You’re never too old to have role models. Whether you’re advancing your career or looking for ways to bond with your children, the advice of friends and relatives is invaluable. Wisdom is meant to be handed down and passed around.
When it comes to style, think of male fashion icons as your role models. Look for famous people who always appear fresh and sharp, and follow them on social media. You’re bound to get ideas you wouldn’t have thought up on your own, and their photos should unleash your creative juices.
To get going, you could review some of the public appearances the following four fellows have made. They always seem to have the right look for wherever they’re headed.
1. Odell Beckham Jr.
Since 2014, Louisiana native and NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been giving fans of the New York Giants lots of reasons to cheer. This former Louisiana State star has also become a major player in the realm of fashion.
For starters, the “Odell Beckham” has become a popular hairstyle. It’s a mohawk with faded sides, and it’s like “The Rachel” for men in the 2010s. Then, there’s Odell’s singular sense of clothing. You merely have to look at his cover photo in 201 Magazine to realize he’s as surefooted in a menswear store as on a football field.
For this shoot, Odell donned a white shirt with blue trousers and pants — electric blue, to be precise. The results were certainly electric. The pants and jacket came from Canali, a top-notch Italian brand. The celebrated Italian clothing companies always deliver in a big way, and this combination of traditional suit and daring color is a real winner.
2. Tracy Morgan
You probably know Tracy Morgan for his outrageous “Saturday Night Live” performances and his hilariously self-centered character on the sitcom “30 Rock.” Over the years, this bombastic comedian has influenced many other comics with his onstage fearlessness. And, of course, Tracy’s courageous physical and psychological recovery after a devastating 2014 car accident inspired many people beyond the world of comedy. In fact, some critics feel he’s funnier today than ever before.
If all of that weren’t enough, Tracy’s a fashion leader. Take the suit he wore to his wedding. When he exchanged vows in 2015 with Megan Wollover, he had on a stunning white Brioni tuxedo that was made from scratch especially for him.
Tracy’s wedding suit teaches at least two lessons. First, it’s fine and fun to experiment with colors. Second, there’s no substitute for premium tailoring. Put yourself in the hands of an expert tailor, and you’ll be more than pleased with the results every time.
3. Bilal Powell
Like Odell Beckham Jr., Bilal Powell grew up near the Gulf of Mexico and plays for an NFL team in New York. Bilal, however, was raised in Lakeland, Florida, and he’s a running back for the Jets.
Bilal’s hairstyle might not be as sensational as Odell’s, but his taste in clothing is just as keen. Take his indelible appearance at the 2016 Kentucky Derby. He wore a Balfour jacket with lavender checks, a lavender shirt and cream-colored Balfour pants. His bow tie from Edward Armah, meanwhile, matched his trousers.
If Bilal hadn’t already been one of America’s male fashion icons, this custom-made outfit would have put him over the top. Consider the boldness of it. A more timid man might’ve shied away from the Easter egg hues, but Bilal’s confidence coupled with the perfection of the fit and beauty of the fabric turned this outfit into an MVP.
4. Constantine Maroulis
In 2005, modern-day Greek god Constantine Maroulis brought his smoldering self to the stages of “American Idol.” Since then, he’s enjoyed a successful recording and touring career, and he’s appeared in commercials. He’s been a hit on Broadway as well, showing off his acting chops in blockbuster shows.
Constantine came in fourth place on “Idol,” but his clothes are second to none. At a Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner in June 2014, for instance, he wore a light blue jacket and a pink shirt with a white collar. The first few shirt buttons were undone; he substituted his chest hair for a necktie.
Constantine had a renowned New Jersey menswear store create this outfit for him, and he loved the “crispness” of this clothing. This suit also shows how a person can be at once formal and laid-back, and the colors embody the joy and heat of the late spring.
You could say, if you wanted to be a little corny about it, that male fashion icons are like butterflies. No two are exactly alike. They suddenly appear, and they dazzle spectators with their patterns and overall presence. Afterward, they linger in people’s memories. And, for sure, there are plenty of pictures of them on the internet.
At this point, you’re probably ready to study some images of Tracy, Odell, Bilal, Constantine and others you admire. As you do so, imagine yourself wowing everyone at your next major social or professional event.
