Mens

My Favourite Clothing Brands Part 2

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Picking up where we left off…

Saint Laurent

A brand that oozes Parisian chic yet still maintains some edge. Ever since the brand was reinvented under Heidi Slimane it has gone from strength to strength. Meeting the perfect balance between bohemia and rock n’ roll, Saint Laurent is a master at what it does. It popularised the whole ‘skinny’ aesthetic and continues to do so to this day. Come here for the perfect meeting of French Opulence and a more modern edge.

Sandro

Another French brand. Shocking, when I attempt to dress Parisian most of the time. Sandro’s collections are just so wearable. They are one of the few major brands that produces clothes that you could wear with little difficulty in any setting no matter the dress code. This inherent wearability does not diminish the unique and stylish goods on offer however. A brand that manages to balance everyday wear with Parisian style is not to be missed.

COS

COS is a brand that has fully mastered Scandinavian minimalism. All clean lines and sleek colouring COS manages to keep things minimalist without making things to stark and boring. The odd splash of colour here and there help. As does the incredible attention to detail and fit. COS has some of the sleekest and simplest selections around and yet is never boring. As well as keeping things minimalist COS isn’t afraid to indulge in the odd trend led item such as wide leg trousers, chunky soled shoes and bomber jackets.

J.Crew

Now hopping across the pond to masters of American prep. J.Crew is a one stop shop for anything and everything preppy. From pastel coloured shorts and trousers to excellent oxford shirts and cable knit jumpers. If it’s preppy J.Crew sells it. As well as stocking some of the best chinos around, all of J.Crews offerings are great. Having great range from trending Cuban Collar shirts to everyday basics J.Crew is a must for your wardrobe.

Ralph Lauren

Another prep king. Ralph Lauren rejuvenated the American fashion game with his eponymous brand. Having multiple differing lines at various price points helps Ralph Lauren to have mastery at every level of the fashion game. The range from exquisite tailoring to your basic tee is staggering and the brand pulls all of this off with aplomb. Ralph Lauren is of course famed for its oxford shirts and these are among the best in the game, excellent fit and impeccable quality. Don’t sleep on the Polo shirts either, particularly the soft touch variety

My Favourite Clothing Brands Part 1

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Now as a man of very varied style this could consist of any number of brands, but I will try to narrow it down to my absolute favourites. This article may also consist of brands I own very little of, however if it is a brand that consistently puts out clothes, I would love to wear it has warranted an inclusion on this article. There is a great variation in price of these brands, and I will keep it narrowed down to 10 for the sake of conciseness.

Gucci

Gucci is mental and for that I love it. A brand that is truly luxury fashion, Gucci has mastery of everything from footwear and accessories to clothing. Gucci clothes possess qualities which are both timeless and bang on trend. My favourite items by the Italian Giant are its classics which have been reinvented under Alessandro Michele, think Jordaan loafers and applique shirts. A brand that masterfully combines opulence with ease of wear.

AMI

Again a brand I have a great affinity towards. AMI is what I imagine every fashionable Parisian wearing. Their items are just so wearable and yet unique. It is one of the few brands I would look at and want to buy almost everything they sell. The brand does classic Parisian but with a modern twist.

Uniqlo

My undisputed king of basics. For everything from chinos to white tees to socks Uniqlo is my first point of call. Everything is just so well made and yet so affordable. The supima cotton tees feel better than tees that cost twice as much. Uniqlo also isn’t afraid to delve into more experimental clothing through its various collaborations. Chief among which Uniqlo U. A timeless and cool capsule collection created twice a year by the former head honcho of Hermes, Christophe LeMaitre.

Allsaints

A one stop shop for Rock n’ Roll cool. Allsaints is a brand that knows what it wants to do and does it very, very well. The showpiece is of course the incredible leather jackets. In beautifully soft leather and a variety of great styles they are among the best you can buy for a reasonable price. Allsaints also does many other great items of outerwear and the winter overcoats they offer are also fantastic. Add to this some great printed Cuban collar shirt for the summer and you have great offerings for every season.

