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Introduction
We write lists for everything. Our shopping list, our to do list, our top 10 female celebrity crush list (no, just me?) But when it comes to style there’s only one list that matters. With more dapper gents than you can shake a stick at, and a lot more respectability that Heat’s ‘Torso Of The Year’ award, the GQ Best Dressed Men 2012 list brings together the UK’s finest fashion representitives. It’s the only list every man wants to be on, and the definitive run down of Britain’s most stylish figures. There are actors, footballers, musicians, presenters, models, fashion royalty and actual royalty gracing the pages of GQ this month, all in the name of style.
The first thing that struck me about the panel’s choices was the variety of different styles compared to previous lists – and I guess that kind of represents British style today. You’ve still got the classic Savile Row traditions, but running throughout this list are some curve balls with a rocky, preppy, geeky and urban edge. What’s also clear is how our British influence is yet again spreading beyond these shores, with our musicians, actors and models taking the world (particularly the USA) by storm – enhancing our international style credentials.
So without further a do, lets take a look at what GQ describes as a “real shake up” of a best dressed list. As always, if you want to share, rant, congratulate or commiserate then leave your comments below.
The GQ Best Dressed List 2012
Note: Each of the following lists are in descending order.
Numbers 50 – 21
Prince Charles, Patrick Grant, Piers Morgan, Luke Sweeney & Thom Whiddett, Douglas Booth, Eddie Redmayne, Adrien Sauvage & George Lamb, Dominic West, Noel Gallagher, Labrinth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Gerard Butler, Amir Kahn, Daniel Craig, Richard Ayoade, Jack Whitehall, Chuka Umunna, Professor Brian Cox, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, Alex Turner, Miles Kane, Gary Oldman, Paul Weller, Faris Badwan, Prince Harry, Zac Goldsmith, Luke Evans, Charlie Watts, Mark Ronson.
Numbers 20 – 11
Sir Elton John, Angelo Galasso, Dermot O’Leary, David Gandy, Gary Barlow, David Furnish, Jarvis Cocker, David Beckham, Ed Westwick, Dizzee Rascal.
The Top Ten
GQ’s Best Dressed Man 2012: Tinie Tempah
“His style is cool and contemporary, with a true passion for elegance and proportions. He definitely deserves to be right at the top of the best dressed list.”
Domencio Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, designers.
As covered on these very pages many times, Tinie Tempah is widely regarded (and now confirmed) as a very stylish guy, combing all the things that are great about British style, music and popular culture today. Tinie uses a ‘mish mash’ of styles to great effect; combining smart and casual, urban and geek, high fashion and high street; often all in the same outfit.
But this doesn’t mean that Tinie Tempah doesn’t have his favourites, or his key pieces from which we can draw inspiration. He has become well known for a number of compulsory items, from blazers and printed tees to the gleaming high top, there’s very much a Tinie Tempah look.
- Plectrum By Ben Sherman Chambray Fleck Shirt
- A.p.c. X Carhartt Blue Chambray No 1 Work Shirt
- Topman Blue Vintage Denim Shirt
- Adidas Originals Decade Hi Trainers
- Nikeair Flytop Black/white
- Adidas Originals Mens Sixtus Trainer
- Asos Slim Fit Tweed Blazer In Grey
- Asos Slim Fit Navy Blazer
- A.p.c. Cotton And Linen-blend Twill Blazer
- Topman Turquoise Aztec Pattern Bear
- Adidas Originals T-shirt Shoelaces Print
- Asos T-shirt With Infinite Print
- Drakes Madder Print Silk Bow Tie
- Ray-ban Black Classic 2140 Wayfarers
- Topman Black Fedora Hat
5 Things We Can Learn From The Best Dressed List
1. Rock Is Still Cool
Alex Turner, Jarvis Cocker, Miles Kane, Sergio Pizzorno, Paul Weller, Faris Badwan, Noel Gallagher and Ian Brown. Urban takeover? Think again. One of the things us Brits do best is produce rock and roll royalty. Luckily for them (and us), music and dressing impeccably runs seamlessly side by side.
2. Tailoring Rules Britannia
I mentioned in my introduction that Saville Row traditions still run strongly throughout the top 50 best dressed list. All you have to do is look at the style credentials of the top 10 to see that almost every one has some kind of tailoring as a key component in their personal ‘look’.
3. Style Is Ageless
What do Prince Charles, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Paul Weller, Charlie Watts and Elton John have in common? They are all in the GQ Best Dressed list, yet they all could be considered ‘more mature’ gents. While the young bucks are making a charge, there’s still very much a place in stylish Britain for a man over 50.
In case you have missed them, why not check out our dressing for your age article series:
- Dressing Your Age: Twenties (20s)
- Dressing Your Age: Thirties (30s) – Part 1
- Dressing Your Age: Thirties (30s) – Part 2
- Dressing Your Age: Forties (40s)
4. Specs Are In
Geek is back, and it has been for a few years now. But this year’s list shows that geeks (and in particular those of the four-eyed variety) are amongst the most stylish in the land. Tinie, Jarvis and Elton rock the geek specs, and so can you.
