Fashion Editorial #8: Into the Frame

Source: Esquire Korea, Nov 2011

What's your Style Archetype? Knowing yourself is the first step to being stylish!

The fashion world is huge, but it can really be simplified to twelve Style Archetypes. Which one you belong to depends on a few things – the importance of clothing in your life, your preference for different patterns and apparel, as well as the amount of effort you're willing to put into dressing up.

Once you know your archetype, you'll find that dressing up and looking good isn't hard at all. Less trial and error, more hitting the spot. You can even start exploring looks and brands within your archetype that you never thought you'd like. Take this test to find out which Style Archetype works best for you!

You're a Normcore!

The typical Normcore is someone who is either tired of or cannot be bothered with the needy world of fashion, preferring comfort and conformity to being à la mode. He is however not someone who throws on clothing randomly – he cares about the way he dresses, just not how everyone thinks he should. Amongst Normcores there are those who take it more seriously than others. These folks have picked Normcore as their personal style, and actively seek out designers and outfits that make an ironic “I am anti-style” statement.

Click here to read more about Normcore, find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're an Islander!

The Islander encapsulates a family of styles inspired by year-long sunshine, sand and sea, and a carefree attitude to life. While you find most Islanders actually living in beach towns and rivieras, many people living in cities follow the style too. Particularly in summer, the Islander style becomes popular for its lack of fuss and the feeling it gives of being transported to a sunny resort.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Hypebeast!

It’s all about hype. Coined by, well, HYPEBEAST, this archetype belongs to men who dress according to the latest trends. But not every trend – they have particular love for exclusive collaboration sneakers, limited edition skater hats and beanies, and street-ready loungewear. Heavily influenced by urban “hood” culture, the Hypebeast emulates the styles of hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West, and look to NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Iman Shumpert more for their off-court outfits than their lay-ups. Anything that’s bling or displays a savviness about the latest hip-hop statement, most commonly an actual marquee on a sweatshirt or cap, is an essential feature in the Hypebeast’s style (think: I woke up like this).

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're an Eclectic!

Archetypes and their forms and rules – who cares? Such is the attitude of the Eclectics. It may be tempting to call them iconoclasts, but really, you’d have to be against rules to be one. Eclectics aren’t that way, however; they just don’t bother. Instead, Eclectics create their own set of highly personal, haphazard, and often unconventional rules. They freely pick and choose themes, items, and looks from all over the fashion spectrum to construct what others would call a statement ensemble, and what the Eclectics would call simply “what I like and how I like it”.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Brandstag!

Brand-stag, Brands-tag: these are guys who love brands and tags. In fact, they almost worship them. Your classic fashion victim, these guys are walking encyclopedias of runway looks and trends, highly educated in the seasonal offerings of fashion houses large and small. They are most obsessed with brands that are going through experimental phases, mainly because they offer the exhilarating drug of “the chase”. Favoring the showy, Brandstags not only have the knowledge but flaunt it too, often regarding as badges of honor conspicuous logos, highly recognizable brand items, and the “it” item of the season – bag, shoes or otherwise. The perfect guy to ask “who are you wearing”, the Brandstag address the items of his outfit by designer names, most often with barely concealable enthusiasm and scholastic panache.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a BoHipster!

The BoHipster is anti-establishment, not in an aggressive metal rocker kind of way, but in a more self-expressive, arty fashion. He is usually a fan of indie rock and music from the free love eras of the 60s and 70s. He prides himself in knowing live music bars in town, hippie references, the latest activist cause, and the difference between raw and regular denim. He most likely sports some form of facial hair and tattoos, and goes to a hip salon for his hairdo without coming across as a metrosexual.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Utilitarian!

The Utilitarian man is most probably a hands-on kind of guy who always thinks about matching style with practicality. Nothing in his wardrobe doesn’t serve more than one purpose, and there’ll always be more reasons than just “it looks good” for his buys. He is most likely someone who enjoys physical activities or the outdoors, and seeks comfort in the way he dresses.

Emerging from a working-class approach to fashion that has a healthy disdain for what was considered showy and impractical, the archetype is more of an approach to menswear than a uniform style. Therefore, visually different looks can fall under this one category, running the gamut from the Western cowboy or safari ranger to foot soldier or factory worker.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Traditionalist!

A traditionalist is often easy to spot – he’s always impeccably dressed and there’s a classy throwback feel about him. He may come across overdressed sometimes, seen most often in a tailored jacket or blazer, and sticks to his guns about dressing like a gentleman and how the culture has become too casual. He knows the best tailors in town and bandies the word “bespoke” about quite a lot.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Sportif!

Consider the Sportifs as men who are in the sweet spot between luxury fashion and sporty casual. The archetype is a defining one for the new millennium, as designers responded to the rising star power of athletes, who in turn have created a demand for luxury sporting wear that befits their status. Arguably begun by such stylish sports icons as David Beckham, the trend has married runway designers and traditionally ill-fitting sportswear, and their brainchild is an active masculinity mixed with luxury materials, updated cuts, and stylish detailing.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Rebel!

A Rebel usually has a rugged personality and strong views either of governance, religion or other establishments – more often than not he holds the minority stance. To the Rebel, music is incomplete without electric guitars hooked up to a pedal, and black is most certainly his favourite colour. He is either a remnant of the glorious days of punk or grunge music, and while being selective in his outfits tend to have a casual attitude to being “fashionable”. It’s making a (dissenting) statement that counts.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a Prep!

