Street Style
For a while now, the construction/workman style boot has been plodding the streets and avenues of many a city, bringing utility, comfort and a built-to-last sort of sensibility to men’s sartorial propensities. Much like your favorite pair of loafers that seem to go with everything, the workman boot is more than capable of achieving the very same results.
Having established this serviceable aesthetic, refrain from making things look exaggerated. Do not extend this sensibility to a full wardrobe furnished by Carharrt. Leave it to the avant-garde and runway shows to exaggerate a fashion point of view.
In the office, on the weekend, snow or rain, these heavy-duty shoes are never unwieldy to work with. Just keep the colors and styles basic.
Opt for a classic pair like Red Wings or Gorillas and you will find how well these go with denim, khakis, chambray and even herringbone. For a dressier look, a tie or tweed blazer can be paired resulting in an ensemble that is seriously cool.
Images courtesy of http://www.trashness.com/
On the surface, oversized scarves seem like the sort of thing best left for the trend obsessed and runway bred. Having said that, an oversized scarf is a practical way to stay warm and bring a sense of dimension to your outfit. Moreover, its popularity has been maintained for a few cold seasons now, dismissing those faddish perceptions it may conjure.
There are no tricks or complicated rules here. Simply sling an extensive scarf or cowl, plain or knit, over yourself and leave the rest of your ensemble simple. Match with a fitted, warm blazer or pants. Don’t wallow in your clothes by adding a parka or heavy winter coat.
As you get more accustomed to your extensive scarf, you’ll learn to break-it-in, adjusting it effortlessly to the contours of your body.
With oversized scarves or anything that uses a significant amount of fabric like a suit or a coat, you know it’s best to keep the colors or patterns subdued. In this case, a statement is already achieved with an extensive piece of fabric that is tied around a silhouette, thus bold colors or striking patterns are best left aside.
If you’re feeling really adventurous you can achieve the oversized look by pairing more than one scarf together. This could be tricky and require more maintenance than usual, yet you can achieve quite the result by experimenting with color, texture and size.
These scarves are available in most major retail stores. Zara, particularly makes some good knit ones in a range of interesting shades and tones. Having said that, check out some of the more artisan spots such at Etsy, where these can be made to order and aren’t so ubiquitous and commercial.
Images courtesy of: http://www.gademode.dk and http://glamcanyon.blogspot.com/
So much can be said about the Italian aesthetic. Its very annunciation summons the expensive and luxurious in just about everything—cars, suits and robust espresso machines. Having said that, there’s more to Italian than simply donning Armani or Prada. Moreover, you certainly do not have to be Italian to implement into your lifestyle a sensibility that has clearly permeated lifestyles, the world over.
If there’s one thing to take into account, it’s the appreciation of learning how to do everything with style and grace. This does not always have to be expensive or luxurious. Perceived as if it were hardly rehearsed, sprezzatura is a studied carelessness that is embedded in the Italian way of doing things. It is an understated action, a sophisticated attention to detail. Hard to describe, it’s an attribution usually presented in contexts of art and literature, and who else but the Italians see life as an art form on a daily basis?
To lay a foundation for an Italian wardrobe you’ve got to pay attention to detail—more than usual. It’s mostly about presenting yourself in sharp edges and silhouettes. But, it is also in the discerning and effective use of color and accessories.
Italian style is distinctively fitting and elegant. Having said that, it easily borrows from the American sensibility of casualness and fun. What’s really interesting about styles and aesthetics today, particularly when it comes to wardrobes is that nothing is exclusive. Gone are the rules of what is strictly Italian, English or American. Unless you are dealing with suiting, it’s hardly astonishing that even the Italians themselves borrow from other styles. In fact, on an Italian street today, Cons and khakis are worn so frequently you’d wonder if you were really on a crowded street in Milan.
Some tips and strategies to consider:
- Fabric: It’s all about what clothes are made from. Don’t just go for what looks good. Invest in fabrics and wools from reputable mills and yarn of up-market quality.
- Shoes: Have at least one pair of shoes in your closet that you know will last you a while. See this as an investment.
- Anything handmade: This always brings a touch of delicacy to an ensemble. Know where your clothes and accessories come from and consider the handmade quality as a well-appointed option.
- Unique: Sure Italian is synonymous with luxury and high quality, but tweak style to tell your story. Choose colors that complement your tone, height and body.
- Get it altered: Take care of that extra fabric from your trousers that dangles over your shoes. Go the extra mile and alter your clothes accordingly. Instead of investing in new clothes that almost fit, consider altering existing pieces in your wardrobe for an updated, form fitting look.
Images courtesy of Tommy Ton photographing for GQ
In spirit of optimism, some form of obscure notion of job stability and perhaps an economy piqued, I’m compiling looks for the working man, the job seeker or professional poseur.
Whichever man you are, here’s a work-look to don for those of you in the creative field. Designers, writers, artists, photographers and those of you in-betweeners, here’s how to really look like you’re basking in artistic expression and professional acumen.
Broken-In-Button-Down from Martin + Osa ($59.50), Dylan In Boone, Slouch Tapered denim from J Brand($165), Classic Pointed Lace Ups from Topman ($76) and Rugged Twill Tote from Martin + Osa ($99.50).
Some guys exude style effortlessly. My friend, Guido from Italy, is one of them. His vintage, dandy vibe is a look I greatly admire but can never authentically pull off. Even though he’s only 23, he convincingly captures the spirit of an era that even his parents may not be old enough to remember. Perhaps the guidos from the Jersey Shore can learn a thing or two from him.
On my way home from a Turkish Jewelry anniversary party in Soho, which I’ll blog about it later, I noticed Jesse waiting for a downtown E train. His nonchalant demeanor and effortless suaveness is very reminiscent of the trendy dandy variety that has overtaken the young artsy, hipster crowd in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Jesse’s personal style subtly whispers to passersby that as the mercury dips and temperatures get frigid, you can still look hot. I’m taking notes.
Clients and friends often ask me what to wear for an evening out in the city. I usually have a hard time answering the question because natural style isn’t something that can be taught, theorized or replicated. It just is. However, people can be taught how to dress, which is different from having natural style. This is why the image consulting and wardrobe styling industries are continuing to experience record growth.
This prototypical stylish Parisian couple exudes natural style. Dressed in a stacked black jean, lace-up peep-toe heels, military influenced jacket and knit tam, the woman in the picture conveys a relaxed yet confident style that is difficult to reproduce. While her boyfriend (I’m guessing) embraces fit in a euro-masculine way that has only been accepted stateside in big cities like NYC and San Francisco. Americans have a long way to go in understanding natural style
Saw this gent at a launch party in Paris. He does a good job of showing other young Parisian men how a scarf should be worn to elevate the style quotient of an outfit. The delicate balance between the hard biker jacket and the soft neck adornment is executed masterfully. The meticulously swept hair and pushed up sleeves tells me that he’s going for an effortless look. Clearly there was deliberate effort and careful thought put into the look…but it was not overdone. DAMstyle approved!
