Being a Fashion Badass

Having a personal style is all about conveying who you are through what you wear or how you look.  Anyone can put on the nicest clothes around, but not everyone can wear them well.  Whatever you wear, you need to have the personality and character to match.  For example, if you have an aggressive or confident personality, wearing something that stands out and takes confidence to wear should work well on you.  If you are a quieter type, something more understated and elegant will look better.  If you feel comfortable wearing it and you feel that it represents your personality, go for it.  Personally, I know I'm not the most outgoing or aggressive person.  My style tends to be somewhat minimalistic and clean, but with an occasional piece that stands out while still complimenting the rest of the outfit.  I think this accurately represents my personality, but I continue to look for new looks that still speak to my style personally, while stretching my typical looks a bit.

I wanted to find a few examples of men that have a look and style that is completely their own, so check them out.

First up is Philip Crangi, owner/designer of the Philip Crangi jewelry line and his other jewelry line, Giles & Brother.

You can't deny that there is a whole lot of personality in this man's style.  It's a well-composed mash up of vintage looking pieces, unique jewelry and accessories all wrapped up with a few tattoos and a killer beard.  While still looking incredibly hip, he also has a tough and old-fashion style about him as well, a bit of a throwback to men's styling of the early 1900s. 

 

Next up we have Nick Wooster, the Men's Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus Group.  He is a common sight on The Sartorialist and never fails to do something a little different.  His style revolves around dressier pieces that stand out from anything you've likely seen before and he wears it all with confidence.  Even in the photo above, a jacket that most men wouldn't even dare to try on because of it's bright, soft colors, still looks very masculine.  Maybe it's the all black aviators or the curled mustache, this man looks tough.  Wooster consistently brings a whole lot of attitude to whatever he wears and is worth checking out for inspiration.

Even a standard wool suit is flared up with an interesting red plaid tie, classic looking sunglasses and the slicked back hairstyle. 

Finally, we have a style that represents an outgoing and amiable personality (and proof that impressive facial hair is not a prerequisite for being a Fashion Badass).  This is Kenyatte Nelson, winner of Esquire Magazine's 2008 Best Dressed Real Man in America and the man behind one of my favorite men's fashion and style blogs, Tweed & Velvet.  The exceptional use of color and unique accessories really bring out the personality in this look.  Notice the yellow watchband that matches the flower in the lapel, simply perfect.  Once again, this type of style takes confidence.  People are going to notice you and the best way to ruin such an outstanding outfit, is to look uncomfortable and insecure because of it.  


Just remember, confidence and comfort are key to making sure you look like yourself and stand out from a crowd.  Nothing is more boring than looking like everyone else.  Even if you think you would never have the confidence to wear anything shown here, remember you can still stand out wearing incredibly well put-together looks and remain true to your personality.  So keep that in mind whether you are reevaluating your personal style or just starting to figure out what it is.