Proper styling and wearing the right pieces can elevate not only the looks of a gentleman but also the presence and the opinion everyone else will have about him.
Our style is the best way of expressing ourselves, it is an art and as gentlemen, we must have full domain of it.
Lately, there have been a lot of words around which is the best style for the modern gentleman; Old money and quiet luxury are phrases we listen to and read quite often, but, do we really have to attach to a specific style?
Well, throughout this article we will explore several pieces of advice, key statement items, brands and accessories to elevate your personal look, regardless of the ‘style’ you feel identified with.
The point of proper dressing is not about trends, it is about staying loyal to your convictions and achieving timeless elegance.
Table of Contents
Defining Our Personal Style
Before we dive into the brands and clothing pieces, the very first thing to do is recognise what we want to communicate with our looks, what we are trying to achieve and most importantly what we like.
Yes, we can definitely draw inspiration from settled styles like ‘old money’ but the key to success in the personal style field is to add our unique essence to every look we put together. Dive into your personal tastes, and express them along the outfit.
As an example; if you like the elegance of the Euro style, you can create a base layer out of it, but it turns out you are an ephemeral rock music enthusiast too, so what do you do?
Probably adding small subtle touches to the Euro style like rings, a leather jacket or changing the loafers for boots. The results are better than you think.
Elevating Everyday Looks
Of course, we all know we will not be assembling amazing looks every single day, but our essence needs to be there either way.
When it comes to everyday errands and casual occasions, the best thing we can do to maintain our sophisticated allure is elevate our basics. What I mean by that is that we should get basic clothing pieces and accessories, but…better.
If you are just getting a quick coffee with your friends, you would probably wear a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and a pair of sneakers; right? How do we elevate such a basic look for such a usual occasion? The answer is simple, make sure the sneakers you are wearing are not what everybody else is wearing, upgrade them to something like Zegna’s Triple Stitch for example; and you will want to be wearing a high-quality t-shirt and jeans along with those.
It is really simple, keep getting and wearing the basics, but make sure they are the best quality ones, it might sound expensive, but those will last almost forever if you choose wisely. Oh yes, and do not forget the accessories!
Invest in your Statement Pieces
With our everyday style covered, and our personal style defined, we can now start mentioning what we all imagine when we mention ‘Style’, the statement pieces.
Statement pieces are those key clothes that we wear when we want to add either the luxury aura or our personal style to an already great-looking fit. From shoes to coats, the statement piece can be anything. But we must wear them properly.
These are the accessories or pieces you want to invest in, a good Swiss-made watch, a pair of Italian shoes or even a high-quality jacket count as a statement piece. Most of the time this piece is also what represents our personal style the most.
Ralph Lauren, Ermenegildo Zegna, Omega and Tods are some brands we can mention in this category, where we invest the most but also where we express the most.
Some amazing advice from several fashionable icons is that we should keep our looks simple, – less is more – so when we add the statement piece it really stands out and gets the attention it deserves and we want to give it.
Musts for Every Gentleman
Regarding everyday pieces and statement ones, every gentleman needs guidance now and then in order to maximise his style and get the best items. The following articles are almost a rule for every gentleman seeking to dress up well.
1. Well-Tailored Shirts
Linen, cotton or cloth; a good and reliable shirt is a must in every wardrobe. Our advice for this piece is to keep it simple and with the highest quality possible. Think Paul Newman and Steve McQueen.
2. High-End Jackets
This might be the only piece in which we will suggest getting the best you can pay, why? Well, you can be wearing an entire look with several brands and qualities all around but most of the time you will layer it up with a jacket, gilet or sweater.
Most of the time – apart from shoes – the top layer will be the statement piece, so you will really want it to be amazing, as in quality and as in looks, even if you only get a couple of them, make them versatile.
Zegna, Hackett, Brunello Cucinelli or Brioni are what I would recommend when going for a good lasting outwear layer. Think about jackets as investments, one good piece will potentially style you for the rest of your life!
3. Good Variety of Shoes
I consider shoes as the most important part of a good outfit, most of the time it is the piece with which we add our touch of personal style; owning a good variety of shoes is crucial for the modern gentleman.
From sneakers to dressing shoes, you should definitely put great effort into these pieces, as they will speak before you do. No matter the style you like, make sure you always keep them in amazing condition.
Preferably get simple designs, so you can match all of them with different outfits and styles. A good pair of white casual sneakers, leather loafers and Chelsea boots is a combo you can not let pass. Check out brands such as Tods, YSL and Golden Goose to expand your wardrobe.
4. Swiss-Made Timepiece
We can all agree a good Swiss-made watch is the only mandatory accessory a gentleman needs, a watch is primary in the life of a man and we should all get at least one good watch in our lives.
I am not going to delve deep into this topic, but I will definitely suggest you get a good old stainless steel watch; the potential of them is amazing, you can wear them as sports watches, or as a dress watch if you change the wristband.
For enthusiasts willing to start a collection or get their first piece, I would really suggest the following brands: Tudor, Omega, Tissot, Breitling and TAG Heuer.
Conclusion
Every Gentleman should be aware of what style really means and the importance it has in the outer world, keep in mind your style defines and talks for you; so make sure you properly express yourself.
There is a cliché saying that goes “Dress for the job you want” and it is very true, but personally I would change it to “Dress for the lifestyle you want.” It is quite the same but I truly believe that styling as if you are already living the lifestyle is a powerful manifestation.
Make sure you consider every single point we mentioned before renovating or starting your wardrobe, be stylish, be elegant but most importantly be yourself! Adding your personal touch to your looks is what will make you achieve timeless and recognisable elegance.