Levi’s

The original jean and still one of my favourites. Levi’s have been doing there thing for over a hundred years and have managed to stay relevant in that time. Making the successful leap from workwear to fashion Levi’s have gone from strength to strength. They offer an incredible variety of jeans in a variety of fits and their 511’s are among my favourite jeans. A ridiculous number of washes and the perfect cut. To supplement their jeans Levi’s also make the original and one of the best trucker jackets and the rest of their offering is not to be sniffed at. A retro logo helps bring in some sportswear vibes. However, the real showpiece is Levi’s denim.

My Modern Day Celebrity Style Icons

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As someone interested in the fashion world I have numerous celebrity icons and influencers that have a great impact on the way I dress. There are innumerable fashionable celebrities. However I will try and narrow down to 5 key choices who influence the way I dress in the most fundamental ways. They each have various impacts on the way I dress and aim to dress.

1. Timothee Chalamet – Probably the least known name on this list Timothee Chalamet burst on to the scene due to his performance in Call Me By Your Name. Both in the film and in real life Chalamet has serious style nous. In the movie he boasted some serious preppy and riviera inspired outfits. In real life he tends to go more flamboyant. One of the best at integrating high fashion onto the red carpet Chalamet is not scared to experiment. Even with more out there trends such as a body harness. His printed suits are a particular highlight of mine.

2. Harry Styles – Now Harry Styles has gone through one hell of a style evolution since his boy band days but then haven’t we all? Bringing back the flamboyant rock star looks of old Harry Styles is channeling the best aspects of the Rock and Roll scene of the late 20th century. His Gucci campaigns are further proof of this. He’s not scared to experiment with what he wears and it is always bright and flamboyant and often anchored with Chelsea boots – never a bad thing. His brightly coloured suits combined with a envious head of hair are making his best looks

3. Rami Malek – Another relative nobody until his star making turn as Freddie Mercury. Malek excels at sharp red carpet looks and smart casual off-duty ensembles. With both it’s his attention to detail that really works. A subtle printed shirt for instance. Malek also expertly combines smart and casual items for effortless high-low combinations. His outerwear game was exceptional this past winter. As is his ability to elevate the seemingly mundane item to something that makes a statement. His combinations of printed shirts and suits are among my favourite of his looks.

4. Donald Glover – Now a true Renaissance man. Donald Glover has managed to pull of domination of the music, film and television worlds. No mean feat. Almost everything Glover wears is newsworthy and nobody wears Gucci loafers quite like him. Glover just excels and looking excellent. Whether that be on the red carpet with statement red tailoring or in the casual sphere with a V-neck jumper Glover is able to capture attention. He utilises prints and colour to a mind boggling extent and is always pushing boundaries. His use of print and colour in particular is how he really catches attention nothing is ever too simple it’s either in a bright colour or sharp print and this is to his credit. His off duty outfits always look incredible – simple and yet boundary pushing and truly copyable.

5. Micheal B Jordan – Jordan is a man of incredible acting talent and eclectic style. A true chameleon, Jordan floats between high-end sportswear and luxe suede bomber jackets to impeccable and youthful evening-wear. It’s his versatility that is truly astounding. He is able to walk the red carpet in true eye catching yet elegant style and then the next morning effortlessly pulling off a casual look. Often his casual looks come with a twist such as a luxe sneaker or statement piece of outerwear which only serve to elevate them. It is this ability to pull off anything and everything that really sets Jordan apart. His casual outfits with statement items such as luxe outerwear or sneakers are outrageously good and deserve all the credit they receive and more.

Winter Outfit #4

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Base Layers

Pleated Cropped Wide Leg Trousers – Now trousers such as these are trending hard at the moment. This is one hell of a way to sidestep the crowds of chinos and Jeans wearers and add a unique element to the outfit. Trousers such as these also sit higher on the waist elongating your legs and creating a flattering silhouette to every body type. These are just as versatile as your favourite pair of jeans, they just add a high fashion slant to your outfit.

Cuban Collar Shirt – Continue to lean into the mid century feel of the outfit with a Cuban Collar shirt. Either a plain or printed example will keep the retro feel of the outfit whilst also leaning hard on current trends. The printed shirt also adds a vibrancy to the ensemble and gives things a splash of colour. If your bold enough I would always go printed with the shirt as part of this outfit. It modernises the ensemble whilst giving just enough of a retro feel. A look favoured by the fashionable 50 years ago that endures to this day.

