The Dandy: Bold, On His Own Terms

Fashion
Written by The AO Project

The Dandy knows who he is and dresses like it. One bold piece he chose for himself, and a quiet outfit that lets it stand out.

Most men dress so nobody comments. The Dandy dresses so he recognises himself in the mirror. He takes chances, and he doesn’t wait for anyone to approve of them.

For me, it’s jewellery. Some days I wear a big chain, when the occasion suits. Mine is from Hatton Labs. Not every day, and never with everything else turned up too.

Skip to the pieces ↓

Illustration of the Dandy look: white linen shirt, green knit over the shoulders, silk neckerchief, stone trousers and brown penny loafers
Linen shirt, knit over the shoulders, silk neckerchief, stone trousers, brown loafers.

Who the Dandy is

  • He knows his own taste and doesn’t ask for a second opinion.

  • He takes the risk on one thing: jewellery, colour or texture.

  • He cares about the finish. Pressed, polished, fitted.

One bold piece, everything else quiet

The usual advice says the Dandy is about more: more colour, more pattern, more accessories. That’s how it turns into a costume. The boldness works because there is one of it. A silver chain looks deliberate against a plain white shirt open at the neck. Over a printed shirt it just looks busy.

How to wear it

  • Silver chain, white Oxford shirt open at the neck, cream pleated trousers, brown suede loafers, a brown holdall. The chain sits on plain white, so it’s the first thing anyone sees. The bag picks up the brown of the loafers.

  • Bottle-green crew neck, cream trousers, dark brown loafers. Colour is the risk here, so the jewellery stays small.

  • Navy roll-neck, grey trousers, black loafers, a silver ring. The smart version for dinner.

What to skip

  • Logos. The bold piece should say something about you, not about a brand.

  • Costume. Cravats, canes and waistcoats over jeans.

  • Stacking. Big jewellery, loud colour and pattern in one outfit.

The Dandy, five ways

  • Man in a dark green jacket, open white shirt, cream pleated trousers and dark brown tassel loafersGreen jacket, cream trousers
  • Man in a brown suede jacket, cream knitted polo, olive pleated trousers and brown suede tassel loafersSuede jacket, olive trousers
  • Man in a tan houndstooth jacket, denim shirt, paisley neckerchief, cream trousers and brown suede tassel loafersHoundstooth, neckerchief
  • Man in a navy knitted polo, cream pleated trousers, brown belt and brown tassel loafers, jacket over his shoulderNavy polo, cream trousers
  • Man in a brown suit, sage shirt, printed neckerchief and dark brown tassel loafersBrown suit, neckerchief

Where to buy

The Dandy pieces

One bold chain, a quiet outfit around it. Six pieces.

None of these are affiliate links. I don't earn anything if you buy.

Prices, colours and stock change. Check size, seller and delivery before buying.

Final note

Pick your one bold thing, buy a good one, and keep the rest plain. That's what makes it look chosen, not borrowed.

Read next: Take the style quiz · The Rake: Relaxed, Never Careless · The Old Money Approach to Dressing Well

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