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 In the modern world, the concept of dandyism is very
broad, in fact, so broad that the original definition of dandy - a man who
affects extreme elegance in clothes and manners - seems obsolete; modern
dandies are metrosexual men who are highly concerned about their exterior.
However, unlike metrosexuals who blindly follow fashion trends, dandies are
much more complex: they are trendsetters who can appreciate a stylish wardrobe,
but at the same time bend the rules and conventions to suit their exquisite
taste.
One of the finest specimens of this fashion-savvy
urban dweller is Christian Thompson, Simon Baker's character in The Devil Wears
Prada. A famous writer, a man about town and a gentleman, Thompson is the
ultimate dandy, with refined manners, elegant clothes and a long scarf carelessly
tied around his neck. In real life, the title of modern dandy may be applied to
some Hollywood celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Collin Farrell and David
Beckham. However, while their look is often a result of stylist's efforts, ordinary
men have to invest in the proper dandy wardrobe. Some wardrobe staples that can
make any man a dandy will probably be enough.
Dandy wardrobe is not limited to formal wear, it
includes many casual pieces. However, a proper jacket can go a long way in
creating the look of the modern dandy. Being a traditional formal wear staple, a
jacket may become a part of the casual outfit owing to its loose fit and bold
colors. If a solid color jacket can be worn with formal trousers for a classic
elegant look, trendy casual plaid or striped jackets are a perfect match for
jeans and polo shirt. One of the latest Bottega Veneta collections for men, for
example, featured jackets of brick-red and orange, while the highlights of Giorgio
Armani collection were elegant striped blazers in combination with solid gray
pants along with light blue coats of fine linen worn with sports-style
trousers. Moreover, Armani suggests wearing jackets with sports shirts and
hoodies. Gucci's modern dandy look is based on the combination of elegant white
dress suits, brightly printed shirts and contrasting black ties.
A high-quality, preferably, cashmere coat is a must-have
in the wardrobe of any modern dandy. Owing to the limitless choice offered by
the modern fashion designers and brands, coat has turned into stylish outerwear
which can be donned both with formal suit or tuxedo for the evening out, or
with more casual clothes for day wear. The coat may be formal, of the classic cut,
- long, with an elegant peaked collar, as seen in Calvin Klein or Gucci
collections, - or casual, of relaxed fit. Many designers were affected by the
military trend, so it's no wonder that Marc Jacobs, Gap, Michael Kors and
others included military-inspired coats into their menswear collections.
Accessories, from scarves and headwear to gloves now
have permanent residence in the wardrobe of modern dandies, as fashion-savvy
men can be recognized predominantly by carefully selected accessories which can
dress up a most casual outfit and give it a touch of personal flair. Moreover,
given that being fashionable is getting easier every year and fashion is
getting more accessible, accessorizing becomes an art form which has to be
mastered by a modern dandy.
You can pick up accessories to complement even a
formal suit: in the new Moschino menswear collection formal suits are accessorized
with neckties of bold colors and Trilby hats. Bottega Veneta menswear line is
distinguished by the elaborate use of scarves and brightly-colored neckwear -
aquamarine blue, red, and malachite green, while Dolce&Gabbana introduced
men to the concept of clutch bags which can be a perfect match both for formal and
casual wear.
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