and trends that alter this or that which means giving a definite answer is foolhardy as I know things will change almost immediately. However the key influences I mentioned will always be the foundation to my outfits. 

That being said someone’s personal style is ever changing and developing so while I have my foundations I’m also excited for the potential of what is to come.

Winter Fashion Essentials

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

So guys! I’m going to cover what I think are my winter fashion essentials.

1. Boots – now these can vary in styles depending on what you personally fancy but a good pair of boots are essential for winter. Anything ranging from Chelsea to military or even chukka boots are on the table. Hell, more than one pair of boots is more than ideal. I personally recommend some Chelsea boots in black, or brown lace ups; both of which can be used for any setting from casual to smart.

2. Merino Wool or Cashmere jumper – now time for the really warm stuff. Investing in wool and cashmere is more than worth it when temperatures drop. Not only are they highly insulating but they also breath so you avoid getting too hot. Anything from plain block crewnecks to cosy and elegant turtlenecks. By buying a couple of styles to rotate you can create countless outfits that will keep you warm and stylish. A must here would be a navy crewneck just for versatility. However, don’t be afraid to mix up colours or even patterns. A Breton striped jumper is also tough to beat if you want to nail that Parisian nonchalance. Feel free to play around with style here.

3. Wool Coat – now I would split this into three main styles. A Peacoat, a double-breasted topcoat and a single-breasted topcoat. You need to shop around to see which of these suit you better. The key thing is that you make it a neutral or dark colour. My top picks would be camel, navy or black, but you can also experiment with checks which is a major trend this autumn winter. You can even experiment with statement colours or greys, however for versatility I would say that you are best sticking to a single or double-breasted topcoat in camel, navy or black. These work with smart wear or to elevate casual looks. Throw an overcoat over anything and it will not only look great but also smarten the look considerably.

4. Black Jeans – simply the most versatile trouser someone can own. Black jeans can be combined in innumerable ways, smart or casual, and can add an element of French chic to most outfits. A simple way to make any look more Parisian is to sub in a pair of black jeans to any outfit – even in place of smart trousers. The base colour makes these jeans an ideal base to be classic or to experiment. White tee and black jeans is of course classic but the black colour acts as a base to experiment with other colours and patterns. Invest in a good pair and wear them with everything.

5. Leather Jacket – now this is risky because there are many days in winter when wearing a leather jacket would be nothing short of foolhardy. However there is nothing better to wear on those crisp clear winter days. The leather jacket acts as the perfect statement piece to an outfit. I would always stay classic with a black biker jacket however in winter, if you have the funds, a shearling aviator style jacket would also make an excellent statement. The leather jacket just adds an element of cool that only one of the most timeless and iconic items of clothing could. You can sub one in to almost any outfit and it will give it an edge.

6. Chunky Trainers – a massive trend in recent years and one that continues to endure. A chunky trainer can add an entirely new aspect to an outfit. On top of that, the chunky silhouette is perfect for the winter; the large soles helping to keep the elements at bay. The soles also help give added traction which is a great bonus in icy weather. In a plain colour chunky trainers add texture and interest to classic looks. A pair of Fila Disruptor II in White for example can be worn instead of any other white trainer and completely changes the look to make it right on trend.

7. Minimalist Trainers – as much as trendy chunky silhouettes add interest to a look, sometimes a pair of luxe minimalist trainers just look so clean and contemporary. This is a style that will never age. In plain white, navy or black, a minimalist shoe will make smarter looks more casual and casual looks smarter as well as just adding a refinement to any outfit. They are a simple option that never fail to look excellent and can be the perfect final piece in many an outfit come winter or summer.

8. Overshirt – okay everyone, an overshirt is the most valuable layering tool a man can possess. It’s a versatile alternative to a jumper and can be slipped on as a mid layer on almost any outfit. Coming in materials such as wool, corduroy and cotton twill, an overshirt provides warmth and depth to the look. It acts as a perfect jacket on warmer days that can then be layered under another jacket when temperatures drop. By donning an overshirt, anyone can look like they have a profound understanding of layering when in fact it is the easiest trick in the book. You can feel free to experiment with colour and different materials here as a overshirt can act as a nice pop of colour and texture in many outfits; bright blue popping out of a mostly navy ensemble for example. By messing around with texture you also keep the look more interesting and visually appealing.

9. Scarf – used correctly a scarf can either give you that certain je ne sais quoi of a Parisian style god, or the adorable charm of a British rom-com protagonist. Another versatile accessory in the winter wardrobe, a scarf can be used in countless ways. The sheer variety of colours, textures and patterns available means there is something for everyone. The scarf can be used to compliment and blend in with the existing outfit, or a bombastic print or colour can be used to make the outfit POP! In addition to the scarf itself, the way it is tied also affects the style. Varying from a drape as seen in many a British rom-com, to the easy and versatile once-around, to the effortlessly cool Parisian knot. A scarf is a piece that anyone can use to stamp their identity on an outfit, and it is recommended as a starting point for experimentation to those just entering the world of fashion.

10. Statement Trousers – 2018 was the year of the trouser. Moving away from the standard jeans and chinos, an explosion of different styles occurred. So this winter, it’s time to move away from the standard duo of men’s trousers and experiment. Try a wool style or perhaps a pleated or high-waisted alternative. Don’t be afraid to mix in patterns and colours that you would never dream of. With a top half always covered in layers of (normally) dark colours, experiment a little with your trousers. Try any number of cuts, styles, shapes and patterns. Don’t be afraid to shop around to catch something you really fancy and would really make the whole outfit sing. If 2018 taught us anything it’s that trousers have never been more interesting, so continue this in 2019 by getting additional styles to match the more traditional options. A simple and relatively risk free way of attempting this is by opting for a slightly baggier leg or a black and white houndstooth print. These will go with everything else in your wardrobe whilst still bringing your trouser game bang up to trend.

11. Sweatshirt / Hoodie – sometimes you just want something stylish and easy that you can throw on in a hurry. An ideal winter sweatshirt whether hooded or not should be warm and go with nearly everything else in your wardrobe. Whether you want to go crazy with colour and channel Logomania or the laid back grey crewnecks of American preppy a sweatshirt or hoodie is the easiest style imaginable. Throw it over any pair of trousers and prepare for the easiest mid layer imaginable. A hoodie or sweatshirt can also be used to add a great high-low element to styles by mixing them with overcoats and leather jackets.

12. Trench Coat – My final winter essential is a trench coat. Now this has many of the benefits of an overcoat only with a thinner lighter construction and added waterproofing. It does pay for this benefits by loosing some of the warmth of a traditional overcoat however with a few layers added underneath this is hardly noticeable. One of the most iconic pieces of mens wear the trench coat dates back to WWI and hasn’t gone out of style since. I would recommend a double breasted beige style as this is the most timeless. This can then be adjusted for modern trends if desired by messing with the length and making the trench coat oversized. However you decide to style it the trench coat is a versatile and iconic bit of menswear and as long as you dong stray too far from the classic it will never go out of style.

Welcome

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Hey guys, welcome to my blog. This is the place where i discuss all that interests me. Mainly i’ll focus on fashion but i’ll touch on anything and everything that interests me such as movies, TV, travel and anything and everything in between.

So stay tuned…