Jeremy Simpson featuring Penguin for Revolve Clothing

Charles Baudelaire, in his later phase of dandyism defined the dandy as one who elevates æsthetics to a living religion. The dandy’s mere existence reproaches the responsible citizen of the middle class:  “Dandyism in certain respects comes close to spirituality and to stoicism” and “These beings have no other status, but that of cultivating the idea of beauty in their own persons, of satisfying their passions, of feeling and thinking… Contrary to what many thoughtless people seem to believe, dandyism is not even an excessive delight in clothes and material elegance. For the perfect dandy, these things are no more than the symbol of the aristocratic superiority of his mind.”

So what makes a Dandy? There is no single look, unless you count the louche dandy in lush fabrics that looked like necktie silks. But if you don’t fancy wearing your tie as trousers, you can just hang it askew round a small-collared shirt – or team a cool and easy short-sleeved shirt with a vest. There were innovative silhouettes, like Fred Astaire’s look of tight – waist pants but completed with a drawn-on moustache, or melon-shaped sleeves on a belted coat.

I remember that quote “There is no one man,” said Alber Elbaz with Lucas Ossendrijver, Lanvin’s menswear designer after his Spring 2010 Fashion show in Paris. Being Dandy is “make it diverse, keep it real, strong and modern” like if you were marching energetically forward to your the finale.

This article is  dedicated to a marching evolution of modern dandies, who are today’s references and inspiration. The Ones that modernize menswear and keep the men look good.

Bernhard Roetzel: "Gentleman A Timeless Guide to Fashion"

If you are looking for a dandy 101 guide, you can buy Bernhard Roetzel’s 2nd edition of “Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion”. Would be perfect to read while on the beach. This book explains everything from the pajamas and English suits to the walking canes. This illustrated bible – for the wannabee dandy or for whom needs to review its standards – teaches you everything necessary to fashion yourself. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Nowhere to start? Check this online store dedicated to accessories. Fineanddandyshop.com is owned by two gentlemen who know how to cater the dandy with the perfect bow ties and tie bars. I highly recommend checking the Marcoliani socks, they would look splendid in your Gaziano & Girling brown leather shoes.

During the Fall/Winter 2009 and Spring/Summer 2010 runways, several designers like Dries Van Noten, Junya Watanabe, Lucas Ossendrijver for Lanvin, Raf Simons or Alessandro Sartori fro Z Zegna brought dandy back with a splash of innovation. It’s hard to believe that overcoats and bowler hat were back on stage, but designers have reinvented the suit of our modern times. Colors and new fabrics play a new role, sleeves and pants are sometimes longer, layered suiting and deconstructed textiles add up to the new sophisticated man. Antonio Azzuolo and Alexis Mabille are good examples of what would the “avant-gardiste” dandy look like.

There is no one place that will give you the inspiration that you need to perfect your style. My only advice is to look around you – blogs, streets and magazines are an infinite resource of good style. What matter is feeling comfortable in your outfit. In my recent researches, I’ve been able to find some interesting places that  capture the imagination of today’s young men.

Chuck Bass: the Dandy bad boy from Gossip Girl

If you like Gossip Girl and Chuck Bass’ popular preppy-chic look, I’d suggest adding this blog What wore Chuck. in your bookmarks to follow the bad boy’s Fashion moves.

Lookbook.nu is a great style community built by people like you and me. Below some young Dandies Trevor T from Melbourne, Australia and Philip E from Manchester, UK. I highly recommend to browse it intensively.

Trevor T from Melbourne

Philip E from Manchester

If you feel you have an interesting link to share, designer to recommend, do not hesitate to share this. Contact me directly from the Contact page, you’ll find the link on the top-right corner of the sidebar.