- American Apparel Hanover Eyeglass
- Selima Optique Black-framed Optical Glasses
- American Apparel Charter Eyeglass
- Asos Graduated Square Clear Lens Glasses
- Cutler And Gross Tortoiseshell Semi-square Optical Glasses
- Cutler And Gross Square-framed Optical Glasses
5. David Beckham Doesn’t Come Top Of EVERY List
As a nation we are obsessed with golden balls. And hey, I’ll admit that I spend a fair amount of time talking about how amazing the bloke is. But if this year’s list tells us anything, it’s that even Becks can come a very dignified and stylish second (or 13th), and that even the most fashionable among us need to stay on our toes.
Conclusion
Read more about every man who made the best-dressed list, including thoughts from everyone from Kelly Rowland to Tom Ford, plus the ten worst-dressed men in the world, in the new issue of British GQ.
Now we want to hear your view. Make sure you let us know your top 5-10 most stylish men in the comment section below. Who knows, maybe FashionBeans will feature them in their very own dedicated style icon article…
Sabir Peele: Style Profile
Fabio Attanasio: Style Profile
5 Unlikely Men’s Style Icons
Celluloid Style: The Anti-Hero
Back To Top
I honestly don’t get it really – I don’t know much about fashion but he looks like a pretentious git… though I guess this should make it obvious why the fashion gurus like him, he reminds them of themselves!
Why aren’t some of the style icons on there like my faves Simon Baker and Matt Bomer. Perfect fit suits, brilliant designer ties, waistcoats and shirts – that’s how a man dresses himself. Not even mentioned, so it seems the Brits aren’t the only popularity contest devoid of credibility around these parts.
Really don’t agree with there being so many rich guys in expensive suits in the top ten. I don’t see the relevance for the average young guy who doesn’t have access to Saville Row expertise. Wearing a suit all day is not only impractical but also says very little about somebody’s style, let’s not forget, essentially it started life as a uniform. Yes you can play with different ties, cufflinks, the cut etc but really, keep it simple, get it tailored and you’re looking good. And I can’t help but feel Christian Bale is there because he’s Christian Bale, do we really know that much about the way he dresses? He appears to be wearing a Next suit circa ’01 in the included shot. Gq just about redeemed itself at the last entry, whether you do or dont like Tinie’s style, at least he’s having a go, playing with period style in a way that makes it relevant. He’s also doing his bit for the landscape by showing Chavy Chase and his mates that there are other ways to keep it street, thereby removing some of the ‘council ninja’ outfits from the high street in the process. Now if he’d just stream for them, some video tutorials on how Toms/espadrilles have no place in a winter outfit (reefer jacket, baggy jeans….tiny canvas summer shoes? Really?! No but, really?!!), I could stop despairing for the sartorial state of this once well threaded nation.
I don’t think GQ are suggesting that the included picture for each entry is the reason they are in the list. I agree that to put them in there for their ability to wear a well-tailored suit would be crazy, because they have almost limitless money. However, I think what GQ are saying is that even off the red carpet, these individuals dress very well. Maybe not in a way that everybody will like (I’m personally not a massive fan of the way Ian Brown dresses for example), but I think most of the guys in the list are there deservedly.
Now the order of the list, that’s another matter entirely, and that’s where I disagree with GQ.
I do think that one thing you have to give Tinie credit for, is the influence he has on current street trends. He’s helped to push the boundaries of ‘urban wear’ to more than just a hoodie and jeans, and has sole-handedly made the ‘Nike Blazers’ one of the most popular trainer styles on our streets. More than anything though, and what for me is the MOST important aspect when looking for a fashion icon; he keeps his style unpredictable, always experimenting. Yes, Matt Smith looks great in a suit, but I already pretty much know what he’ll be wearing at his next event. That doesn’t inspire me.
However, I do much prefer the style of Labrinth over Tinie Tempah’s. Hands down.
Hmm, fair points all – I guess since I don’t dress like Will Smith in Fresh Prince it doesn’t really inspire me when I see Tinie’s style. Maybe they should have put him at the top of a most influential styles of 2012 rather than best dressed (just in terms of making the average guy on the street buy different trainers etc), because he is definitely in no small way upstaged by Matt Bomer – just look up a picture on google and put them side by side. Makes Tempah look like a homeless guy with found clothing.
And @James a suit isn’t just suit and cufflinks and keeping it simple, there is a lot more to it. Sure Tinie experiments with some inside out blazers and ,ooh, Geek Chic glasses like everyone and his mother (not a trend he had any influence on to my knowledge), but how does that make him any better than a stylish man in a suit? He’s just wearing a street gang uniform instead.
Elton John is better dressed than Patrick Grant ?
Is this a wind up ?
Where’s Nick Wooster ?
