Some men think that the best way to land themselves on an influential street style Instagram or in a best-dressed gallery is to either pull off cutting-edge trends or wear something timeless. Sure, these are good first steps to take, but if you really want to get the attention of the person behind the lens, there’s one surefire way: a dog.
Yes, you read that right. Dogs. Doggos. Puppers. Woofers. Whatever annoying millennial colloquialism you want to use. Everyone lights up at the sight of our furry four-legged friends, and we've got the street style shots to prove it.
Note: do not buy a dog for the sake of style. They are not an accessory. They are good boys that deserve the best.
1| Transitional Scandi
Wearing white jeans when walking your dog is a brave choice. But when they're cropped and teamed with a transitional waterproof coach jacket, a baker boy hat and an essential Breton stripe t-shirt, it's a style risk we're willing to take.
2| '90s Grunge
The '90s were hit-and-miss for menswear. On the one hand, you had popper tracksuits and jeans so baggy you could camp out in them. On the other, you had Seattle-inspired grunge outfits consisting of beaten leather jackets and oversized flannel shirts. Today, the latter look still stands but with a smarter twist, refreshingly updated with premium staples such as brogue boots and selvedge denim.
3| Casual Tailoring
What is that dog thinking? Are they thinking, "Wow, a floral revere collar shirt with white Converse teamed with a wide lapel double breasted turquoise suit. Casual tailoring at its best!" Or are they thinking, "I am going to rip that beaner owners think though.
4| Crocodile Rock
The croc skin trench. The huge cigar. The people staring. There's so much going on in this photo, it's almost like one of those dramatic Renaissance paintings. Animal prints and textures can be a tricky trend to pull off, but when you dedicate yourself fully to the look with other equally bold pieces (tartan trousers, brogue boots, statement glasses), you exude a confidence that says you know what you're doing.
5| Workwear Revival
Some days you're the guy going to a summer rooftop party in a linen suit. Some days you're the guy walking your dog in Carhartt WIP workwear on the way to pick up a pint of milk. Both looks deserve our attention.
6| Neon Splash
Planning your outfits as a couple? Cheesy. But matching your outfit with your dog? That's a Rain Man level of genius right there. Now, we're not talking about twinning in the same father-and-son style jumpers. That's a bit (well, very) weird. But injecting a splash of modern color into the laces of your slick white sneakers and matching it with your dog's lead is a subtly brilliant accessory upgrade.
This story originally appeared on Esquire.co.uk. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
