Style Influences

My Modern Day Celebrity Style Icons

Posted on 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.

Winter Outfit #4

Posted on by thatstylishguy1

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?

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.

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.

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.