Unexpected Style Inspo: Menswear

Cowboys and government officials

Whilst perusing the men’s section of clothing stores, I always say to my boyfriend Simon that I think it’s much easier to dress as a man. From my perspective, many of the clothing items for men appear to be much more ‘timeless’ than womenswear and that’s why I think it is easier. It might not actually be, but from my perspective, it sometimes seems like that.

I decided to put together a Pinterest board of my favourite outfits that I’d seen on men and try and recreate them. FYI, I’m not trying to do an exact match, just a similar vibe (or for those who have ever worked in PPC, a phrase match :D ).

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Pedro Pascal in Variety’s Actors on Actors Interview with Stephen Yeun

Image Credit | Greg Swales for Variety

I watched this Actors on Actors interview for Variety with Pedro Pascal and Stephen Yeun a while back and haven’t stopped thinking about Pedro’s outfit since. The head-to-toe denim look pulled me right in and it seemed like something I could replicate.

To copy Pedro’s outfit, I put on a light grey polo neck top, my new Asos denim shirt (bought off Vinted), and my trusty Weekday Rowe jeans. To pull the look together, I added my mock croc belt from & Other Stories and these cherry red square-toe M&S boots.

As you can see, I ended up swapping the boots for my Adidas trainers as walking 25 minutes to work in heeled boots didn’t sound too fun.

To be honest, I could have been more accurate if I’d worn my denim jacket but I’d just got this denim shirt that I was eager to wear. Plus, it’s been very cold in Edinburgh so I am pretty much wearing a polo neck or thermal under everything I wear these days.

Besides that, I think the outfit is quite similar to Pedro’s. I’d wear it again.

Josh Lyman a.k.a. Bradley Whitford in The West Wing

Image Credit | Unknown

During lockdown, The West Wing became my safe haven. I’d finish working from home and binge-watch several episodes in bed. If you haven’t watched it and love a 90s drama that goes on and on, then it’s most certainly for you. Regarding the costumes, there were a lot of guys in suits and ties but what I particularly loved was all the overcoats on top of those suits and ties.

It was surprisingly hard to find a screenshot of any of them wearing a coat so that’s why the one I’ve selected breaks the fourth wall. Bradley Whitford’s character, Josh Lyman, is wearing a blue shirt and a dark suit. I couldn’t be bothered ironing my blue shirt and don’t own a dark suit so here’s my take on his outfit.

This & Other Stories mock neck jumper is the next best blue thing I own besides an unironed shirt. I paired it with these tailored wide-leg Bershka trousers that I need to get more wear out of. I bought these trousers as a present to myself when I found out I got my current job two years ago.

I used to say that I wanted my coats to look like something a First Lady would wear and I think this coat might do that which is apt for a West Wing-themed outfit. It’s the closest thing I own to Josh Lyman’s greyish trench and I love it. I never really wear smart shoes so my navy Converse were the final addition to the look.

I enjoyed this outfit and and had never worn this combo before which was exciting. I own the jumper in 3 different colours so thought I could use this as a sort of formula if you will. On a similarness scale to Josh Lyman’s look, I’d say this was a 4, but I know where it originates from so that’s all that matters.

Kayce Dutton a.k.a. Luke Grimes in Yellowstone

Image Credit | Unknown

We have recently been watching Yellowstone which is about cowboys in Montana and I think this is partially where the desire for a denim shirt came from. It was also partially inspired by this look from The Anna Edit. Anyway, I thought I could easily recreate this Kayce Dutton outfit minus the cowboy hat.

Plus, it seemed like a perfect occasion to wear these cowboy boots I bought almost a year in advance of seeing Taylor Swift next year.

As you might expect for a cowboy-themed look, the Asos denim shirt makes another appearance. I layered it on top of a black polo neck (a classic Lily outfit) and my black Weekday jeans. Obviously, I wore my cowboy boots.

The final piece of the puzzle was this cosy Zara faux shearling jacket which is quite similar to Kayce’s.

On a similarness scale, I’d give this a 7 but I think it’s much more cosy than Kayce’s. I enjoyed wearing it and might replicate some other Yellowstone cast outfits to get more use out of my cowboy boots before next year…

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The whole point of this post was to expand where I look for style inspo and not be limited by gender boundaries. I guess this also applies to shopping as well. Several of my favourite blazers are from the men’s section in charity shops so it’s definitely having a wee browse.

Thanks for reading,

Lily

P.S. Whilst writing this I had to stop and clean my mirror as I hadn’t realised how filthy it was.