When you think of timeless men of style, the initial name on the tip of your tongue is most likely Steve McQueen; the All-American ‘King of Cool’ offered a blueprint for men of all ages to dress in a manner of careless sophistication, and he made it look good whilst doing it.
MINIMALIST STYLE
Part of McQueen’s aesthetic allure was due to the fact that his outfits were minimal, but cultivated. A familiar favourite was the iconic white t-shirt; the staple of leading-men throughout the year. A classic white tee is a perfect stand-alone or layering piece and its versatility has transformed into a must-have piece for all men. Our pick to achieve this would be a White Sunspel Crew Neck T-Shirt. McQueen’s clothing was seldom heavily branded, instead outfits were unassuming yet paired together in a complementary manner. Using this trick can give the illusion that outfits are more luxurious, due to the fact that the items all corelate as one.
OUTERWEAR
Influenced by motorsport, McQueen’s wardrobe often consisted of jackets that reflected his love for bikes and cars. He was often seen in Leather and Harrington jackets, even in casual settings. His character, Hilts, in The Great Escape (1963), is seen wearing a black leather jacket with a navy cut-off sweatshirt and cream trousers. We think that this is a perfect laid-back outfit that can be styled by any man. Our choice would be a Belstaff Trialmaster, a superior classic jacket, that can be worn for a variety of occasions whilst still retaining a refined image. We think that a trademark jacket is an essential, a trustworthy item that will only look better as it is worn and ages more. For us, it’s an imperative investment.
SIGNATURE SHADES
McQueen was rarely seen without a pair of sunglasses to round off his outfits, his signature being Persol 714s. A personal style can seem daunting to find, but once established, it will help you feel and appear at your most confident. Not to mention, they can be worn with everything, from casualwear, to tailoring. A trusted pair of sunglasses never let McQueen down, and won’t let you down either. To replicate this look, our choice would be a pair of Messy Weekend ‘Sean’ frames, a timeless and contemporary look.
