Understanding Masculine Style

Elegant, Masculine, Style.

A concept that seems to be fading fast in today’s, dare we say, lazy, men’s style trends.

What exactly does it mean to be both masculine and stylish? Can these two concepts coincide in men’s fashion?

Bust out your coolest suit and practice your most debonair stare, because for this topic we’ll be examining the style of one of our favorite TV characters, Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass. Check out the video for this article on our KinoWear YouTube channel.

We’ll also discuss ways you can enhance your own style with your masculinity using a few simple ideas.

What is Masculine Style?

Masculine style, or elegant masculinity as we like to call it, is best embodied in a man who takes pride in and puts effort into maintaining a stylish look while retaining the dominance and confidence associated with being a masculine man.

American men, in particular, are leaning more and more toward a laid-back, casual, and quite frankly, dull sense of style.

Don’t get us wrong, there is a time and place for your typical plaid flannel over a t-shirt with jeans. Additionally, other countries are adopting some of the aspects of this less-sophisticated look. But elegant masculinity is much more akin to the quintessential gentleman movie stars of days past.

Consider nearly anyone who has played the role of James Bond. Another prime example of elegant masculinity is the character of Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) from Gone with the Wind.

No one can doubt both the elegant style and masculine identity of these men. Always stylish in a tailored suit, and ready to light a women’s cigarette.

The women continue to swoon over these captivating gents, proving that you don’t have to be dressed as a lumberjack or various tradesmen to exude masculinity. Let’s look at a modern example from one of the most artfully arranged T.V. series of our time.

Character Study: Chuck Bass of Gossip Girl

The fact that this series ended over ten years ago and the Chuck’s style is still relevant, speaks volumes.

High fashion will always be in style. Chuck Bass was the “million dollar playboy” in Gossip Girl, and his fashion sense played right into it.

Chuck Bass was played by Ed Westwick, and his stylist, Eric Daman, helped to reflect the character’s bold, confident and sophisticated personality through fashion. Color is often used in the character’s ensembles in simple but effective ways. Consider his high-contrast ties, ascots or pocket squares.

Another style concept that is used in Chuck’s wardrobe is the mixing of both modern and traditional pieces. Adding pieces to your wardrobe that have fallen out of favor to less-flashy items is one way you can stand out from the crowd just like Chuck’s character. Consider wearing bow ties, scarves, waistcoats or tie-tacks to add a bit of flair to your ensemble.

You can also find Chuck donning softer, more delicately-colored sport coats or suits. This lends to his softer side, but his virile masculinity is never in doubt.

If you are a fan of Gossip Girl, you have probably noticed that Chuck’s wardrobe is not the only one that lends to the overall art of each and every scene. Almost every character has a timeless style that can still be appreciated today.

Why does masculine style feel so foreign?

American men’s style is quite different from that of men in other countries or continents. Though there are always exceptions to this rule, American fashion tends to be much more laid-back. Activewear is often worn for everyday activities in the United States. In countries like Japan or in countries in Europe, activewear is only worn to and from the gym or while actively working out.

American men’s style is much less flashy and the reason for that is fairly absurd. There seems to be an overwhelming fear that men who put thought and effort into how they look are perceived as less masculine.

We see loads of t-shirts, jeans, and flannel shirts as staples in the American man’s wardrobe. For dressier days, you might find a pair of khaki pants and a button-down shirt or collared polo.

Examples of this less-than-sophisticated look is apparent in nearly any American movie or T.V. series portraying the life of the average guy. He’s probably wearing loose-fitting jeans, a t-shirt and maybe a rolled-sleeve button-down shirt on top. Forget the details like accessories, hats or satchels (otherwise known as the man-purse or murse.) The average American tv character’s style, as well as most guys, is forgettable.

Those who are well-dressed are often portrayed in the same movies as cold, manipulative and unkind individuals. Take the often-dumped Wall Street broker whose girlfriend leaves him in the dust for a more in-tune with his feelings, not-so-well-dressed country boy in nearly any Hallmark holiday movie. What would happen if only that country boy had a better sense of fashion? We sense this would be the ultimate jackpot for many women.

In Europe or larger metropolitan areas in Asia, many men opt for a custom-tailored suit, high-end brands, and overall more adventurous clothing. There is simply no stigma surrounding looking good and knowing it. These men simply know that they can live in two worlds with an elegant style and masculine energy.

Be the Man Women Want

History has shown that women are attracted to men who accept the “traditionally” feminine side of their personalities and are not threatened or afraid of it. Women want men who are masculine but can also show a softer side of themselves, a man they can feel comfortable with.

This is evident in any romance novel or classic movie. The men are attractive, cultured, well-mannered and elegant. Even in those cheesy Hallmark movies, the women initially are attracted to the man’s style, later realizing that it takes style and personality to complete the whole package. As Oscar Wilde is often quoted “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” We agree.

This doesn’t mean fill your wardrobe with suits or buy a double breasted jacket, it means being willing to dress to impress. If you’re the guy who is putting in that extra effort into his look, then the ladies will take notice.

How to Achieve Elegant Masculinity

You don’t have to spend five years studying what guys wear to dress well while maintaining your masculine identity. It just requires some frame shifts.

First, get out of the mostly-American mindset that high-fashion is less masculine than simply not caring how you’re dressed.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth, just look at Chuck Bass. Don’t be afraid to be bold and put in that extra bit of effort that others notice. Remember, if you blend in, you will never stand out.

You don’t have to start with a pink blazer, start by anchoring your fashion experimentation in the familiar.

An outfit that is over-the-top abnormal will definitely stand out, but it won’t appeal to women. Slowly by incorporate new, bold pieces with familiar pieces in your wardrobe and see how people react. Perhaps, you could add a vibrant pocket square or tie to your fitted blazer that you normally wear without accessories.

The unexpected can make your ensemble interesting. We like the idea of pairing modern trends with more traditional pieces. Try pairing an accessory like an ascot in a bold complementing color with a blazer you already own. This flash of color will make a statement, but you won’t be overwhelmed by such a miniscule style change.

You can also try pairing things like vests with your skinny designer jeans. Mixing older styles with modern styles is a sure way to get noticed.

You may feel a bit strange at first, but you have to push yourself out of your style comfort zone. As people give you positive feedback, you’ll start to feel good about your new style.

Haute Couture will Never go out of Style

High-fashion will not go out of style and the artfully-presented T.V. series, Gossip Girl, with its super-stylish character Chuck Bass, exemplifies this. The fashion choices and ensembles from this show are as relevant and seductive now as they were when the series began in 2007.

There were loads of teen soap operas airing around the same time as Gossip Girl, and just as many male leads trying to woo their teenage counterparts. But forming an image of those characters, how many of them stand out?

My guess is not very many and likely because these characters simply blend in.

Characters like Chuck Bass are not easily forgotten. His personality plays a part, but his style seals the deal.

Elegant masculinity is about being bold, letting go of nonsense beliefs and becoming the best you. You can be elegant and still have your masculine identity. If your style and personality flow cohesively, like Chuck Bass, you won’t be forgotten.