Brown-nosing is an art form.
A skill not only suited for office politics but, according to YouTube men’s style vloggers, for fashion as well. I’ve shared my love of content creators over the years—some of whom are in heavy rotation during my weekend decompression viewing. There is, however, so much they get wrong when it comes to men’s style. An overwhelming number of them offer outfit ideas rooted in corporate aesthetics or aimed at appeasing fans of any given angry man’s podcast. They leave little room for the sartorially inclined gentleman.
Is it simply that European men are doing the style game better?
If I hear one more content creator over 40 preach about only wearing minimalistic white sneakers or chinos, I’ll scream. The truth is, many of those “influencers” lean toward a version of style that leaves little room for a diverse array of environments—or men. Personal style requires openness, creativity, individuality, and thinking outside the box—all traits glaringly absent from so many mature fashion bloggers.
Men’s Street Style, a YouTube channel that follows fashionable men of all ages, is my latest obsession. London, Milan, and Paris are all cities of focus, as the channel showcases style connoisseurs with a broadened lens of masculinity. Men in their 30s, 40s, and 50+ strut through the streets with unapologetic flair—indicative of a life that is being lived. Not one supported by societal, antiquated ideas of a work culture that’s been dying a slow death since the 2010s.
I have to ask: is it simply that European men are doing the style game better? Bold colors, salt-and-pepper beards, tailored suits, and intentional accessories all effortlessly adorn these men with sophistication. This expression is what so many American male style influencers steer clear of.
Of course, there are stylishly dressed American YouTubers, but they are an anomaly in the fashion matrix and certainly not the norm. They’re also younger, and I don’t believe they will adopt the blandness of corporate style their fathers and grandfathers were subjected to—not to mention working in a cubicle until retirement. I’m not worried about them, though. They get it. It’s the mature men who could learn a thing or two from creators like Men’s Street Style.
The tapestry of male expression through fashion is ever-evolving—like Pedro Pascal’s career. It is not limited to tapered khakis and navy-blue shirts for casual Fridays.
Every opportunity to put your best style foot forward will not always be for 9-to-5 corporate gigs, golf clubs, or a weekend invite to your boss’ house in the Hamptons. That isn’t everyone’s reality—and it suggests you don’t have a fun, vibrant social life or an identity outside of work.
