Model Information: Tom O’Dell On How To Create A Signature Look
Males’s fashion isn’t nearly garments. Having a watch for design and appreciation for high quality needn’t be restricted to only the clothes we select to put on, and a well-curated wardrobe certainly deserves a well-curated dwelling. That is the place individuals like Tom O’Dell are available in.
A stylist who works with each menswear and interiors, plus an artwork director, O’Dell’s eye is well-trained with reference to aesthetics. A fast stroll down his Instagram feed offers you a way of what he’s about: mid-century furnishings, textural materials, classic watches and a relaxing, impartial color palette – a mix that wouldn’t look misplaced on the set of Mad Males.
As considered one of London’s best-dressed males, we needed to get a grasp on how he constructed his look, what his ideas are when scouring classic outlets, and his recommendation for creating a novel aesthetic of your individual. In brief, it takes time, however Tom presents some shortcuts that’ll get you effectively on the best way.
Identify: Tom O’Dell
Occupation: Menswear and inside stylist
Based mostly: London, UK
Identified For: O’Dell Studios and Mid-century styling
Model Inspiration: The 1950s & 1960s
The Look
Tom O’Dell first broke out within the London fashion scene along with his brick and mortar retailer, O’Dell Studios, which was open for over 4 years between two areas, in Arnold Circus and Soho (and has lately re-opened as Open Plan, a studio retailer situated within the former space). It offered an enviously curated collection of items starting from hand-made leather-based belt clips to walnut bar stools and bespoke window items. Every product complemented the subsequent and there was a continuity that’s mirrored in the best way Tom clothes.
His private fashion doesn’t shout for consideration. As a substitute, it’s the intelligent particulars and refined use of color that makes his look stand out. His desire for impartial colors and consistency is definitely a part of his enterprise, and he’s seen work come to him off the again of it: “Brown has grow to be a factor actually, by each my inside work and styling. Folks come to me for a particular look. Browns, tonal, taupes, greens – these form of colors are those I gravitate in direction of.”
It creates one thing of a throwback look, which he wholeheartedly embraces. “As an entire there’s a mid-century reference to all the pieces I do. My private fashion and sense of design is mid-century influenced, whether or not that be interiors, my watch assortment, my clothes and the opposite issues I’m into.” Tom has dedicated to the look, and whereas he isn’t outlined solely by his desire for the 1950s and ’60s, in shopping for into the broader mid-century way of life, he’s created a distinct segment for himself. Albeit with out the rationing and post-war austerity.
The Model Signature: Classic Outerwear
We’ve mentioned the influence outerwear can have on a glance on this website loads through the years. There’s no single garment that may rework an outfit fairly like a well-chosen jacket or coat. And it’s a degree the place Tom agrees. However crucially, relatively than traipse the excessive avenue looking for this season’s newest design, he recommends going classic.
“I like shopping for classic garments usually. However my coat assortment – I’ve in all probability obtained 30 coats and 26 of them are classic, it’s the standard [that sets them apart]. For those who purchase a classic coat of a sure yr, the standard you might be getting is the very best. A few of my coats when new would have price £1,000, however you should buy them for £100 in a second hand store. The standard of the product is one thing that appeals to me when dressing.”
It’s a tough level to argue with, particularly when you think about the eye to element typically present in high quality classic. “The great factor about classic while you work with it and while you actually research it, you begin seeing all the main points. Now plenty of [new] firms lower out these particulars. It is likely to be pocket detailing, or additional stitching. But in addition, classic clothes has lasted this lengthy, so if it’s lasted 40 or 50 years, it have to be fairly good.
“After which with coats they’re sensible, they appear fairly, they provide a little bit of character to a glance. You’ll be able to put on a white T-shirt and denims, and a great coat sells the entire look.”
Tom O’Dell’s 5 Timeless Model Suggestions
Take Your Time
“I feel it’s necessary to construct your wardrobe, and never attempt to do it suddenly. Perhaps strive shopping for one factor you actually like, after which construct up your look from there. Footwear are a great one to start out with, because it dictates the place you might be at with the look. You don’t wish to go too distant from what you already do [straight away].
“Purchase one thing you’re feeling snug in, that appears cool, and while you begin sporting that in your everyday, then it will provide you with confidence to strive one thing maybe slightly totally different. However attempting to purchase it suddenly doesn’t actually work. You’ll want to check issues actually.”
Spend Much less
“You don’t have to spend a great deal of cash. For those who go to a great classic store, you may get lovely outerwear for underneath £100. You will get sneakers for £70. You will get ties, for a marriage, for £9, and it’ll change your complete look. For those who’ve obtained a traditional blue go well with you put on to work, and you purchase a classic tie, it’ll rework the look. Work on little particulars, and you then begin increase. Then in ten years time, you’ll be like me and have ten watches, 30 coats and eight pairs of sneakers!”
Curate Your Wardrobe
“With classic it’s about wanting on the particular person merchandise and pondering ‘will this match into my day’? I’ve obtained coats that I put on on set which have plenty of pockets, then I’ve extra dressy coats which can be unlined and extra delicate, however extra appropriate for the town. It’s simply becoming these items round your wardrobe.
“What you in all probability don’t wish to do is purchase one thing you’ll be able to’t put on your denims with, or your trainers or sneakers. I used to purchase coats I might put on with my Uniqlo denims and Clarks Wallabees. Then when you’ve obtained that coat you would possibly discover a good pair of outdated trousers and also you begin teaming stuff collectively. I don’t actually comply with a particular look as such. I’m not essentially into the mod look or a punk look. It’s extra in regards to the particular person objects and teaming them along with what I’ve obtained.”
Re-Suppose The Swimsuit
“On traits, sportswear is clearly a large factor, I simply really feel like I’ve missed it. I like sports activities, soccer is my favorite factor, however I missed the sportswear development. I like a pleasant pair of trainers or a technical jacket however the concept of my spending £900 on a pair of Balenciaga trainers blows me away. However every to their very own.”
Costume With Perform In Thoughts
“It’s important to put on issues that go well with you. Sure you’ll be able to comply with traits nevertheless it’s additionally about practicality. Most individuals work in jobs the place they wish to really feel snug, they’re commuting or they is likely to be going to the fitness center, they is likely to be on a motorcycle, so informal clothes is sensible and there’s some superb manufacturers on the market doing cool stuff.”
For extra on Tom O’Dell, click on right here.
Pictures: Charlie Thomas
