Few musical icons have surpassed David Bowie’s indelible impact on the world of style and fashion
This month, we asked you, the GQ reader, through our online platforms if you had any questions or struggles with style that we could help you with. GQ fashion director
FROM THE THIN WHITE DUKE TO ZIGGY STARDUST AND BEYOND, DAVID BOWIE (R.I.P.) left behind a legacy of iconic looks that came to define several eras of style, each attached to a persona or character that embodied the zeitgeist, many of which were formed collaboratively with some of the world’s most influential designers, such as Vivienne Westwood and Kansai Yamamoto. Today, we celebrate his life and vision. (And for those who wish to explore it in further detail, we strongly recommend this large-format hard-cover tome of wonders, published by ACC Art Books: David Bowie: Icon)
GQ: What’s the most stylish gym wear?
Jason Alexander Basson: Currently, it’s ankle-length socks (plain white with a simple design detail such as a black stripe) worn with trainers, short shorts and either a bigger, boxier short-sleeved tee or a short-sleeved or sleeveless performance tee. Some people are still doing leggings layered underneath shorts, which is great for guys with skinny legs.
GQ: I love plain clothes without loud prints. How can I dress plainly and still look stylish, without trying too hard?
JAB: Two people can wear the same outfit, but one might look stylish while the other looks messy. It all comes down to how you wear the clothes, i.e. styling. So, if you’re going to wear jeans and a white tee, start by making sure they’re perfectly ironed. You could tuck the tee into your jeans and let the fabric roll over a little or roll the sleeves. Wear them with clean, white leather sneakers to dress it up a bit. It’s little considerations like that that make the difference.
Of course, if you don’t like print, you could try introducing colour.
It’s a very simple and effective way to make your look interesting without having to invest in OTT fashion pieces. You could also play with one or two simple accessories to add interest, such as a cross-body bag, hat or socks to elevate your look. That said, when your look is simple, the most crucial thing to pay attention to is the cut. So, rather than go for your standard pair of jeans and tee, why not opt for a boxier, more oversized cut on both and see what happens.
However, if it’s style you’re afraid of, my recommendation to you is to stick to the classics. Preppy is a winning, timeless look that can be achieved easily and effortlessly.
GQ: What pants or jeans look best on skinny gents? Have you any brand suggestions?
JAB: It depends on the look you’re trying to achieve, and how skinny we’re talking. Generally speaking, the rule would be that if you’re super-skinny, avoid wearing super-tight-fitting clothing that’ll accentuate it. Go for bigger, boxier cuts that allow you to play proportions to your advantage.
‘Two people can wear the same outfit, but one might look stylish while the other looks messy’
GQ: How can a skinny guy look good in a suit?
JAB: Tailoring is a skinny guy’s best friend. Whether you’re wearing a regular suit or a more dramatic, wide cut, it’s going attract the eye to at all the right places to make you look more robust where it counts (chest, shoulders and legs) and bring the line and waist in to make it seem like you’re broader in other places.
As with the previous question,
I’d avoid skinny suits. Skinnier guys are blessed in terms of what they can get away with, but a skinny suit will make you look like a chip. If you’re looking to buy a suit for more fashion-forward occasions, go for the current trend, a bigger, broader shoulder with a wider lapel and a boxier-cut torso with a flared pant.
For everyday suiting, go for a more fitted suit, the emphasis being on fitted, not skinny. You want it to accentuate your figure without looking too tight or big. Go for something that gives you a bit of definition in the shoulders and chest and a bit of room on the leg.