6 Tom Ford-Approved Style Pieces Every Man Should Have In His Wardrobe

Tom Ford, the designer who personifies class, is one of the most stylish men in the world. He has spearheaded the most anticipated fashion shows as the former creative director of Gucci and subsequently, Yves Saint Laurent.

Over the course of the last two decades, he has played a major role in changing the global fashion industry, by coming up with coveted collections that are so prim and proper, they can turn a man’s style game around in a jiffy. After he launched his own label, it became an instant hit among the who’s who of the fashion world. With the kind of experience and exposure Ford has garnered in his illustrious career, any advice he gives makes it to the top of the fashion rulebook. So if you’re trying to keep up with the fashion world, who better than Tom Ford, the most influential trend-setter himself, to tell you how it’s done.

On Tom Ford’s 59th birthday, AskMen India lists six of the most common style pieces that Ford believes every man should own:

A poplin shirt

Poplin is a thick fabric - made of either cotton, wool or silk - woven together with a crossed ribs stitch to attain a corded surface that adds to its durability. Tom Ford’s collections contain a lot of plain shirts made of poplin, which make an essential component of a man’s formal wardrobe.

It is an absolute must to get one in white - a standard colour that complements dark-coloured coats and makes you look well put together in an instant. Look for details like cutaway collars and crisp hems on the sleeves.

A well-fitted suit

Suits are a must-have in a man’s formal wardrobe. It is the perfect wear for occasions like an interview, a business meeting or a fancy wedding. Tom Ford’s collection comprises well-structured suits, which are mostly monochromatic and made in pastel shades of beige, brown and grey.

These subtle colours give you an understated charm and make you look classy without trying too hard. When getting yourself a suit, make sure the measurements are such that it accentuates your shoulders and arms and creates the illusion of a slimmer waist.

A trimmed tuxedo

Tom Ford once said that he’d rather be overdressed than underdressed. He believes that putting effort into how you present yourself to the world reflects how you are as a person. That is why, it is important to own appropriate clothes for occasions where you’re expected to be well turned out.

If you want to come across as smart, sharp and suave or just set a good first impression, nothing works better than a tuxedo with a bow tie. Tom Ford’s collections have a lot of these in a range of fabrics - velvet, satin, linen.

A well-fitted blazer

Blazers are yet another piece of clothing you must have in your wardrobe, as they accentuate your upper body beautifully. They make your waist look slimmer and your arms and shoulders, more muscular.

Tom Ford’s collections mostly consist of blazers in statement colours like grey and navy. However, you can get your hands on any colour, cut or material you like. What’s important is that it should be tailored as per your body, so that it makes you look trimmed and well-turned out.

Perfume

Never, never underestimate the power of a good perfume. Tom Ford believes that how you smell is just as important as how you look, and rightfully so.

In an interview, Tom Ford said that he has a habit of spraying himself with perfume every 20 minutes. Perfumes and colognes are a significant part of his style collections. The mild, light ones are to be used during the day and the heavier ones at night. While picking a perfume, make sure the ingredients contained in it suit your skin. You can even mix-match perfumes for a unique fragrance.

A watch collection

An elegant timepiece can instantly amp up your appearance, making you look sharper and smarter. Tom Ford’s watch collections are classy, without being too showy. They typically tend to have metallic straps and intricate detailing that would charm the wits out an accessory-junkie. Keep your utility in mind while purchasing a watch. If you’re going to be wearing it casually, look for a minimalistic one and if it’s for formal occasions, get one that is design-heavy.

Happy birthday to one of the greatest, most influential personalities of the fashion world.

Cover artwork by Dhaval Punatar/AskMen India