Shoes | That Stylish Guy

Trend Alert! You need an Oversized Jumper.

Posted on October 15, 2020 by thatstylishguy1

Now this isn’t exactly news. Oversized…well everything has been in vogue for several years now…trousers, tees, shoes you name if you should wear it oversized. This however is a little different. The limited social interactions of 2020 has been terrible for more reasons than I or any other could count but if there is one benefit it’s that nobody can judge what you wear. Whilst this has undoubtably led to some nightmare outfits and purchases it has also allowed us more freedom for self expression. Not everyone after all possesses my own mixture of arrogance and ignorance which allows me to wear what I want when I want with little fear (or knowledge) of judgement from my cohorts. This self expression is a wonderful thing and has got so many people hooked on the fashion bug. So now is the perfect time to size up! Proportion is just as fun to mess with as pattern (see earlier post on shifting) and way easier to do correctly. Not only that but doesn’t it just seem right that as the cold weather approaches in 2020 of all years that we swaddle ourselves in far more cosy fabric than necessary? I’d say so and so should you. No prying eyes to judge you here and boy is it cosy on the oversized side.

So come on over to the cosy side…you know you want to.

Winter Style Essential :- The Camel Coat

Posted on November 25, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

A quick-fire guide on a winter essential.

Camel Coats are great. They are incredibly stylish yet also very practical. So let’s start with the boring stuff first. Wool (of which most camel coats are made) is an incredible fabric, it is hard wearing, absorbs water and is incredibly cosy to boot. Therefore when looking for a camel coat you should find one that is mostly or entirely made of wool, if you can afford cashmere (although if you can you probably have too much money to be reading this) then that can be even better though less durable.

Now that that is out of the way it’s time for the fun stuff. What is one item that goes with everything from joggers to a suit? A Camel Coat. What looks effortless and chic whilst also giving off Italian and Parisian vibes? A Camel Coat. Not only does a Camel Coat do all of these glorious things but it also adds colour to what can often be a drab and dark time of year. Similarly the coat just looks a bit more unique than the many navy coats out there. Whilst it works with almost everything as I said if you really want to channel your inner stylish Parisian wear your coat with an all-black ensemble. If you lean more Italian in the style stakes just sub in some white jeans and similar neutral colours. It really is that easy.

Now what are you waiting for? Go forth and buy extremely chic coats.

Winter Style Essential :- Black Commando Sole Boots

Posted on October 20, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

A guide to the trending and practical footwear essential.

What if I told you there was a way to be sensible with your footwear choices and yet still wear one of AW19/20’s biggest menswear trends? You’d call me crazy? Well I must be crazy because a Black Commando Sole Boot is exactly that. It is sturdy and practical in design with the elevated sole making it perfect for winter conditions. Not only that but it was also present on runways from Prada and Botega Veneta to Fendi and Paul Smith. If that isn’t illustrious company I don’t know what is. Black Boots aren’t just trending now though, they are timeless as well. They have been stylish ever since the likes of James Dean, Marlon Brando and Steve McQueen became some of the first icons of rebellious fashion, showing how style could be ultimately very cool. Since then Black Boots have been adopted by the stylish everywhere from Parisians to Rockstars.

Find boots made out of high quality materials and a good construction and you are all set. The practical and trendy boot for the upcoming winter. Which is also versatile as hell, these bad boys can be worn with pretty much anything including a suit but look especially good leaning into the rocker vibes with slim black jeans.

After all if it’s good enough for Prada it’s good enough for us too. Right guys?

The Importance of Accessorising

Posted on August 5, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

Leather Jacket, Chelsea Boots, Black Jeans and a White Tee. That sounds like a great outfit right? It is, however there comes a time where classic starts to become a little boring. That time is when accessories come into play. Jewellery, Watches, Belts and Shoes. These can all be used to add personality to your outfits. They let you stamp anything you wear with a little more you, adding a necklace to the above outfit or a belt by your favourite brand keeps things classic but with just enough of a twist to keep things from getting stale. Accessories can be used to add just a little more je ne sais quoi to your outfits and elevate them from classic to fantastic. They add personality and interest and they even make it seem like you have put in more effort then you have. Tucking a t-shirt into a pair of trousers to show off a belt just makes things look more considered. Similarly it is the little variations in shoes that separate them. A flash of colour here, an unusual silhouette there. These are all things that allow you to keep your outfit measured and classic just with more personality.

