Les Hommes

A list of the 75 best-dressed men of all time was recently published.  It is a list of international style icons that hewed towards classic style. There were also frequent nods to personal style, most often embodied by writers and rock stars.

My dad was a sharp dressed man and his sartorial savvy shaped my view of how great-looking guys should dress.  The men listed have effortless style, bottomless character, and even an air of royalty.  They also prove that there is no substitute for good tailoring.

Here are some of the amazing gents who made the list – maybe one of your favorites is here:

Muhammad Ali

Fred Astaire

Jean Paul Belmondo

Andre Benjamin

Humphrey Bogart

David Bowie

Sean Connery

Miles Davis

Johnny Depp

Duke Ellington (pictured)

Duke of Windsor

Tom Ford (pictured)

Cary Grant

Jimi Hendrix (pictured)

Marcello Mastroianni

Steve McQueen

Paul Newman

Yves Saint Laurent

What are the secrets of a well dressed man?  Refined tastes, knowing what works.  Elegance, tried and true classics.  Good grooming, self confidence, fine fabrics.  Dress shirts made of crisp cotton; suits of world class wool.  Legendary pieces such as trench coats, single breasted suits.  Less is more when it comes to jewelry (apologies to Mr. T.)  Help put a tailor's kids through college by being a stickler for the best fit that money can buy. 

Well dressed men pay attention to the details. They recognize that first impressions are lasting. Hey guys, take off the sneakers, shine your shoes, and look sharp!

Photos of Jimi Hendrix, Tom Ford and Duke Ellington courtesy of PicApp.