Mid Layer

Overshirt – Now this is winter after all and whilst nodding to summer is all well and good we do need to get practical. A navy coloured overshirt will help ground the potential vibrancy of the printed shirt. Even if the shirt is a plain colour this will still add some texture. The overshirt also provides the opportunity to show some serious layering skills providing an extra element of interest and extreme versatility.

Top Layer

Leather Biker Jacket – Keep walking the line between mid-century and modern with a leather biker jacket. The whole point of this outfit is to modernise the classic and nothing symbolises that more than a leather biker jacket. Having been in style since the 70s this is an item that personifies timeless. Furthermore the combination of this and a printed shirt will also bring a rock and roll style to the outfit and keeps things from getting too formal.

Accessories

Black Woven Belt – This adds texture to your waist which is even more important when you wear high waisted trousers. This texture just creates further interest to an already multidimensional outfit.

Footwear

Luxury High Tops – Now any high tops look excellent with a pair of cropped trousers but a luxurious pair in something like suede will just take this outfit to another level. The suede would bring a new texture to the look and just gives off a luxurious and stylish vibe. Suede needs to be protected of course but it is worth it because nothing quite matches suede for luxury. When paired with the cropped trousers these statement shoes are allowed to be on full show and elevate the outfit.

Style Move

Tuck – With high waisted trousers it is normally better to tuck whatever top you are wearing into the trousers. This keeps the outfit looking timeless and streamlines it. Tucking your shirt also keeps the outfit looking sharp. It also helps you keep a sophisticated style that helps set you apart from the crowd. After all this is a move favoured by the likes of Virgil Abloh and who can argue with him?

What to Wear to a Club #2

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Picking up from where the previous post left off here is a slightly more formal outfit to suit clubs with a more sophisticated dress code.

Outfit 2

Navy pinstripe trousers – Now Pinstripes have a dual effect. They make the look even more formal as well as adding an extra layer of interest to the outfit and breaking up the monochrome with an interesting pattern.

Grandad collar shirt – Now the lack of a collar on this shirt prevents the outfit from straying too far into formality- this is a night club after all and nobody wants to be the guy wearing a suit in a nightclub. The grandad collar on the shirt also lends the outfit a Parisian je ne sais quois which is never a bad thing. The shirt also leans into the ‘Peaky Blinders’ trend that is hot right now. Hitting timeless and trendy with a single item now that’s the way forward.

Black Chelsea Boots – Now If your club allows trainers then I would always recommend wearing some. They provide greater freedom and breathability. However not every club does so when in doubt reach for the black Chelsea boots. Effortlessly balancing along the smart and casual divide this is the shoe you should always reach for when unsure of dress codes. The as well as being a smart casual master the Chelsea boot lends a rock vibe to the outfit and when your trying to maximise your style comparisons to rock gods are never bad.

Burgundy Blousen – Now brighten things up slightly with a burgundy colour blousen. It contrasts nicely with the navy hues of the rest of the outfit and brightens up the whole ensemble. Keeping it to a muted burgundy also steers into the evening wear vibes of the rest of the outfit. It’s an elegant way to add colour to the outfit.

What to Wear to a Club

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Now this is a question that anyone of a certain age will have and it has a difficult answer. Many clubs have different dress codes and vary greatly but here I’m going to focus on two main outfits that should be applicable to most clubs. The first outfit I’ll discuss now and the second outfit will follow in a later post.

Outfit #1

Navy Trousers – Now Jeans are great but in these modern times don’t be afraid to mix things up a little bit. Some Navy trousers give you sharp styling whilst also giving you some extra breathability in comparison to jeans.

Navy T-Shirt – Now The look we’re going for here is monochrome Navy. This is a look that will be simple and minimalist yet elegant. However you don’t want to make things to formal – this is a nightclub after all. So keep things buttoned down with a T-Shirt. This also keeps your temperature well regulated. A well cut Tee will walk the tightrope between to casual and too formal and leave you with an excellent look. The fact that it is navy is also important as it is a colour well associated with evening wear.

