When someone says 1990s style, you think of Brad Pitt. When someone says 1980s style, you think of David Bowie. Seventies… Mick Jagger. Sixties… the Beatles. But what about the 1950s, the decade just before that subcultural boom took off in film and music? Just as stylish and just as rebellious in spirit, we'd have to argue the decade's main style nexus is James Dean.
Despite his tragic passing at the age of 24, Dean had a distinct quality that has influenced the world's of both fashion and grooming right up until today. The quality was in this: a totally cool, totally stripped back wardrobe. He took basic items, such as denim jeans and white T-shirts, and made them look sophisticated through confident (and unconventional) styling, as well as immaculate accessories.
It was on this day in 1931 that the actor was born so, in celebration, we've sourced seven of his standout looks. They're all essentials and if you can carry them half as good as Dean, you'll be on the road to a serious winner.
1. The gingham blazer
Why: Dean's gingham blazer is the perfect middle ground between classic, single-tone tailoring and an overzealous explosion of print. Opt for a thicker material (looks like he's has gone for wool here) and layer it over some high-waisted charcoal trousers for a look that screams stylish rancher. Also, it helps to lift up those lapels for a nonchalant touch.
2. The V-neck jumper
Why: Wearing a V-neck can go one of two ways: you either look like a frumpy and unstylish dad or an attractive intellectual. Fine line, but Dean shows you have to make sure you achieve the latter. It's all down to the styling: with his underlayer shirt pulled out through the neckline, rolled up cuffs and base of slim-cut corduroy trousers, he's just made us want to jump on the Ivy League fashion bus, stat. Trip to Drake's, anyone?
3. The leather belt
Why: No matter what you're wearing (within reason), loop a leather belt round it and your look will instantly come together. Why? Because the accessory is a firm centrepiece, a mark of self-assurance in your silhouette. Ideally, use it to divide a (generously) unbuttoned shirt and straight-cut jeans like Dean.
4. The Western hat
Why: We've said it before and we'll say it again, the Western hat works wonders. Everyone's wearing them right now, but don't just jump on the bandwagon and buy something flimsy. Invest in the best, because this is a season-less accessory to wear for decades on end (from coffee runs to drunken excursions – anything goes). Head to Stetson for the finest, then all you need to do is master Dean's coolness.
5. The bomber jacket
Why: You think of James Dean, you think of Rebel Without A Cause. You think of Rebel Without A Cause, you think of the red bomber jacket, the hallmark of Dean's genuinely cool style. Left unzipped over his iconic crewneck (onto that shortly), jeans and Western boots, the cropped layer brought the right seal of confidence to his stance.
6. The knitted tie
Why: If you see the tie as a boring necessity, throw that thought out the window, because this accessory is a vital contributor to the elegant wardrobe – especially if it's knitted. Far more than a finish to your work suit, you can wear it under a denim jacket, trench or even a shearling coat when the weather starts to bite. A width of 3cm or less is best and, for the colour, stick to a dark shade like Dean (we're fans of navy).
7. And, of course, the white T-shirt
Why: James Dean's favourite fashion friend was the white T-shirt. We get it, probably the most essential item of all, you can wear it with anything. Anything. Jeans, a suit, corduroy kecks and even joggers, its simplicity its suited to a man of any age. Dean always opted to style it with jeans, tucked in at the waist and slightly baggier in fit. This mainstay item was definitely a contributor to his cool reputation, so we suggest investing soon (any pick from our list will do the trick).
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