My Style: Reggie Yates
Portrait: Courtesy of Reggie Yates
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Fashion and style are two different things. Style evolves all the time. Copying or imitating will never take you to the place you want to be in terms of feeling confident about your wardrobe.
Please describe your style in three words.
Comfort, evolving, and clean.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
To rush or to leave the house feeling uncomfortable. If you are not feeling comfortable in your outfit it shows.
Do you believe in role models?
In terms of style, not really. I think it's important to look around and see what's out there and take inspiration, but it's never cool to copy someone's outfit from head to toe. In a broader sense, it's important to have someone to look up to.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I really love suede. Generally, I like fabrics that look luxurious and suede is one of those things that instantly looks nice when you wear it, no matter what you've done to it or what it's on—like on a pair of shoes for example. I also adore jersey, it's really important for me to feel comfortable.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
The obvious answer would be Paris, but for me it's London. There's such a wide variety of different styles from Savile Row to East London. There simply aren't many cities in the world that can offer such a diversity.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am becoming increasingly conservative, maybe it has to do with getting older? I do like the occasional bold pair of shoes or blazer and I am not scared of colour (young people especially should embrace colour), but the older I get the more conservative I become. I am also getting more specific about the things I like and I am quite happy with that. My wardrobe is getting smaller and smaller, but definitely more refined.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
For me it's comfort over everything else. If you are comfortable you are also more confident, no matter where you are going or who you are meeting.
Celebrities and style...
Do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I have a really big problem with footwear and I am trying to sort it out [laughs]. There's just so many shoes in my wardrobe! In terms of clothes, I think I am pretty bad; I have too many of everything. However, I am in the middle of clearing out everything and keeping only the things that I love. I like getting dressed quickly and this is not something I can do at the moment.
A man should always look…
Confident. And that he dressed himself, as it's really bad for guys to be dressed by their girlfriends. How you dress says a lot about you and it's a shame to miss on the opportunity of showing some personality with your outfits everyday.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Getting it wrong did! Some people might say that I still get it wrong, or others will say that I get it right, but I think you learn from your mistakes all the time. I definitely look back at old pictures and TV shows and say “never again”! I am learning everyday and because I've grown up being on television, people have accompanied me on this sartorial journey, for better or worse! I am glad things are better now, but I still have a long way to go.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Based on the weather, occasion, and how I am feeling. I am definitely not a person who dresses the same way all the time, so I am really open to dressing up or down depending on what I am doing or where I am going.
What is your biggest regret?
Buying lots of things I liked rather than loved. I have a wardrobe full of distractions that are not helping me to select the best possible outfit.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I shop at Liberty quite a lot and I tend to take the same route to get there every time, as there are quite a few stores that I like, such as Dover Street Market and Acne. I always visit them in the same order—it might make me sound weird but it does make a lot of sense! [laughs]
We will never see you wearing...
A velour tracksuit.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
George Lamb.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes, and it's the same for anyone, man or woman.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Some of Tommy Ton's street style photos from various fashion weeks. I can't think of one specific image alone, but there have been quite a few that made an impact on me.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I love how Acne has developed, it has changed so much over the years. I also like the aesthetics behind Rick Owens and the way he has been consistent with his brand image. Last but not least, Hedi Slimane for his work at Saint Laurent. I am not a tall, skinny rocker but I like the combination of clean lines with a rock'n'roll sensibility.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
Everything. But shoes are very important, so make sure to invest in a good pair.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I love accessories and have quite a few beautiful watches, some of them vintage. I also love my bespoke shoes made by A. Sauvage.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, style and comfort go hand-in-hand.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I love Haider Ackermann and Yang Li.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Adrien Sauvage, my brother Cobbie Yates, George Lamb, and Miles Kane.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.
