In men’s style, rules have always been part of the furniture. Some were born in the gentlemen’s clubs of Edwardian London, others in Ivy League quads or in Savile Row workrooms; relics of a time when a man’s respectability could be surmised from the polish of his shoes or the shape of his lapels. Today, style is more democratic, yet the old rules retain a peculiar fascination. How do modern style experts view them? Here, writers, experts and stylists share their takes on 10 historic style commandments.
“No brown in town”
Tom Guinness, stylist: obviously nonsense. Brown shoes, worn with intention, can signal a more developed sense of style than default black.
Patrick Grant, designer and presenter: I love brown – it’s the best neutral, more flattering than navy or grey. Down with this rule.
Mel Ottenberg, editor and stylist: I wear a vintage brown leather jacket everywhere and I’m not going to stop. If it’s rude, then maybe that’s why it feels right.
