Style Inspiration: All-American

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Made In The USA

When it comes to British menswear, we’ve usually got our sights set on sharp, classic pieces. Clean silhouettes, choice fabrics and expert tailoring ? whatever you pick, there’s always something undeniably emblematic of our home shores. But what of more casual ensembles? As much as I’m a stickler for a good bit of tweed, I wouldn’t feel comfortable rocking up to my mate’s house in a three-piece suit.

That’s why this week at FashionBeans, we’re looking towards our transatlantic cousins for style inspiration – but don’t get it twisted. New York dandies, LA celebutantes and Washington politicians have been done to death and in the quest for real style, we’ve shifted our attention to the deep south. Our sartorial heroes lay with the blue collar workers and the forgotten wilderness relics; real style is born in the USA.

Channeling your inner redneck (when done correctly ? that’s where we come in) can be quite the sartorial victory. More Bruce Springsteen than Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, there’s something undeniably masculine about this look that doesn’t fit into the conventional suits/brogues/pocket square bracket. Channeling your inner hunter gatherer has never been easier.

The Tee

All-American apparel has provided us with some classic pieces that have remained on the style radar for decades. First and foremost: the plain white tee. I believe that any sartorially-inclined man should have at least five in their wardrobe of varying fits. Whether you opt for oversized like my good self or a more classic fitted approach, the plain white tee is the bread and butter of contemporary menswear.

Rolled up sleeves and a semi-fitted shape screams Americana and gives reference to the unsung style heroes of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Tucking it in and allowing yourself a little excess material is another successful approach that’s becoming increasingly popular as we move to autumn/winter and, once again, triggers a truly classic ensemble.

Simplicity is always a winner.

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Plain White T-Shirt Lookbook

7 FOR ALL MANKIND ss12 apc ss13 Kitsuné aw11 stray cats editorial by zac handley garben harry stedman 2013 David Yurman 2013 replay James Perse Pre Autumn 2013 harry stedman 2013 unknown sandro ss13 allsaints aw12
Key Pieces
  • Levis Vintage T-shirt 1920s Milk WhiteLevis Vintage T-shirt 1920s Milk White
  • Asos T-shirt With Crew NeckAsos T-shirt With Crew Neck
  • Asos T-shirt With Speckle Jersey And Roll SleeveAsos T-shirt With Speckle Jersey And Roll Sleeve
  • Shore Leave Ecru Nepped TeeShore Leave Ecru Nepped Tee
  • Acne Men?s White Measure T-shirtAcne Men?s White Measure T-shirt
  • American Apparel Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirtAmerican Apparel Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt
  • Topman White High Roll Up Sleeve T-shirtTopman White High Roll Up Sleeve T-shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Premium Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-shirtUniqlo Men Premium Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-shirt
  • River Island White Crew Neck Roll Sleeve T-shirtRiver Island White Crew Neck Roll Sleeve T-shirt
  • James Perse Sanded Cotton-jersey T-shirtJames Perse Sanded Cotton-jersey T-shirt
  • Alexander Wang Slub Linen And Silk-blend T-shirtAlexander Wang Slub Linen And Silk-blend T-shirt
  • Reiss Bless Short Sleeve Basic Crew Neck T-shirtReiss Bless Short Sleeve Basic Crew Neck T-shirt
Over Layers

As we head towards colder months (let’s hope global warming prolongs this heatwave for now), flannels and checks are an excellent choice. Thick, warm and versatile, you can craft your own shirt jacket with vintage finds; plenty are quilted inside and you’ll probably snag a good deal for that extra fifteen minutes of clothing rail perseverance.

It’s a tried and tested method but exercise caution with sleeveless checks; whilst some of our kind can pull it off, you may end up looking a little 1980s porn star. Never good.

Aside from these, extra over layers can include rugged donkey, worker and contrasting denim jackets, which will help to keep things basic whilst still exuding a sense of timelessness.

