Style icons.
Lauren Larsen
Style trends come and go but certain aspects never change. Below are a hand-chosen selection of gentlemen I think have made an impact on men's fashion, and whose style has stood the test of time.
Steve McQueen
"I live for myself and I answer to nobody."
Steve McQueen has casual style perfected and rocks a knit sweater like nobody else. He is the ultimate cool guy and seemed to favour clothing with utility. He is masculine and rugged and each of the pieces he wears would arguably look good (if not better) with a touch of dirt or car oil smudged on them.
Frank Sinatra
"I'm for whatever gets you through the night."
The leader of the Rat Pack and the epitome of classic style, Frank Sinatra's black suit, black tie with a slightly tilted hat look is iconic. For him, a tuxedo was a way of life - shirt cuffs should extend half an inch below the sleeve and pants should break just above the shoe, and he once said he "didn't want anyone in here without coats and ties".
Nicknamed 'Slacksey' at a young age by his friends, because of the amount of trousers he owned, Sinatra has always been and always will be an icon in the men's fashion world.
James Dean
"Only the gentle are ever really strong."
Men and women alike cannot deny the charm of James Dean. He exudes the perfect combination of bad boy and classic gentleman and has had women swooning since the the first use of his coveted 'look' (and probably well before that). This man will never, ever go out of style.
Gregory Peck
"Tough times don't last, tough people do."
Gregory Peck is one of the most loved actors of the 40's, 50's and 60's and for good reason. This man is not only tall, dark and handsome, he is kind, passionate and dresses well. Although the suits of his time make Peck look like he is drowning in boxy bespoke compared to modern tailored & tapered suits of today, and I do not advocate bringing back the baggy suit, there is something to be said about how he dresses like a gentleman, regardless of the era or place.
Cary Grant
"My father used to say, "let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary."
And he's right. You should be wearing the suit, the suit should not be wearing you. It is important to choose a suit that fits properly - something that will look like you put it on and then forgot about it. It should be classic, have clean lines, no collar rolls, sleeves should be the right length and pants should be tapered according to your height and size of your legs.
If there are any gentlemen you think I've missed - guys who are the epitome of style in your mind, leave a comment below... I always love hearing from you!
- Ensemble Style