You're getting vertigo thinking about dressing in anything but your grey track pants upon returning to the 9-5 grind? Sounds familiar. If you're anything like us, HR will have to PEEL you out of them! (They also have a 87% chance of being stained with last week’s charcuterie, but let’s not talk about that.) We quizzed Dani Soglimbene, THE ICONIC Men’s Head Of Style, for advice on looking stylish post-pandemic to benefit us both. You’ll be privy to the expert advice you'd ask of a personal stylist without even lifting a finger – let alone having to social distance. Just scroll.
LESSON 1: Style is personal
“Style is how the pieces you choose to wear make you feel. It’s about confidence, not trends,” says Soglimbene. This is your cue to season up, items from years past. But before we delve any further into dissecting your wardrobe –and compartmentalising your current fits into ‘keep’, ‘donate’ or ‘upcycle’ – ask what does style mean to me? When do I feel most confident?
LESSON 2: Style and comfort are not mutually exclusive
“If there's one men's trend to jump on board this season it's the tracksuit!” she divulges. This is something that will absolutely stick post-pandemic – out of hours, no less. We got way too used to fleecy comforts. You too?
“Post-isolation, we'll dress a little more cool, but comfort will remain key. Quality will be another focal point for menswear, especially when easing into our new normal… dressier pieces like officewear will be crafted from better quality fabrics so layers remain soft and relaxed whilst being elevated and professional,” she adds.
While we’re on streetwear, “a classic white sneaker will never go out of style”, she says. But we’re not about playing favourites with labels. Just opt for a comfy, lace-up leather pair.
LESSON 3: Style isn’t innate, but learned
It's no secret designers are inspired by other designers and street style. They also take cues from natural landscapes, travel, or their own parents. But style doesn’t needn't be in your blood. To us, there’s no better place to dispel what you do or don’t like than Instagram (Hint: @theiconicmen).
Lucky for you, Insta’s discover feed (plus the feed of accounts you’re following) perpetuates a trail of ‘you-ness’ and like-mindedness to draw from. Aren’t algorithms great?! Soglimbene spies @modelsdot, @thegreatestmagazine, and @lofficielhommes for sparks of genius. Once you peer something that takes your fancy, ask, ‘do I have similar pieces at my disposal to recreate this look? Is there something glaringly obvious my wardrobe is missing?’ And fill the gaps accordingly.
LESSON 4: You can be stylish on a budget
“Don’t be afraid to look at brands with cheaper price points for bits and pieces to mix with premium designer pieces. You’d be surprised!” Soglimbene says. “And dust off items from seasons past. Often if you haven't worn a piece in a while it almost feels like a new purchase.” Noted. Back to our cache of a closet we go...
LESSON 5: Dress for the season
Coming out of isolation, “a good coat will be a core key piece in every man's wardrobe. This Ben Sherman one is classic, minimal, and cool for winter,” Soglimbene offers.
At last, you’re ready to shop! We hope the cogs are turning with outfit possibilities and back-to-work improbabilities. Read: said track pants.
For more style tips, tricks, and new drops suss out @theiconicmen.