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Icons of Style: Men Who Redefine Cool

Writer: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Let’s face it - when it comes to dressing well, we’ve all got a style guru or two we secretly admire. It’s not just about having great hair or clothes; it’s about seeing someone and thinking, that’s the look I want. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ve got my own style icons, and they’re a mix of the unexpected and the classic.


But let’s skip the Beckhams and Adam Levines of the world for a moment. Don’t get me wrong - I admire them too, but they’ve become the default examples of male fashion. It’s like that textbook you know by heart but don’t need to reread. Instead, let’s talk about some under-the-radar names whose wardrobes are just as inspiring, if not more so. These guys may not be mainstream, but they’ve mastered the art of looking sharp.


Nate Ruess

The lead singer of Fun might not be conventionally handsome - his face often carries a thoughtful or intense expression - but his style is as straightforward as his personality. Nate’s all about preppy vibes, blending a playful edge with clean, classic pieces.

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What stands out most? His knack for sticking to a basic palette of white, black, gray, and navy. It’s a lesson in making simplicity look effortless. He’s proof that preppy can work wonders for smaller-framed guys who want to look polished without overdoing it.


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Danny O’Donoghue

The Script frontman is British style personified: rugged yet refined. Whether he’s rocking a blazer over a lightweight t-shirt or pairing skinny jeans with boots, Danny nails that balance between laid-back and sharp.


Take notes from Danny on how to make a blazer work beyond the boardroom. He’s got that “throw it on and go” vibe down to an art, showing that great style doesn’t have to feel forced.

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Gary Barlow

At 44, the former Take That star is aging like fine wine. While many men his age might let their style slide, Gary keeps things timeless and masculine. He’s proof that elegance isn’t about following trends; it’s about carrying yourself with confidence no matter what you’re wearing.


If you want to age with grace and style, Gary Barlow is the man to watch.

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Gary Barlow hand out press shots to promote new album Since I Saw You Last
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Justin Theroux

Sorry, Adam Levine fans, but when it comes to rugged, effortless style, Justin Theroux takes the crown. He doesn’t need to be on every magazine cover - his everyday looks are enough to make headlines. Think aviator sunglasses, black skinny jeans, and boots.


Justin’s wardrobe staples are all about simplicity, but it’s the way he wears them that makes him stand out. That touch of “I didn’t try, but I still look cool” is a vibe we all aspire to.

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Alex Turner

The Arctic Monkeys frontman is a master of modern-meets-vintage rebellion. His style has this magnetic depth, amplified by his devil-may-care charisma. Whether you see him as a poetic wanderer or a charming rogue, there’s no denying he’s got that X-factor.


Alex’s wardrobe isn’t complicated - sleek jackets, slim-fit jeans, and boots - but his attitude is impossible to replicate. If you’re drawn to a look that’s edgy yet sophisticated, Alex Turner is your man.

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Alex Turner's style is easy to emulate, but that rebellious attitude is something no one can replicate.


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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 13: Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys performs on Day 2 of Outside Lands Music Festival at Golden Gate Park on August 13, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/WireImage)
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Thanh Bui

When it comes to Vietnamese showbiz, Thanh Bui is my top pick for understated style. He doesn’t follow the rulebook, and that’s precisely why he stands out. Despite his slightly “chubby” frame, he confidently rocks skinny jeans, proving that rules are meant to be broken.

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Thanh’s wardrobe features familiar brands like Zara, AllSaints, and FCUK - nothing over-the-top, just good, clean style. And let’s not forget his love for Chelsea boots and his “fashion over function” mantra, wearing jackets and scarves even in Saigon’s heat. Now that’s dedication!

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These men remind us that great style isn’t about copying trends; it’s about making them your own. So, who’s inspiring your wardrobe?


 
 

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