When I am not indulging in melancholic reflections on love, I am still teasing out my vision of the perfectly dressed man. Now, of course, not everyone can wear everything and I am certainly not advocating a uniform way of dressing - nothing worse than a lack of individuality! - but, as with women's fashion, there are certain staples that should be in every gentleman's wardrobe.
Let us start with the suit; if there is one item of clothing no man can be without, it is this one. There is something very appealing and seductive about a man in a suit and I think, I am not alone in saying that (Ditto a man in uniform). But quite apart from that fact, it is an enduringly elegant and versatile piece of clothing that will serve far beyond its usual domain of weddings, dinner parties and the corporate office.
The old-fashioned, stuffy and business connotations that still linger are probably what makes most men of my age group withdraw - or cringe - in fear, when faced with wearing/buying a suit. You are missing the point, boys! It is not about 'going corporate', being posh or looking formal; it is about taking a beautifully crafted piece of clothing, breaking it down, - i.e. seeing it as pieces of a puzzle rather than a complete outfit - incorporating it into your own style and, most importantly, making it your own.
The editorial below is fantastic in that it shows traditional tailoring, yet it all in a decidedly un-stuffy, elegant and utterly sharp manner.
This is the way to wear a suit: cuff link shirt, Raybans and a dose of nonchalance.
Catwalk images can be a bit overwhelming, especially for men, but high-fashion doesn't need to be frightening if you approach it with your aesthetics and preferences in mind and break down the outfits accordingly. Let me illustrate...
Left to right: Dolce&Gabbana, Hugo, Dries Van Noten
Lose the jacket and just wear the waistcoat and/or trousers; the sandals might be more than questionable but the light coloured jacket could be an ideal partner for summer shorts; if you hate wearing a tie, then don't. This Tux-style jacket can do dress-down with jeans and a white t-shirt.
Both: John Galliano
Accessories can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Traditionalists could turn to Sherlock Holmes inspired bowler hats, pocket watches and -if you dare - a cape!
Left to right: Paul Smith, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zena, Gucci
Why colour still seems to scare most men eludes me. Sure, no one wants to be mistaken for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Coat, but sometimes black just won't do. Again, break it down. If head-to-toe electric blue seems too much then just wear the trousers or jacket. Still too 'out-there'? Ease yourself in gently by wearing a coloured shirt under a black/grey suit.
Left to right: Hugo, all other, Paul Smith
Skinny trousers are certainly not everybody's shtick but skinny ties still reign supreme; a great example of a look that could actualy be worn in its entirety. It's casual yet pulled together and is a perfect canvas for the model's strong features; the tux goes casual again. If you have the legs, you could even wear those knickerbockers! And finally, a case in point for coloured shirts.
I really wish, men were more confident in the way they dress sometimes. I am not talking about being a slave to fashion - highly unattractive in both men and women- or squeezing into snake skin leather pants because some guy in GQ looked cool in it. What I mean is, remembering that fashion and clothes are a media for expression, a visual extension of ones character and a reflection of moods, tastes and aesthetics. So, what are you wearing today?
All catwalk images from GQ.com
