Trainers

Spring Outfit #4

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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

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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

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 #2

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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.

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 #1

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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

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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

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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

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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.