This is why accessories are important even for a fashion novice. They let you play it safe with the rest of your outfit and yet still stand out and look just a little more interesting than your average joe.

So, people, get on out there and accessorise.

Spring Outfit #4

Posted on May 16, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

Colour Block

Colour blocking is here in a big way for SS19 here is an easy way to match the trend.

Base Layers

White Jeans – A spring and summer essential the white jean has evolved from a hooray associate into a stylish staple. They just as easy to wear as black jeans only with added flair and this makes them an ideal basis to an outfit. Endlessly versatile. Endlessly stylish. Get some in a slim fit for the easy riviera vibes.

Simple Tee – Now this is the part that can be debated. Everyone has their own favourite T-shirt brand and style. I would personally recommend Uniqlo on the high street and Sunspel if you want to take things upmarket. The key here is getting a T-shirt that fits you perfectly and picking any colour you like. Navy, Red, Orange as long as you keep them simple and pick a colour that doesn’t wash you out feel free to go crazy. Just make sure to pay attention to fit. Whether you want a classic style or hyper modern slim fit make sure you get one that is just right. After all the sky is the limit.

Outerlayer

Chore Coat – A complementing Chore coat is the perfect accompanying jacket to wear with this outfit. It suits the colourful theme and is a style that is trending hugely at the moment. The key here is to go for a colour the compliments the tee you are wearing. For example if you are wearing a light blue tee opt for a jacket a few shades darker or vice versa. This keeps the colours flowing and makes the outfit seem more harmonious. Not to mention all those pockets will come in useful. For a bit more of a swerve wear a darker tee with a lighter chore coat.

Footwear

Complimenting Trainers – Now the best way of matching this to the outfit is to opt for a pair of shoes in a similar colour to either your jacket or your tee. This keeps the outfit colourful amidst the white canvas (literally) of the Jeans. Once the colour is just about matched you can vary it up with style. Anything from cutting edge chunky sneakers and sneaker socks to retro vans and Adidas feel free to express yourself.

Accessories

Black Woven Belt – This brings more summer vibes as well as an additional texture to the outfit. It’s simple laidback accessorising that helps elevate the outfit.

Style Move

Shirt Tuck – This streamlines the silhouette whilst also keeping it perfectly balanced between smart and casual. Giving it a perfect blend of retro and trending. After all of its good enough for Virgil Abloh it’s good enough for us.

Sockless – Wear no-show socks to expose some ‘mankle’ and give the look a summery vibe. This exposure of skin goes a long way to making the outfit seem sharp and contemporary as well as letting you lean into that Spring/Summer fun.

Spring Outfit #3

Posted on April 17, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

Tonal Blue

Tonal dressing is a massively stylish move to utilise. It makes any outfit look pulled together and interesting. Also despite it being monochrome it also shows a great amount of originality and personality. The key with tonal dressing is to mix textures and colours whilst maintaining an overall theme of one colour. Like this example with blue.

Base Layers

Blue chinos – Now I think the perfect base for this would be some light or pastel blue chinos. Most people would say you should go darker with your trousers than your top so this subverts that. Keeping things light down below also nods to the fact that this is an outfit with the warmer climbs of spring and summer in mind. The light colour nods to the current trend for pastels in SS19 and going for a chino makes it a perfectly versatile balance between smart and casual. Seeing as it is spring you can either opt for a cropped pair or give the trousers some turn ups.

Navy Polo Shirt – Another preppy staple and smart-casual master – the polo shirt. There can be a fair amount of options here. You can go for a standard polo or mix it up with a retro inspired open collar polo which is what I would recommend. Further more you can keep things plain or experiment with a pattern. For tonal dressing additional pops of colour are always good so I would recommend opting for one with white trim. Overall a knitted polo shirt with a base colour of navy and white trim or stripes is the most stylish option here.

Outer Layers

Light Wash Denim Jacket – Introducing an additional colour and texture to the outfit as well as a casual air. This prevents the outfight from looking too formal and provides a sharp contrast with the other textures present on the outfit. It is also the lightest colour of the outfit which provides an additional blue to keep things tonal.

Footwear

Blue sneakers – Perfect to keep things both casual and in keeping with the tonal outfit would be some blue sneakers. However you also want to add an additional element of interest and colour with the sneakers. Something like Adidas Campus’ with white trim or Vans Old Skools with their two tone blue would work perfectly here. This also leans casually providing perfect contrast with the smarter polo and chinos.