Dark Coloured Trainers – Now not all clubs allow trainers (we will get to that later) but for ones that do these are perfect. A dark colour such as navy or black in a variety of materials looks great. You can even have some white trim so long as you protect and clean them properly. Just don’t wear anything too precious..all clubs contain drunk people likely to spill there drinks. I like a pair of two-tone blue Vans Old Skools which still look great even when a ltitle beaten up. If your go to club is a little more high-brow. Then perhaps a navy leather would suit you best some white trim or a contrast sole would help contrast the monochrome.

Navy Woven belt – Now it’s always important in a monochromatic look to give the look some interesting texture. Now the belt will keep things grounded with the monochrome colour scheme but will add an interesting texture to the outfit.

Light Wash Trucker – Now this adds some variety and really elevates the monochrome. By adding a single colourful item of clothing to the outfit it changes it completely. The denim also brings a more casual edge to the outfit. As well as this light wash denim is bang on trend and is an item of clothing that is both timeless and rugged. It can really take a beating and still look great.

I’ll post Outfit 2 soon. It is aimed for clubs a little more formal than outfit 1 but would not cover anything requiring an very formal dress code.

Winter Outfit #3

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

Base Layers

Navy Pleated Pinstripe Trousers – Now 2018 was the year of the trouser and 2019 will be no different. Grab a statement pair of trousers like a pinstripe pair with pleats and not only cash in on the trend for pleats and for pinstripes but also set yourself apart from the crowd of chino and jeans wearers. These will remain easy to pair with many an item and even provide the opportunity for pattern mixing which whilst difficult looks incredible when pulled off. This is an easy statement piece that is endlessly easy to wear.

Long-Sleeve Breton top – Now a very continental style move is to miss out layers. This is a little detail that adds a certain cavalier attitude to the outfit and an almost too cool to care roguishness. However because of this you must make up for the missed layers by adding interest to the look in other ways. In this case Breton stripes. Not only will this compliment the pinstripe trousers but this is also an excellent and eye catching piece in its own right. The stripes elevate this above a normal tee by adding that extra playful level of interest.

Top-Layer

Double-breasted Black Wool top Coat – Now an overcoat is a bonafide winter essential but by placing it directly over a tee you maintain enough warmth for many winter days whilst also subverting expectations in the most stylish of ways. Cut right this coat will elevate the whole outfit and sit just flush over the top pulling the entire look together. The overcoat brings an added smart element to the look and pairs perfectly with the other items. Additionally it provides a more grounded backdrop for all the patterns on the other aspects of the outfit.

Accessories

Scarf – I feel my thoughts on scarves in winter are clear by now and although they shouldn’t be part of every outfit they can be an incredible tool in elevating one. Worn properly a scarf adds a certain je ne sais qouis to an outfit. The Parisians are known for there style nous and they live in one type of scarf or another so if you don’t take my word for it take theirs. For this outfit I prefer a light grey scarf it adds an additional element of contrast to the look. I would tie the scarf in a Parisian knot which plays into the Parisian vibes given by the breton top.

Shoes

Hi-Top Sneakers – My preference here would be a pair of white or off-white converse. If you could grab a pair from the limited Comme de Garcon collaboration all the better. These casual shoes help provide a contrast with the business like pinstripes present in the trousers and helps prevent an outfit that could skew too formal from looking too stuffy. It also adds some personality through the use of one of the most iconic shoes ever. I mean who wants to be boring?

Style Moves

Tuck – Tucking the Long-Sleeve T-shirt in this outfit streamlines and formalises the silhouette. This plays into the pinstripe trousers in adding formality to the look. This also provides a clear contrast between the lower and upper halves of the look. The shirt tuck is a little detail that really elevates the whole outfit and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Missing Layers – By simply layering a long-sleeve tee underneath the overcoat and missing out a mid layer an air of nonchalance is added. This styling move makes it look like you dress this well effortlessly. This simple move helps give the look a rebellious, too cool to care feel. A feeling you can share with some of the most stylish men in history. After all what fashion icon ever played by the rules.

10 Student Fashion Essentials

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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.

My Style

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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.