Chances are, unless you happen to be pretty clued up on your mid-century European cinema, you’re unlikely to be able to name an Alain Delon film (for future reference we recommend checking out The Leopard and Plein Soleil). But we’ll forgive you for your cultural faux pas because, likelihood is, you’re more than familiar with Delon’s unfailingly chic image - and, for our purposes, that’s what counts.
Yes, Delon may have become a Swiss citizen in 1999, but he never lost that signature French touch when it came to style. Nonchalant, chic, effortlessly cool - this is a man who made black during a blazing summer look completely acceptable. Here are the style lessons to take away…
Keep it classic
The Breton top. The black roll neck. The cigarette. There’s a reason why so many tables of French style have stuck around for decades; they are, quite simply, timeless. Delon more than knew how to make the classic look cool - just take a look at hime in 1963’s Any Number Can Win making a navy crew neck sweater look like the most covetable jumper ever made. Channel the look in Hemingsworth’s cotton jumper paired with New & Lingwood’s beige chinos and a pair of white sneakers from Scarosso.
Summer shirting
Step away from your T-shirt drawer. When it comes to emulating Alain Delon’s holiday style, there’s only one item you need: a great lightweight shirt. Rough roll the sleeves, unbutton it just so and finish with your favourite shades. These designs from Turnbull & Asser, New & Lingwood and Emma Willis will do the trick.
A new spin on your office wardrobe
If your suit and white shirt staple is beginning to feel a bit, well, stale, may we suggest you look to Alain Delon for a little inspiration. From red carpets to the silver screen, the star had quite a way with the suit - and luckily it won’t take much too make yours feel fresh again. Delon’s favourite trick? Simply swap your white shirt for a navy one, add a matching pocket square et voila. Emma Willis’ indigo shirt is the perfect match for Kingsman’s navy jacket and trousers and Turnbull & Asser’s pocket square.
European elegance
We’re going to admit, it takes a certain level of style nous to pull off this particular look but, as long as you feel as confident as Delon looks stepping off this Lufthansa flight, we’ve no doubt you’re up to the challenge. It’s also going to call for the embrace of a few continental style quirks. The sockless loafer for starters (Scarosso’s are more than comfortable enough to accommodate). The zip-up leather jacket too (although who could say no to this Officine Générale number). If all else fails, we guarantee you’ll wear Rubinacci’s tailored trousers time and time again.
Off duty casual
Time off work doesn’t mean time off looking good - as Delon well knew. Even when walking his dogs he made sure to look great (well, when you’re an international movie star, cameras are everywhere). While the paparazzi might not be watching your every move, your weekend wardrobe could definitely benefit from an injection of Delon style - and for this you should turn to Sunspel. Pair its classic white T-shirt and navy knitted blazer with your favourite jean and a pair of Aurelien’s suede driving shoes for a look that is at once put together and supremely comfortable.
Want more inspiration? Here's The style lessons to learn from Ralph Lauren...
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