Accessories

Navy Woven Belt – An additional texture to bring to the outfit whilst also keeping things tonal.

Style Moves

Spring Outfit #2

Posted on March 26, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

Spring Blackout

Now crucial to this look is subverting expectations. That’s why we are using a dark wintery colour but using items more associated with Spring and Summer creating an interesting contrast. This outfit never fails to look sharp and stylish.

Base Layers

Black Cuban Collar Shirt – A simple black shirt. However one that is trending hard right now. Black shirts are enjoying something of a renaissance right now with many of Hollywood’s most fashionable stars opting for them. Similarly Cuban Collar shirts have been trending hard for a few years now. Combine the two for an effortless smart casual top to wear as part of this tonal outfit.

Black Pleated Cropped Trousers – Another style from yesteryear that is trending hard is the pleated trouser. Giving a classy mid-century air to the outfit this trousers are also great for spring and summer due to the extra room they provide. Keep your style with a slight taper and a crop in order to keep things modern however. Opt for a lighter fabric such as Cotten to keep this trouser spring ready and it will add an interesting new element to this monochromatic outfit. Leaning into the tonal yet not as it may seem nature of this outfit.

Outer Layer

Leather biker jacket – Now to give this outfit some rock and roll edge. Nothing is better for that than a leather biker jacket. It adds an air of Parisian nonchalance To proceedings and is just damn cool. Not to mention it’s one of the most iconic pieces in the of menswear which is never a bad thing. In this look it also adds more texture and interest which is always needed when dressing tonally.

Footwear

Minimalist White Sneakers – Now to add a vibrancy to the outfit opt for minimalist white kicks. It is spring after all. Not only does this stark contrast between black and white make you stand out but it also looks a million bucks. A small flash of white goes a long way to making the whole outfit pop. Not only this but it also stops the look from making it seem as though you are melting. Get a luxurious pair and they will add an expensive sheen to the outfit and certain brands act as a *wink wink* to those in the know.

Accessories

Black Woven Belt – Again this is to help mix up the texture. It gives the look a more laidback and casual vibe whilst also making it appear more summery.

Style Moves

Shirt Tuck – When wearing pleated trousers shirts should normally be tucked in. This streamlines the silhouette whilst also prevents it from looking like too much of a throwback. Giving it a perfect blend of retro and trending. After all of its good enough for Virgil Abloh it’s good enough for us.

Spring Outfit #1

Posted on March 4, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

Oh hello 80s. The 80s and 90s are trending hard at the moment and this is an outfit to help lean into this trend without looking too much like a tribute act.

Base Layers

Uniqlo U Oversize White Striped Tee – Now available from the latest Uniqlo U drop as part of their 2019 Spring Summer collection. Wonderfully retro. Wonderfully on trend. Wonderfully oversized.

Light Wash Jeans – Build on the retro appeal of the retro tee with some light wash jeans. A typically 80s and 90s addition to the outfit that matches perfectly with the striped tee. It brings another element of colour to the outfit whilst giving it a more summery feel. As well as all of this Light Wash jeans are trending hard this season.

Top Layer

Light Wash Denim Jacket – Another Classic piece. Not only is light wash denim trending hard but so is doubled up denim. Match your jacket to your jeans and it creates a wonderful retro silhouette. The overdose of denim is toned down slightly by the contrasting top. Take inspiration from films such as Call Me By Your Name to help perfect this trending outfit.

Shoes

Converse High Tops – Trending since their inception in the 30s Converse have continued to be stylish for nearly a decade. They continue the wonderful retro theme of this outfit with a classic shoe. To add a modern twist maybe opt for one of converses many great collaborations such as those with Comme Des Garçons. Either way you can never go wrong with this classic shoe.

Accessories

Woven Navy Belt – Use a contrasting belt to help tone down the bold double denim either side of it. Additionally the woven belt adds an additional summery and casual air to the whole outfit.

Style Moves

Shirt Tuck – To give the outfit a more modern twist tuck the Tee into the Jeans. This streamlines the silhouette whilst also prevents it from looking like too much of a throwback.

Turn ups – Turn up or even get your jeans cropped. Show just a little ankle above the Converse High-Tops. This leans into the Spring/Summer feel of the outfit whilst again giving a slight contemporary twist. This helps make this outfit just that tiny bit more special.

My Favourite Clothing Brands Part 2

Posted on February 25, 2019 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 Modern Day Celebrity Style Icons

Posted on February 16, 2019 by thatstylishguy1

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.