Lookbook Inspiration

levis made and crafted aw12 topman denim 2012 pearly kingg aw13 uniforms of the dedicated 2012 lucky brand 2012 lucky brand aw13 farah aw13 minimum autumn 2012 lucky brand 2012 unknown Love Moschino Pre-Spring 2013 Lookbook selected ss13
Key Pieces: Flannel/Check Shirts
  • Replay Shirt Check FlannelReplay Shirt Check Flannel
  • Asos Buffalo Check OvershirtAsos Buffalo Check Overshirt
  • Suit Rufus Flannel Shirt In BlueSuit Rufus Flannel Shirt In Blue
  • Allsaints Vannes ShirtAllsaints Vannes Shirt
  • Gant Rugger Slim-fit Check Brushed-cotton ShirtGant Rugger Slim-fit Check Brushed-cotton Shirt
  • Rag & Bone Check Beach ShirtRag & Bone Check Beach Shirt
  • Topman Monochrome Check Long Sleeve Flannel ShirtTopman Monochrome Check Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt
  • River Island Red Check Flannel ShirtRiver Island Red Check Flannel Shirt
  • River Island Green Check Flannel ShirtRiver Island Green Check Flannel Shirt
  • He By Mango Plaid Slim-fit ShirtHe By Mango Plaid Slim-fit Shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Flannel Checked Long Sleeve Shirt OUniqlo Men Flannel Checked Long Sleeve Shirt O
  • Uniqlo Men Flannel Checked Long Sleeve Shirt OUniqlo Men Flannel Checked Long Sleeve Shirt O
Key Pieces: Worker Jackets
  • Folk Cotton-twill JacketFolk Cotton-twill Jacket
  • He By Mango Khaki Wash Denim JacketHe By Mango Khaki Wash Denim Jacket
  • Scotch And Soda Mens 30305 Archive Pick Workwear Jacket – FadedScotch And Soda Mens 30305 Archive Pick Workwear Jacket - Faded
  • Dickies Fort Worker JacketDickies Fort Worker Jacket
  • Kr3w Smuggler Wool JacketKr3w Smuggler Wool Jacket
  • Universal Works Crofter JacketUniversal Works Crofter Jacket
Denim

The essential all-American piece. Make like James Dean and don your blue jeans for a quintessential US look. Slimline, well crafted and a regular fit on the waist, the opportunity for real sartorial investment has never been greater.

Trusted denim brands (there are plenty of frontrunners in the denim industry) are more likely to outlast cheaper alternatives, so try not to skimp. To make things even better, their design approach is usually quite clean and classic.

Avoid novelty trends and embellishments at all costs. Your All-American look should in no way incorporate elasticized ankles, straps or intentionally ‘distressed’ fabric? it’ll immediately cheapen your look and well-dressed gents should know better. For those wanting true authenticity, why not look to some of the prominent made-in-the-US brands, such as Levi’s, Lee, Lucky Brand, Jean Shop and J Brand.

  • Levis Jeans 504 Straight Moss Blue Dark WashLevis Jeans 504 Straight Moss Blue Dark Wash
  • Lee Jeans Cash Slim Tapered FitLee Jeans Cash Slim Tapered Fit
  • Lee Jeans Powell Slim Fit Ice RinseLee Jeans Powell Slim Fit Ice Rinse
  • Levis 510 Jeans In Navy LagoonLevis 510 Jeans In Navy Lagoon
  • Levis Vintage Clothing Men?s 1967 505 Rigid JeansLevis Vintage Clothing Men?s 1967 505 Rigid Jeans
  • Levis 501 Hook Washed Jeans In BlueLevis 501 Hook Washed Jeans In Blue
  • Jean Shop Slim-fit Rinsed Selvedge Denim JeansJean Shop Slim-fit Rinsed Selvedge Denim Jeans
  • J Brand Tyler Straight-leg JeansJ Brand Tyler Straight-leg Jeans
  • J Brand Kane Worn-in Straight-fit Denim JeansJ Brand Kane Worn-in Straight-fit Denim Jeans
Footwear

For casual ensembles, my first choice could be the classic Converse trainer. Never before has there been a model of footwear that is so emblematic of Americana fashion through the ages. From baseball players to trailer park dwellers, Converse is a brand often associated with all things US.

