I can’t remember the last time I ordered a big mug of coffee. Today it’s a tall Americano, thank you very much. What was a night at ‘the pictures’ is now termed heading to see ‘a movie’. Thankfully U.S. cultural imperialism is not all bad though. New autumn-winter clothing lines for men feature some of the hottest looks in years with glorious Americana riding roughshod all over the more fickle trends. Unashamedly male, widely accessible and wonderfully playful, for my money the only style worth embracing this ‘fall’ is that inspired by the men of Stars and Stripes.
Justin Timberlake’s clothing line, William Rast, led the stampede last year with a seriously cool contemporary take on the American classics. US fashion royalty Michael Kors was hot on his heels. Topping them both was designer Michael Bastian with his witty and uber-cool Americana celebration, bringing the look bang up to date. The look is a great one. Getting it right is as much a mind-set as a dress code.
The best way I can describe Classic Americana is that it blends the alpha-male image of a guy who’s just taken a break from chopping logs or rustling cattle, with the sophistication of the pioneering adventurer – be it an all-American aviator or an ‘easy rider’ on the open road. Icons date right back to rugged Rock Hudson types and continue with contemporaries such as Brad Pitt, Tom Brady (NFL star quarterback and hubby of Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen) and the effortlessly stylish John Meyer.
Americana is a very accessible look that will suit most guys. What’s more it’s highly likely you’ll already own many of the signature items, a wallet-friendly bonus. Note to self however, Americana is not an excuse to start wearing the stetson you’ve had buried in the back of your closet for the past decade!
Statement outerwear pieces are a big part of the look and one of the most ubiquitous items is indeed the leather jacket. Superdry has one with just the right amount of detailing in the pockets and zips. Get yourself down to Indigo & Cloth on Dublin’s South William Street to pick up any amount of additions to your look including plaid shirts and hoodies from the Lee 101 collection along with some really well cut denims. Distressed-looking leather boots (such as these, €95 from French Connection) aplenty are available from Top Man or Pepe Jeans. The look can be softened with a seersucker jacket or canvas loafers for a more indoorsy aire.
Steer clear of adding too much U.S. -inspired preppy wear though as this can fudge what should be an unfussy aesthetic. Americana is all about kicking off the suit and being ready to go for a few beers with your buds or heading off on a daytrip to the mountains.
