Tailored Power: A Guide to Mastering Black Dandy Style
The month of February is dedicated to honoring and remembering Black history, and a huge part of that history is fashion. Throughout American history, fashion has been a way for the Black community to not only connect with their culture, but protest. Dandyism rose out of a revolution that began in the 18th-century, starting with figures like Beau Brummell who rejected flamboyant aristocratic dress, aiming to stand out with a sharp tailored look. This style of clothing allowed the Black community to resist the norms and stereotypes society was putting them in. This movement was a way for Black Americans to regain the control over their identity by exuding confidence and excellence through tailored style. Today through a cultural shift, Black dandy style has welcomed elements of modern streetwear and flashy accessories, allowing it to be more personalized and unique.
HATS
From a casual snapback to a wide-brimmed fedora, a hat is the perfect way to set the tone of the rest of an outfit. A baseball cap or fur hat paired with formal wear is the perfect way to create a casual streetwear look while still being dressed up. A flat cap or fedora, a homage to the traditional Black dandy, is a way to dress-up and elevate a look.
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2. oversized glasses
Glasses are an easy way to make any outfit look sharp. Oversized sunglasses can become a statement piece in a fit that might otherwise be simple, through experimentation with different frame colors and patterns. Sunglasses can add a level of mystery or darkness to a look while still maintaining sophistication. Aviator glasses are a slightly more delicate look due to their thin frames and the wide teardrop lenses.
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3. Long overcoat
As it is winter time, a long overcoat is the perfect way to stay warm while staying with the dandy style. With its structured silhouette, an overcoat is a simple way to elevate a tailored look, making the wearer look taller and sophisticated. A faux fur overcoat offers a more dramatic look with better warmth and more texture compared to a traditional overcoat.
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4. suit set
The center of dandyism is the bespoke tailoring: the sharp suits that naturally give the wearer confidence. Embodying the heart of black dandyism, you should pick a suit in a bold color like white or blue. Shift from solids and choose a different suit pattern, like stripes or polka dots to make the look more striking. Wearing a matching vest and a simple button up will make the look more put together, however a patterned necktie is a unique way to add a little bit of flare. As an alternative to a traditional blazer and trouser set, a blazer dress offers a more feminine silhouette.
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5. stilettos
Dandyism is all about class and sophistication. What’s more classy than a sleek stiletto? With the primary focus of a dandy look being the tailoring, your shoe choice should be simple yet elegant. Worn with baggy trousers, you get the point of the shoe poking out the bottom of the pants, not taking away from the rest of the look. Sticking to a black shoe will keep any outfit sleek, but venturing out to other brighter colors, like red, could make it a statement piece. Matching the shoe color to the vest, tie, or hat could also make an outfit more cohesive.
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6. flashy jewelry
For a dandy, jewelry is more than just an accessory, it’s a statement of elegance, sophistication, and pride. Bold accessorising is what makes Black dandyism, Black. The modern dandy is embracing a flashier style that exudes confidence and grace. Chunky chains and rings with flashy diamonds may act as a centerpiece to an outfit, elevating it. Adding a lapel chain and brooches to a plain blazer can add dimension to a suit set. Showing your personal style through layered chain necklaces and statement earring adds a certain level of swag and confidence to a look.
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