Any form of sneaker is more than applicable though, but avoid bright neon colors or trend prints. A camouflage shoe will quickly detract from any stateside-inspired outfit and when making these purchases, it’s wise to predict the longevity of such trends. White, black or classic red? take your pick.

If the sneaker isn’t your thing, opt for shell toe pumps or durable workerwear boots; just make sure they’re not pristine though. Nobody kept a clean pair of shoes when they spend the best part of the day on an oilfield.

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Converse, Trainers & Workerwear Boots Lookbook

gant rugger ss11 gant rugger aw10 closed denim aw11 urban outfitters x dickiesaw12 minimum autumn 2012 reserved aw133 club monaco ss12 scotch & soda aw11 river island holloway road aw13
Key Pieces
  • Converse Jack Purcell Canvas SneakersConverse Jack Purcell Canvas Sneakers
  • Converse All Star Low White CanvasConverse All Star Low White Canvas
  • Converse All Star Low Navy CanvasConverse All Star Low Navy Canvas
  • Comme Des Garcons Shirt Canvas & Suede SneakersComme Des Garcons Shirt Canvas & Suede Sneakers
  • Adidas Originals tennis VintageAdidas Originals tennis Vintage
  • Converse all Star OxConverse all Star Ox
  • He By Mango Suede Desert BootsHe By Mango Suede Desert Boots
  • Asos Workboot In LeatherAsos Workboot In Leather
  • Topman Brown Leather Lace Up BootsTopman Brown Leather Lace Up Boots
  • River Island Brown Distressed Strap Biker BootsRiver Island Brown Distressed Strap Biker Boots
  • River Island Dark Grey Low Worker BootsRiver Island Dark Grey Low Worker Boots
  • Allsaints Trap BootAllsaints Trap Boot
Accessories

A single gold chain may well have been the reserve of early 2000s sartorially inept men, but minimal, classic jewellery is back on the radar – if YSL SS13 is anything to go by. Tying in nicely, the simple ballchain is a staple of American Midwesterners

. However, jewellery is always a tricky one in menswear; one side think any inclusion of gold or silver gilt is too flashy, whilst the other can ramp up to P Diddy levels with a gem on each and every knuckle. Look for the happy medium.

Stick to one statement piece or maybe a couple of rings (without falling into Dallas territory) and you should be onto a winner. A personal highlight comes in the form of a black onyx ring with gold accents? simple enough to remain rugged yet still a sharp finishing touch to a casual look.

  • Saint Laurent Burnished-silver Chain BraceletSaint Laurent Burnished-silver Chain Bracelet
  • Cheap Monday Link NecklaceCheap Monday Link Necklace
  • Maison Martin Margiela Brass Id BraceletMaison Martin Margiela Brass Id Bracelet
  • Together Bonded Silver & 9ct Gold Mens Onyx RingTogether Bonded Silver & 9ct Gold Mens Onyx Ring
  • Mens Titanium RingMens Titanium Ring
  • Skool Ov Jenius By Lovebullets Black Onyx Square Ring Exclusive To AsosSkool Ov Jenius By Lovebullets Black Onyx Square Ring Exclusive To Asos
Final Word

Here at FashionBeans, we’re pioneers of unique and fresh takes on contemporary menswear, and now you can channel the stateside for some wardrobe revitalisation.

Masculine, casual and comfortable, it’s a sure-fire look that still borders on the classic. You might not be fumbling with Lana Del Rey on the back seat of your Corvette, but you can at least look the likely candidate.

As always, we want to hear your view: what do you think of an all-American look? Are there any other additions or key pieces you would like to add?

Let us know in the comments section…

Similar Articles

TRENDING ARTICLES

TRENDING ARTICLES

Subscribe successfully!!