My Life In Style: Andreas Weinas

My style is pretty subtle and monochromatic. I try to combine influences from Italian tailoring, British fabrics and a Scandinavian colour palette. I prefer earthy colours that don’t contrast too much, and often in a tonal look.
 
The best style advice I’ve ever received is: learn the rules, then break them. It means not every style rule has to apply to you. Learn what they are and then decide if you find them relevant. 
 
When I get dressed I tend to start with one garment that I might be inspired to wear and work from there. I like to try and achieve harmony in my outfits by keeping a colour theme. For example, I generally prefer black shoes with colder colours such as grey, and navy and brown shoes with warmer ones like green and taupe.
 
I just bought a wonderful and more casual piece of outerwear. It was a down parka in brown flannel from Cavour in Norway that I look forward to wearing in the cold winter mornings when I walk my dog. 

Never say never when it comes to fashion. My personal style is constantly evolving and I’m considering stuff now that I never did five years ago. However, I have a hard time seeing myself in a leather blazer and even more so in a pair of leather pants.
 
I would never spend money on socks. I used to buy exclusively from the premium brands but I was always disappointed in the quality and durability, and I have actually been positively surprised with the budget options since then. 
 
For years I wanted every possible version of a classic dress shoe and was always trying to fill a gap in my wardrobe. In the last few seasons I’ve realised I almost always prefer loafers.
 
My passion for watches started when I inherited my grandfather’s vintage Rolex. It’s a Datejust from the mid 70s and it’s still the most important piece of my collection today. I love the designs of the late Gerald Genta, especially his work on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Nautilus. Lately I’ve also been very much into vintage Cartier – the Tank collection in particular. 

I buy watches with my heart but obviously not without my brain. Nobody wants to make a poor decision but I never buy watches as investments and wouldn’t recommend anyone do that. Invest in real estate, land or the stock market; then buy what you love. That said, I do think the market value of my Rolex GMT-Master 1675 from the late 70s has improved quite a bit since I bought it a decade ago...
 
I never shop spontaneously because I think those purchases are the ones most likely to be left unworn in the wardrobe. I like to sit on the idea of buying something for some time. If I still want it, I then try to get the best possible version of it. 
 
There are so many great small brands doing more inspiring work that the big famous ones. My favourites are the Swedish brands Stòffa, Rubato and Saman Amel, South Korea’s B&Tailor and – for shoes – Morjas, which is part-Swedish, part-Spanish.
 
The best dressed man in history was Sergio Loro Piana. He wore his tailored suits in such a effortless and elegant way. I also find great inspiration in old photos of Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Cary Grant and Ralph Lauren. My favourite Instagram account is @KingOfStyle – he doesn’t actually highlight his own style but rather a wonderful and inspiring mixture of the best dressed men in history. In terms of someone with great personal style, I would recommend giving Alan See of menswear store The Armoury a follow (@SeeAlan).

If I could only wear one brand from any era I would probably say Ralph Lauren. With the Polo and Purple Label lines, he used to offer some of the most amazing pieces for all areas of your wardrobe. I can’t think of another brand that had a greater ranger of stylish products. 
 
ANDREAS’S 3 RULES FOR GREAT STYLE…
1. Dress with personality. Your clothes should be an extension of your personality. 
2. Favour fit over labels. A perfect fit after some tailor alterations is always to prefer over a hyped brand that might not fit you. 
3. Start from the bottom. A great outfit starts with proper shoes. Even the best bespoke suit can’t save a pair of cheap looking and poorly cared for lace ups. Invest in the best you can afford and always care for them.

Follow @AndreasWeinas

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