“Fashion comes and goes, but style is eternal†– Yves Saint Laurent.
If there is anything that the recent recession has taught us, it’s that dressing ‘trendy’ and buying new clothing every season is not wise – or sustainable. These hard times have taught even the most fashion-forward men that investing in classic, high-quality items that have lasted the test of time is truly dressing ‘smart’.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I will start to feature some of my stylish friends on the blog – to give my readers a sense of other types of personal style, as well as highlight some of the guys who have been influencing/inspiring me for years.
My long time friend Ryan Oozeer from my hometown of Windsor Ontario – who might as well be my brother – is the most notable inspiration behind my passion for style. When I was a youngster begging for video games for my birthday, he was collecting the latest denim and sneakers – most of which would ‘somehow’ eventually end up in my closet. Now all grown up, Ryan has mastered the art of building a streamlined, versatile wardrobe by investing in the right pieces.
Shades by Ray-Ban. Loafers by Bass. Navy blazer by H&M. Shirt by J. Crew. Chinos by Hugo Boss. Belt by Calvin Klein. Pocket square is vintage.
What I love about Ryan’s style is that if someone were to snap a black-and-white picture of him, it would be hard to tell what decade the picture was taken.
It’s true that even the classics evolve over time, but a well fitting blue blazer, Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses and Bass Weejun loafers are versatile staples that have been ‘in style’ for almost a half century.
“This blue blazer is a little on the contemporary side (shorter cut, slim lapels) but that is more fitting with my body type – and having things in proportion is importantâ€.
Shades by Ray-Ban. Loafers by Bass. White jeans by H&M. Green washed shirt by Steven Alan.
“The best part about these Wayfarers and Weejuns is that I’ll still be wearing them when I’m 60 years old…hopefully on my yacht, haha. They’ll still look cool then, if not coolerâ€.
Ryan suggests knowing a proper fit and keeping it simple, you can still stand out while keeping it understated.
Shades by Ray-Ban. Loafers by Bass. Polo shirt by Polo by Ralph Lauren. Shorts by J. Crew. Bead bracelets from  Chicago street vendor.
Ryan on socklessness:
“Some people say wearing loafers without socks is uncomfortable – but I love feeling the leather on my feet. And once they break-in and mold to the shape of your foot, they are like built in orthoticsâ€.
So take a page from Ryan’s book: avoid trends and invest in classic designs that have proven to last the test of time.
Thanks for reading.
Yours in style,
SB
Fresh
I tried really hard to find the Bass Dover online, but since they discontinued it, it isn’t anywhere. The Logan is the closest to the Dover, but it has a thicker leather sole. I prefer the sleeker Dover, but do you think the Logan is a good alternative?
Old post I know, but Bass Service hints that the Dover might be offered again in the Fall.
Hi, just wondering what model bass loafers those are. Logan?
Dover
Wow! I really love your blog. I have bookmarked this page so I can come back again to check it out. I love information ray ban sunglasses, I collect them. I just hope you keep up the good work.
Your shirt fits perfect and looks so sharp in the last photo. I want to know how to keep it so perfect looking? Was it brand new?
I’ll wear my shirts, fine. They fit right (if I get a good cut and it’s tapered rather than boxy american fit.) The second I wash it, it’s to short and loses its shape. Then the collar looks like hell and by the fourth or fifth washing it looks as if it came home from a war. The collar turns white where it bends. It rolls and it just won’t ever look sharp again. I wear them when I am doing laundry.
Any advice?
BT
Thank you for a good story. Normally I didn’t comment to any public story but this is great! Keep on your working. Cheers!
loose the bead bracelets. reminds me of something black panthers would wear. everything else is sharp. accessories are more suitable for women.
Another great post. I really like the fact that you’ve incorporated your friend into the mix. Sometimes people who run blogs tend to become egotistical. You’re friend’s style is great I must say. I have a pair of loafers from Tommy Hilfiger more or less the same color as those, they go great with basically any clothing item, shorts, jeans, pants. Like you mentioned “timeless.”
Once again great post, keep doing your thing.
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 01:01 AM
Great post, timeless classics. I like how all of these looks are affordable to everyone. Classic shades and shoes for under $100. Nice.
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 01:07 AM
feet not “feat”
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 01:19 AM
are those wayfarer Is or wayfarer IIs?