Been an Ian Brown fan since ’89 but he looks like he’s robbed his kids wardrobe nowadays. Grow old gracefully King Monkey
Is Nick Wooster British… That could be the reason
Yeah he’s American, but it’s ok. The American GQ would have Taylor Lautner as best dressed so no worries there…. (massive hint of sarcasm)
I can just about accept Tinie Tempah in the top spot because I do think he has a good grasp of style and knows what works for him and as Ashley says, he continues to be unpredictable (in a good way).
However, I’m very surprised by some of the entries and I would say that a lot of the entries shouldn’t have been considered at all – and this isn’t just because I HATE Piers Morgan.
Did you see Ray Winstone at the Brits last night? I thought he nailed the three piece suit with accessories perfectly, and he teamed it with geeky specs to. Should have been on the list for last night alone.
Tinie Tempah killed it in Rake at the Brits last night, I thought. Much better than what he was wearing at the same event last year at any rate.
I like to think my forum post sparked this brilliantly contentious article.
On another not, there aren’t many things that annoy me more than someone wearing spectacle frames when he has 20/20 vision. Puts me in mind of that YouTube sensation, ‘Being a dickhead’s cool.’
To say Tinie Tempah has the best dress sense would be like saying Lady Gaga makes the best music.
At most he’s just a better dresser than someone with normal streetwear – he’s upgraded streetwear
But fair do’s it is the vote of the public and the same ‘votes’ get people like Lady Gaga top of the charts
I think those commenting on Tinie Tempah x only being about streetwear, need to look slightly further than his music videos. At the fashion shows, events, dinners etc. he dons tailoring just as well as the next man.
I.e.
http://00o00.blogspot.com/2012/02/tinie-tempah-in-jimmchooltd-issa-fall.html
As sharp as the likes of Matt Bomer look in a suit, most people look reasonably sharp in a suit. With a celebrity status and a full-time stylist (or in some cases, a TEAM of stylists), acquiring a perfectly fitting designer suit takes little to no effort whatsoever.
Now I’m not saying that Tinie is the actual best dressed man in the UK – that would be silly, but I personally can’t think of many other current “celebrities” who incorporate so many different trends/genres in to their personal style and 9/10 times pull it off pretty convincingly.
Though Ozwald Boateng would be my #1 every time.
“Now I’m not saying that Tinie is the actual best dressed man in the UK – that would be silly”
^ This seems to be what GQ is saying except they have replaced ‘UK’ with ‘Planet Earth’
Personally I think style in high fashion industries like film and music is a very different thing – you think Tinie does all his own clothes shopping? I’m sure he has a team of stylists too! Its about how you wear the clothes, so yes he does a good job, but best dressed 2012 is too much. I’m just backing up who would def be one of my top 5 pick, Matt Bomer, he looks fantastic in a suit and it’s no little effort to own it and have the right attitude to pull of the Rat Pack look without looking like a tool, which he definitely has.
Some pics to back up what I’m saying here:
http://imageshack.us/f/813/mattbomertimdekaywhitec.jpg/
http://cdn.smallscreenscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/matt-bomer.jpg
http://cdn02.cdn.socialitelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/matt-bomer-photos01-820×1141.jpg
Better dressed than Tinie any day of the week!
We’ve both clearly got very different opinions on what we think GQ should be looking for when awarding the ‘best-dressed man honour’. Personally, i’d look for originality, who has the most varied style, diversity, creativity, unpredictability, experimentation with brands, trends and colours, who is noticeably influencing current street-style and of course, who is making all of the aforementioned look pretty good.
I do agree with what you say about Matt Bomer, but so many guys are doing that ‘Rat-Pack look’ at the moment it’s hardly anything to get excited about for 2012. Under that basis, every tailor who works on Savile Row deserves to be in the top 5. I do also think that Matt’s greatest style accessory are his model-like looks and near perfectly proportioned body (basically his ability to look good in almost anything). Under that basis, every male model that walked the London, Paris, Milan and New York catwalks should be on the list. That’s not what ‘style’ is about for me.
But I do agree with what someone touched on earlier, the GQ list is hugely based around pop. culture and Tinie nor Matt would make the top few thousand in the UK alone if the list was compiled realistically.
This is not punt at FashionBeans, you just report the news but the GQ best dressed list is B*%%^t, to be nice.
I don’t want to sound snottish but none of these men dress themselves, 50% of the them just wear suits and any list saying Tinie Tempah tops the style account has no concept whatsoever. It is a popularity contest and just a page filler for GQ.
And who is this character in 2nd with cargo pants and a suspect looking tee shirt, pls tell me that’s not Mario Ballotelii!!
If it’s down to suiting where is Boateng or where is Christopher Bailey, last time I checked he knows a little bit about clothing?
I’m glad Serge Pizzorno was included in the top ten, something a little different from the Tailoured Suits/Chino barrage that plagued the rest of the list, and indeed, UK fashion in general.
Could you please tell me where to acquire an ostritch feather parka like the one Serge Pizzoro is wearing in the top ten (sencond photo to the right)? I have not been able to find one anywhere! Or is it a custom made?