The preppy guy most likely picked up his sense of style from campus, but with the diversity in colleges nowadays its popularity has waned. Nonetheless, the preppy look still has its charm for guys who like to convey a sophisticated but relaxed sensibility in their dress. Related to the preppy look is the “geek” or “nerd”, popularized in the last decade by such hit American TV series as Big Bang Theory as well as wildly successful college romance dramas from South Korea such as Dream High. Backed by black thick-rimmed glasses and star power from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zachary Quinto, Lee Jong Suk and Kim Soo Hyun, it’s a style that says brainy is sexy.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

You're a NuDapper!

Much akin to their Traditionalist counterparts, the NuDapper’s style is primarily informed by the classic gentleman’s wardrobe – except that it is far less rigid in its dogma and instead champions experimentation within the general confines of classical menswear. The question the NuDapper asks would therefore be: what would a new-age gentleman wear in this occasion? Not to say that Traditionalists aren’t modern. But the NuDapper is more exploratory in their attitude, willing to break rules and mix them about, but always finishing off looking debonair. The NuDapper doesn’t mind picking up cues from current trends, but they always fit them into the template of what is acceptable to a gentleman.

Click here to find out what designers belong to this archetype, as well as wardrobe essentials for you to create different looks.

P.S. This is only your primary archetype. Most of us has at least two Style Archetypes that appeal to them. Visit this page to learn more about the remaining archetypes.

How much time do you devote to picking outfits?

I like to create and experiment with new looks for myself.

I like to plan my outfits everyday, according to my mood, and what I'm doing.

I'm a grab and go kinda guy.

I have a couple of fixed looks that I always wear, and I switch out items here and there.

What do clothes mean to you?

The way I dress reflects my lifestyle.

Clothes are meant to make you look good.

Clothes should be practical, like everything else.

Clothes are a way to express my creativity, and my philosophy in life.

How do you go about shopping for new clothes?

I check out the latest looks from my favourite designers, or if there are any collabs or limited editions.

I follow a certain "look" and buy items that adhere to that style.

I get basics, practical items, stuff that can fit my current wardrobe, or stuff that fits my lifestyle.

I look out for unique stuff like statement pieces, vintage items, unique accessories, etc.

Classic or modern, which one appeals to you more?

I gravitate towards classic styles that have stood the test of time.

I prefer contemporary looks that look current.

Whether modern or classic, I like things simple.

I prefer throwback styles with lots of personality.

Does looking sporty appeal to you?

Activewear, or clothes with sporty details, is a big part of my wardrobe.

I wear it on the weekends because it's comfortable and unfussy.

Yes, I mix it into my looks sometimes.

I reserve sporty looks for when I'm working out or actually playing sports.

How do you feel about wearing bright colours?

I stick mostly to a handful of muted colours.

I love wearing black on black.

Why not? I love colour!

I like adding a pop of colour to a mostly muted wardrobe.

Are you comfortable with standing out in a crowd?

I'm comfortable with attention, but I certainly don't seek it.

Oh yes! I like to leave a lasting impression on others.

No, I prefer blending in.

I wear what I want. Couldn't care about what others think.

What goes with leather?

Definitely denim. And practically anything.

Metallic accents, jackets, and more leather.

I don't really wear much leather at all. Mostly just shoes.

A good suit. Goes with a good pair of leather shoes and a good leather belt.

Do you believe that there are rules for how a man should dress?

Following menswear traditions, or runway examples, ensures your look is successful.

I enjoy breaking rules, testing the boundaries.

I put a special value on function and practicality.

No, I believe in creating my own rules and wearing what fits my personality.

I'm aware of the rules but I hardly think about them when I dress.

How do you like the fit on your clothing?

I want to be able to move comfortably in what I wear.

I like a slim or even skinny look, so I prefer something close-fitting that elongates my silhouette.

Baggy or roomy. It's on trend now and it's cool.

Clothes should always look fitted, or tailored.

Which group of adjectives below most appeals to you?

Classy, sophisticated, smart.

Cool, edgy, bold.

Athletic, youthful, laid-back.

Practical, simple, subtle.

Offbeat, wild, defiant.

Which of these groups has the most number of patterns you like?

Florals, paisley, aztec, stripes, seersucker, house crests, colour-blocking.

Camouflage, madras, ripped fabric, geometric shapes, woven textures.

Printed words, logos, graphic prints, contrast piping.

Plaid, houndstooth, herringbone, tartan, argyle, checks.

I don't really fancy patterns.

Pick the group of items you have a special love for.

Plain tees, casual shirts, pullover, parka jackets, jeans, chukkas, slip-ons.

Pocket squares, collar pins, oxfords shoes, bowties, suits and sports jackets.

Sneakers, backpacks, bomber jackets, oversized tees, sweats, caps.

Hats, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, statement bags and shoes.

Leather jackets, skinny jeans, boots, vintage shirts.

Which of the following groups has the most brands that appeal to your sense of style?

COS, Gap, Nike, Neil Barrett, Supreme, Bathing Ape, Stussy.

Orlebar Brown, British India, Bottega Veneta, Timberland, COACH, Carhartt.

Etro, Gucci, Missoni, Saint Laurent, John Varvatos, Rick Owens.

Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Thom Browne.

Paul Smith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Fred Perry, Dunhill, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani.