Read the fine print

Men's style Books and magazines in my collection that I’d be lost without.

Who worries about what they wear? Who really Cares? The answer is me.

I like to try to wear as many different variations of what’s in my wardrobe as possible. Pairing a pair of trousers I haven’t worn in a while with one of my favourite jackets, or adding a cap to an outfit featuring pieces I’d normally dress up. I like to try to get the most out of what’s in my wardrobe.

However, all that can be very exhausting. That’s why whenever I’m looking for inspiration, more often than not, I’ll pick up a book or magazine.

Here are a few books and magazines in my collection that I’d be lost without. Some you may know, some you may not. Even if you do know them all, I hope it at least reminds you of how good they are!

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Take Ivy - Shosuke Ishizu, Toshiyuki Kurosu and Hajime Hasegawa

We’ll start with the obvious one, but don’t be put off by the hype. It's an essential book for any Ivy enthusiast. The Holy Grail.

Described by The New York Times as "a treasure of fashion insiders," Take Ivy was first published in Japan in 1965, sparking a surge of American-influenced "Ivy Style" fashion among students in the fashionable Ginza shopping district of Tokyo.

Written by Shosuke Ishizu, Toshiyuki Kurosu, and Hajime Hasegawa, with photography by Teruyoshi Hayashida, Take Ivy comprises candid photographs taken on the campuses of America's prestigious Ivy League universities. I love this book; as the reader, you really are a fly on the wall.

From the conservative to the daring, there are so many outfits in this book worth taking note of.

I wouldn’t be lying if I said mine is probably one of my most prized possessions, not because it’s an original issue or anything, but just because of how much I value the book’s contents. I’ve recreated countless looks from this book.

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The Illustrated Book of Ivy - Kazuo Hozumi

Speaking of essentials, here’s one that really earns the title. The Illustrated Book of Ivy by illustrator Kazuo Hozumi is a book that truly captures how to achieve the classic 'Ivy Look' in everyday life.

Through a series of cartoon drawings of male and female characters, classic looks are explored and boundaries are pushed. It’s a brilliant book and one I pick up again and again.

Here’s a look directly inspired by this book.

You can watch my full reel on this very look here

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2nd Magazine

2nd is a Japanese fashion magazine that takes a deep dive into what’s going on in the fashion world with a particular Ivy slant on things.

The words may be written in Japanese, but the content is certainly not to be ignored. This magazine is great at highlighting brands that are often unfamiliar to the Western world, taking inspiration from past publications like Take Ivy, and showing off how you can achieve the look. I’ve had several issues of 2nd; I get around reading them using the translator app on my iPhone. All in the name of clothing! It’s worth every penny.

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Steve McQueen - William Claxton

I’ve been obsessed with Steve McQueen ever since I was really young. Aside from his brilliant lineup of movies, if you’re into clothes, what’s not to love?

The Harringtons, the Chukka Boots, the jeans, you know the score.

William Claxton was a personal friend of Steve’s as well as being a photographer. You may recognise his work with jazz musician, Chet Baker.

What’s great about this book is how intimate the pictures are. Claxton took pictures of Steve at home, on the road and in hotel rooms, showcasing the Hollywood Icon’s lifestyle. If there was ever a book to reference on how to dress every day, then this is it. McQueen’s style was truly timeless, you can dress like him now and not look out of place. There’s a reason he was crowned the King of Cool.

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That’s just some of the books I’d recommend, I’ve missed out some and could go on forever! But I’d say they’re my top ones at the minute.

Books are a great way of finding inspiration for what to wear.

Your phone can be helpful, but there’s something nice about being limited to choosing a look that only exists within the page count of the book you’re holding in your hands.

Next time you’re stuck on what to wear, give it a go!

Thanks for reading,

Tom

Track of the blog: Tubby Hayes - Down In The Village