My Style: Andreas Weinås
Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Weinås
Is comfort an enemy of style?
The opposite. It is a necessity! One needs to feel comfortable in what he wears to be stylish. The problem sometimes is that people associate comfort with casual wear. Casual could be stylish but formal wear could also be comfortable.
Please describe your style in three words.
Comfortable, contemporary, classic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
To try to please others instead of yourself.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, as an inspiration in terms of philosophy about clothing and menswear, but maybe not in specific details and styling. For example, one can be inspired by the great Gianni Agnelli without wearing the watch on the outside of the shirt.
What are your favourite fabrics?
In the fall I prefer a nice flannel in wool. Perfect for everything from a pair of trousers to a full suit. For summer, I prefer a mix of wool and linen as it combines the elegance of the first and the casual texture of the latter. As a pure fibre, cashmere is of course hard to beat. Fantastic touch, great for colouring and it drapes beautifully.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I´m not the biggest fan of light-coloured ties matched with dark shirts. The same goes for overmatched accessories like wearing a tie and handkerchief in the exact same colour and pattern. What might be an attempt to be creative often looks like the opposite in those cases.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Milan. The best-dressed ones are standing out, but I think Stockholm has a higher average of well-dressed men.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
It´s interesting, because depending on whom you might ask I think I will be called both. For the average guy, my style probably comes off as conservative since I pretty much wear a blazer and tie on a daily basis. On the other hand, I believe that some of the more conservative readers find my shorter, tapered trousers and snug fit jackets as a fashion statement. I think I am a little bit of both of those guys.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Learn the rules and then question if they really are relevant for you. A lot of 'rules' in menswear exist for a reason but every reason might not be relevant to you. For me, a rule is to focus on proper fit. I always have my jackets and trousers tailored after a purchase.
Celebrities and style...
Has less and less to do with each other. Whatever happened to the elegance in Hollywood created by Cary Grant, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen?
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Watches… and ties… and scarves. ;)
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes. Everything starts from the bottom. No suit can compensate for a pair of ugly shoes in faux leather. Buy quality shoes from respectable shoemakers and they will only look better with age.
A man should always look like…
Himself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
There are a lot of people who have inspired, influenced and educated me over the years, but there is not that special one.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I tend to start with one thing that inspires me for the day. It could be a pair of shoes, a jacket or even a watch I feel like wearing. After that, I try to build a harmony around it with the rest of the outfit.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t believe in regrets because life is too short, plus you often learn from your mistakes. What I might regret is that I didn't buy less but of better quality products at a younger age. Very few products are still in my wardrobe from that period. I always prefer quality over quantity.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Fit, colours and how to dress for the occasion.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really, but since my style hasn't changed that much over the last couple years I tend to shop most of the stuff during the seasonal sale.
We will never see you wearing...
One should never say never, but a leather blazer is not likely. ;)
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I think that is either my friend and fellow Swede Lalle Johnson or the always impeccably dressed Camoshita from United Arrows. They both have a great sense of personal style.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Isaia Napoli´s advertising campaign for the SS/14. A grown man in an impeccable tuxedo holding a baby that starts pissing. I just love the feeling it evokes: “come on man, it's just clothes”.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I really like what Cesare Attolini, Orazio Luciano, and Isaia Napoli are doing with the fantastic Neapolitan tailoring. I also enjoy the very inspiring work by Michael Hill at Drakes London. For me, they are truly the best of Britain at the moment.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His shoes! A pair of shoes that are well-polished and cared for will not only look better over time but also says a lot about the person wearing them.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A grey flannel jacket from Lardini that has been in the closet for many years and still is my favourite one for the fall.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Michael Hill at Drakes London.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
The quality is appreciated long after the price is forgotten.
