One of our favourite things here at Number Six is styling experimentation. This week: The Ivy League.
"It’s about dressing like you’re one of the elites: the best of the best."
It comes from America’s Ivy League schools (think Princeton, Harvard, Yale, etc...), where the upper-class students wanted to separate themselves from the rest. They wanted to make it obvious that they were more affluent. So, they started dressing in a specific way. In the 50s this grew into what we’d call today: ‘Ivy League Style’.
Something that separates this style from others is it’s not so much about what you’re wearing, but how you’re wearing it. After all, it's about dressing like you're one of the elites: the best of the best. So rather than giving our usual bit of history, we’re going for styling tips today. Trust us, it’ll pay off.
With the Ivy League look, you’re giving the impression you live a certain lifestyle. It doesn’t matter what your life is actually like, the point is you’re presenting yourself as part of an exclusive group. It’s the same way a lot of the all-time greats did it. Now that’s definitely got some power in it.
"the all-time greats did it... that's power"
First and foremost, if you’re more brand-minded, you’ll want to look at either Baracuta or Kestin Hare. If you ask us, they’re who we’ve really got our eyes on for offering the most classic pieces, once you see it you’ll agree too.
Baracuta | Read | Shop
SInce 1937, these Manchester-based boys have been consistently killing it. Their Harringtons are well versed in amongst the Ivy Leagues: with short bodies, ribbed detailings, and the unmistakeable Tartan lining, the Harringtons speak for themselves. It’s not often you’ll see an Ivy League Era group photograph without a Harrington in there somewhere.
Kestin Hare | Read | Shop
Coming from an organically developed design background, Scotsman Kestin Hare is the king of keeping production and manufacturing as local as possible. Not only this, but the pieces he designs from his Edinburgh studio are hugely Ivy League adaptable. Take the Attadale Polo, and the Brora Shirt - these two are ideal bases for layering a few of the following pieces over it.
"your style stays looking high-end, timeless and young"
We’ll leave you with a selection of pieces, all of which can are top-notch examples of putting together an Ivy League look. Above all else, remember this look can be experimented with as long as you’ve got the staples down. What’s more, once you’ve got it down, there’s a chance you won’t have to wear anything else for the rest of your life. It means your style stays looking high-end, timeless and young, even if the rest of you doesn't.
Try combining some of the following:
Baracuta G9 Original Jacket (Dark Navy)
Armor Lux Breton Stripes (read more here...)
