Unfortunately for those of us who are obsessively fussy particularly detailed about our style, looking sharp and standing out in the 21st century presents two main problems.
The first is that fashion trends come and go so quickly that they can be hard to keep up with. (And often hard to pull off if you’re over 30—bucket hats are back in? Really?? Come on! I’m a grown-ass man.)
The second is that if you ignore fads completely and tack in the other direction, opting to dress like a classic gentleman of yesteryear, you run the significant risk of looking more like a stodgy old grandpa than a put-together modern man.
The good news is that there’s a way to avoid both problems, and adopt a style that looks as good today as it will a decade from now.
Allow me to introduce you to the modern-meets-classic approach to style.
Presents:
The Modern-Meets-Classic Manifesto
A Timeless Approach to Style that’s Utterly of Its Time
Fads Come and Go (Way Too) Fast…
You might not think the first problem is that big of an issue, but it can really creep up on you.
One day you think you’re doing well because you’re wearing shorts with a seven-inch inseam, while half your peers are still wearing baggy-ass shorts that go down to their kneecaps, like Michael Jordan wore in the ‘90s.
Stylish Guys One Day:
[image: Amazon Essentials]
But the next day you’re watching Netflix and see the uber fashionable fellas on Queer Eye wearing super short five-inch inseams, like Michael Jordan wore in the ‘80s:
Stylish Guys, Literally 10 Minutes Later:
[image: Netflix]
And it’s like, wait, we’re doing MJ in the ‘80s now? When did that start!? I’m still over here avoiding MJ in the ‘90s like a schmuck!
For guys who want to look sharp but don’t have the time, inclination or Instagram addiction necessary to stay on top of every passing fad, it’s dizzying, and too much to keep up with.
…But Going Pure Classic Looks Like Cosplay
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some classic looks that still turn heads, even though men have been sporting them for decades.
Real life stars from the ‘50s and ‘60s, like Steve McQueen and James Dean, continue to be heralded as style icons today.
And fictional but period-accurate shows like Mad Men and Peaky Blinders are chock full of classically handsome looks that will make you want to slick back your hair, buy a three-piece suit, and invest in a pocket watch.
Do they look great? They do. Could you wear this to the supermarket – or even out to a fancy restaurant – in the 21st century? Not without looking silly.
The problem is that, in the modern world, going full classic can look more like cosplay than sharp style.
(And I prefer to show a lot more leg while cosplaying, thank you very much.)
To illustrate the point, check out these photos I found on a stock site of modern guys doing their best Peaky Blinders tribute:
I don’t mean to pick on these guys, because I legitimately love the looks. The jackets, flat caps and waistcoats are all killer.
But, come on. Would you be comfortable wearing this to the office, the grocery store or a party?
I wouldn’t, if I’m being honest.
The Solution:
Modern-Meets-Classic Style
So if keeping up with the absolute latest fads is a losing battle, and going full retro looks more costumed than cool, then what (in the bloody hell) is a modern man to do?
For my money, the answer is to split the difference:
Take the most timeless and perennially handsome elements of classic gentleman style, and merge them with the technology, tastes and expectations of the modern world.
Take the most timeless and handsome elements of classic gentleman style, and merge them with the tech, tastes and expectations of the modern world
Take the
most timeless
and handsome
elements of classic
gentleman style,
and merge them with
the tech, tastes
and expectations
of the modern world
Don’t try to look like the super trendy guy from Saltburn, wearing the latest trends on the red carpet (a timely reference that makes sense as I write this, but will probably be outdated by the time you read it).
And don’t try to look like Don Draper in the Time Life building, which would have been peak alpha in the 1960s, but looks more like an out-of-touch grandpa today.
Instead, try to look like what would happen if you went back in time, plucked Tommy Shelby or Don Draper from the height of their gentlemanly style, and set them loose in a modern menswear store like Banana Republic or Bonobos.
Would they still part their hair with pomade and wear three-piece suits? Of course, because that always looks sharp as hell.
But would they keep wearing uncomfortable tweed when they could opt for performance fabric and look just as good?
I doubt it.
A Timeless Look That’s Utterly of Our Time
(No, you’re a contradiction!)
That’s why, here at Irreverent Gent, our mission is to help modern men merge the style, sophistication and social grace of a classic gentleman with the technology, tastes and expectations of the 21st century.
We don’t even bother trying to keep up with the Kardashians, the Biebers, the Weeknd or any of the so-called “influencers” who have already supplanted them.
(As you can probably tell from my references, I’m an elder millennial. I look at pictures of my friends’ kids on Facebook, but have no idea what the hell is going on with Tik Tok—and I aim to keep it that way.)
Instead, we take the best innovations and updates of recent years, and combine them with the most timeless, classic and handsome styles of the past century to create an aesthetic that’s simultaneously timeless and utterly of our time.
If you want to master the modern-meets-classic look, the best way is to join my email list.
Each week I’ll share smart advice that will help you look sharper… and smart-ass jokes that will make you wish I’d just stick to advice. (Sorry! If I could help myself, I would.)
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