This title perfectly sums up the meticulous nature of Tom Ford - the visionary behind the success of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and his own iconic brand. Few designers have had the lasting impact on fashion that Ford has achieved, redefining style over decades.
Ford is a perfectionist to the core, known for presenting a flawlessly polished image every time he steps out. From his carefully curated “uniform” to the subtle rules of wearing a watch, Tom Ford has mastered the art of dressing with purpose. Here are some of his invaluable style tips every man should know:
“I know what works for me, so I wear the same things every day.”
It might sound ironic for someone who’s built an empire in fashion, but that’s exactly what Ford swears by. “I know what suits me. It’s black, brown, gray. White is only for tennis,” he told Vogue in 2019.
His daily wardrobe? A rotation of sharp suits that never fail to turn heads. Like Barack Obama and Steve Jobs, Ford embraces the “uniform” approach, keeping his style consistent and effortlessly refined.
“Comfort is key - both physically and mentally.”
Ford’s uniform dressing philosophy stems from finding what feels right. To pull off a similar look every day, your clothes need to fit perfectly, flatter your body, and align with your personality. For Ford, this means avoiding wool (“it feels too soft”), favoring boots over sneakers for their stability, and wearing suits that feel like armor.
Tom Ford on the set of Nocturnal Animals.
Even while directing Nocturnal Animals, Ford wore a suit every single day - except for outdoor scenes in Texas, where he swapped it for cowboy boots and a hat. His message? Dress in a way that makes sense for you. If a suit feels right for working from home, wear it. Prefer jeans and a sweater? That’s cool too. Style should empower, not restrict.
“At parties, I literally go around buttoning people’s jackets.”
Ford’s obsession with sartorial perfection is unmatched. In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, he couldn’t resist critiquing Donald Trump’s habit of leaving his jacket unbuttoned: “He’s tall, but his lack of neatness is baffling. I’ve even run around at parties to button people’s jackets.”
Why the obsession? Buttoning your jacket creates a smoother silhouette, emphasizing the waist and hips for a cleaner, sharper look.
Tom Ford in his younger years, during the 1980s.
“A design isn’t beautiful just because it’s... nice.”
For Ford, a great design isn’t just about appearances - it’s about solving problems with elegance and practicality. “A beautiful design must meet the user’s needs with sophistication, functionality, and style.”
His advice? Seek out experts. Just because a brand excels at suits doesn’t mean their jeans are top-notch. Do your research, understand quality, and invest in pieces from the right sources.
“Always use a full-length mirror.”
Many men walk out the door after only checking their reflection from the chest up. According to Ford, that’s a rookie mistake. “You need to see yourself head-to-toe - even if it’s just to check if your watch matches your shoes,” he told GQ.
Speaking of watches, Ford has rules for those too:
Never wear two watches at once.
Don’t wear a watch over a shirt cuff.
Match the watch face color to your cufflinks.
Coordinate the strap color with your shoes.
And whatever you do, don’t pair a diving watch with a tuxedo.
Tom Ford’s approach to fashion is more than just style; it’s a lifestyle of precision, intention, and timeless elegance. Take notes from the master himself and elevate your wardrobe one impeccable choice at a time.
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