Spotting London’s Archetypes of Men’s Style

There are some timeless figures strolling the streets of London, and they can be easily identified by their views on life and their style of dress.

The Cad

This is a type of chap we traditionally shame but cannot resist admiring. Their interests focus on pleasure. Not to be confused with the Bohemian, the cad is largely conformist. He works a job that he doesn’t necessarily enjoy in order to finance the finer things in life. To him these absolute essentials are wine, liaisons and song. Fast cars and sleek design feature heavily in his tastes.

His wardrobe is plain yet stylish. The blazer and sharp suits match his effortless values. He accessorises lavishly with belts, handkerchiefs and scarves. His shoes are beautiful if ordinary. He is happy with friends at a pub but prefers a cocktail bar. The cad thrives in the age of Tinder.

 

The Dandy

The Dandy doesn’t seem to have a proper job. Apparently salary is dictated by how many Instagram followers you have. This archetype is generally a smarter dressed Bohemian, remaining steadfast with three piece suits in elaborate patterns.

While the Cad enjoys functional yet decorative shoes, the Dandy’s are pristine and colourful creations from Jermyn Street. There will be no end to any conversation about either his style or where he bought certain items. He will recommend an excellent bar or restaurant but will never chip in to your bill.

 

 

The Intellectual

The pipe-smoking tweed-clad professor never died. He just got scruffy. The Intellectual archetype fancies his style as somewhat of a beatnik with neutrally coloured jumpers and check shirts.

He claims this look is an anti-capitalist stance against consumerism, brands and the superficial nature of dress. Apparently his refusal to shave is a defiant stance against the evil corporations who make razors, soap and… water.

 

 

The Bohemian

The Bohemian lives in a squat, or a boat, or his mum’s a property developer and lets him and his friends rent a place. He somehow manages to live in London anyway. These figures favour fur coats and flamboyant scarves from Camden and Portobello Road.

Fortunately, art school allowed him to meet like-minded creatives willing to live with him and share the Amazon Prime subscription.

 

The Hipster

The Hipster is a special phenomenon as the only figure to whom all social concepts of respect, tolerance and understanding don’t seem to apply. That is because popular belief condemns him as a pompous dick.

It’s the Hipster’s fault that we can’t find a decent lunch that’s not gourmet burgers with craft beer. And chips served in a wheely bin or plant pot. Does everyone make beard oil now? Apparently you can get startup loans for mixing Holland and Barrett oils or offering a super-special variety of imported organic coffee. He wears “lumberjack” style with plaid shirts and beanie hats.

The Student

He can be working towards a First in Biotechnology from UCL but he still wears a sweatshirt and jeans, or maybe a flannel shirt for going out. For shoes it’s either Vans or loafers. Doc Martens belong more to the Bohemian. Unfortunately the idea that student life is about subcultures, parties and forging new identities has long been abandoned.

Instead his days are padded out by lots of bed-time, Netflix and McDonalds.

The Dark Heart

We’ve had a name for these types since the 1980’s: Goths. However, this figure has been around far longer than we imagine. Edgar Allen Poe was certainly a candidate as was the Marchesa Casati, an eccentric heiress who was born in 1881 and died in London in 1957. Today those who aren’t outright Goths seem to emulate the likes of Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp with luxurious jewellery and a penchant for momento mori.

They dress smartly with collared shirts and suit jackets, often toned down with black skinny jeans. They do a good line in “ethereal” and the occasional self-righteous pontification.

Stewart Vickers Instagram/Twitter @vickhellfire

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