Any man can buy clothes. Unfortunately not everyone can buy style, yet most people have an opinion of what it is. Here we find out what pearls of wisdom some of the most stylish men – past and present – have to say on the matter. Remember fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.
“With a suit, always wear big British shoes, the ones with large welts. There’s nothing worse than dainty little Italian jobs at the end of the leg line.” David Bowie, Musician and Style Icon
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.” Oscar Wilde, Poet
“Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.” Arthur Ashe, Professional Tennis Player
“Never use the word ‘cheap.’ Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans, it’s up to you.” Karl Lagerfeld, Fashion Designer
“Putting on a beautifully designed suit elevates my spirit, extols my sense of self, and helps define me as a man to whom details matter.” Gay Talese, Author
“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” Tom Ford, Fashion Designer
“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” Hardy Amies, Fashion Designer
“All it takes are a few simple outfits. And there’s one secret – the simpler the better.” Cary Grant, Actor
‘Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.’ Orson Welles, Actor & Director
“I can go all over the world with just three outfits: a blue blazer and grey flannel pants, a grey flannel suit, and black tie.” Pierre Cardin, Fashion Designer
“Always dress well, but keep it simple.” Oscar De La Renta
“Style is personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” Ralph Lauren
The Guide 