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 03:54 AM
Great post man. It should be a “timeless classic” itself. Also, really cool to see a fresh new face on here (especially one that is so “fresh”). You and your “brother” must make quite a tag-team when you’re out on the town. Anyways, what I really want to say is I’m glad to see you’ve finally taken a stance on “socklessness.” I never wear socks if I can help it. But I find the odor and blisters that come with the look are not exactly “stylish.” How do i get rid of them? Thanks SB.
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 11:05 AM
Are those loafers brown or a very worn in black?
Great post!
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 11:58 AM
To: Jose R.
Thanks for reading, and for your comment
To: Steve
True, these are all affordable items that will last. Can’t beat that.
To: Anonymous
Thanks for the spell check – corrected
To: Drigo
Wayfarer I
To: Louis
Thanks for reading. A couple tips to socklessness: break the shoes in first by wearing them with socks, this will eliminate blistering on your feet. Keep cedar shoe trees in your shoes all the time when you’re not wearing them, this will keep the moisture and odor out while preventing creases. Hope this helps!
To: Tonie
They are burgundy.
Thanks all for reading.
Best,
Dan
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 12:34 PM
Nailed it. You could sum up the whole article with your quote “If someone were to snap a black-and-white picture of him, it would be hard to tell what decade the picture was taken in” True style evades labeling from any era. Great article and I appreciate your ability to make this readable for anyone.
Side note: love the H&M blazer, goes to show you don’t need a $500 blazer to hit the right style points.
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 01:29 PM
This post nails why I read your blog on a regular basis. You give real advice on style, stay away from things that are too trendy and push your audience to put thought into the long term value of pieces they buy. Timeless style and classic designs make for a well dressed man.
Also, great to see another face’s personal style featured on your blog.
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Monday, July 12, 2010 – 05:24 PM
Love all of his looks- they’re all so polished. My favorite look is the 2nd one- color combination is on point.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010 – 04:07 AM
What more to add about this bloke that has not been said before. A king of style, elegance, taste, sartorial splendor and I am sure I have left off some of his attributes. Forget Lebron. This is King Dan!!!! This guy keeps coming back time and time and time again with the most amazing blogs about style and elegance. This is not the best dressed man in America but rather the most elegant man in the World I would say. Fred Astaire of Y2K is what he is. Who can we we compare him to? Clooney, Ford, Pitt…perhaps but I am not convinced. Through this blog he has given stylistic guidance to the average man. Throught this blog he has shown us how to pull off looks we just did not have the confidence or the creativity to put together. I thought the tuxedo pants with the polo shirt was just the stroke of a genius. I mean talk about two extremes of a man’s wardrobe brought in together with splendor.
I have seen this guy in NYC. It gets better in real life.
That’s all folks…
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010 – 08:59 AM
To: Shane
Thanks for the compliments. Absolutely…some of the most stylish people I know shop exclusively at thrift, second-hand, and vintage stores. Thanks for reading.
To: JMRouse
Thanks as always. Hope all is well
To: Wrecked Stellar
Polished for sure. Been at it for years…he’s a veteran in this game hah
To: What more to add
Thanks a ton. I love the enthusiasm…but think I have alot to prove before any comparisons like that hah. Hopefully this is just the beginning for me :) All the best!
Thanks all for reading.
Best,
Dan
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010 – 04:04 AM
Great post! I looked online for some Bass Weejuns and found several different models. Any particular model you suggest?
Thank you!
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Friday, July 16, 2010 – 12:10 AM
sickest blog ever!! lol …need more more more
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Monday, July 19, 2010 – 02:30 PM
Great article! I’ve told readers of my blog the same thing – look for great pieces to invest in and build your wardrobe there after. Classic items never go out of style.
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Sunday, August 1, 2010 – 03:09 AM
I love your blog SB!!! Im in love with your blog, however I’e been searching for that navy blue blazer from h&m, It just seems to evade me everywhere I Go! :( Any suggestions, and i’m also looking for those bass’ loafers, however I’m also stuck on that model … please help!!! thanks for all your work SB, I will continue to support you wherever I am in the world!
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Thursday, August 12, 2010 – 10:48 AM
Vintage classics are the best way to buy well made clothing at a fraction of the the price a modern equivalent would cost, well made & good quality fabrics….
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Sunday, August 22, 2010 – 05:52 AM