Fine and Dandy Menswear Inspired by RISD’s ‘Artist/Rebel/Dandy’ Exhibit

Photo by Jason Leeds. Styling by Janine Maggiore/Ennis

Somewhere along the line, the word “dandy” became a dirty one, oft used to diminish men who care about their clothes. Thankfully, we are long past that era, and guys today—even the most rugged among them—now pay close attention to their closets, collecting exquisitely made wardrobe staples that never go out of style. That aesthetic will be on display at the Rhode Island School of Design’s “Artist/Rebel/Dandy” exhibit, which opens April 28. It’s a celebration of the long tradition of men dressing well, from Beau Brummell to the contemporary jewelry designer Waris Ahluwalia. Above, John Mayer, the beverage director at Local 149, plays the part of the new urban dandy, pairing well-worn favorites (a rumpled jacket, dark jeans) with razor-sharp tailoring (the perfect three-season blazer). Who said cocktails are the only things worth mixing?

On Mayer:
Hugo Boss cotton-blend blazer, $395, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Apolis cotton jacket, $298, Ball and Buck.
Billy Reid “John T” cotton shirt, $185, Neiman Marcus.
Silk tie, $58, Salmagundi.
Rag & Bone “Chamber” cotton and linen waistcoat, $325, the Tannery.
Hoof-pick leather belt, $118, Ball and Buck.
Raleigh Denim jeans, $275, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Red Wing “Iron Ranger” leather boots, $280, Ball and Buck.