music and fashion

By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor

Summer would not be the same without The Drums. Ever since I first started listening to them in 2009, they’ve become a fixture in my summertime playlists. Like any really good nostalgic pop, their music makes me want to revisit all of my childhood pastimes.

Lead singer Jonathan Pierce’s personal style is very fitting for the music his band creates. His clothes evoke an image that would perfectly fit a troubled teen cast in a Brat Pack flick. His style is casual yet thoughtful and easily accessible for anyone interested in capturing a similar look. The band’s overall image is very singular and I’m drawn to their aesthetic for that reason. Not many other current musicians could successfully fill the niche that The Drums complete. Pierce’s style is an appealing play on 1980s fashion, his lyrics are rather poetic, and his dancing is adorkable. Seriously.

Grey shorts, $41 / Stretch skinny jeans / Dr. Martens crocodile shoes / Cheap Monday Tobias Denim Jacket / Franklin & Marshall Baseball Jacket / Suit Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt / Nudie Vilgot Organic Thin Poplin Shirt, $55 / Suit Block Stripe Vest, $39 / Reclaimed Vintage Ma1 Jacket / Suit Block Color T-Shirt / Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi-Top Trainers, Navy, $66 / Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses

To start your own Jonathan Pierce inspired look, find a red jacket with ribbed knit cuffs (windbreaker or letterman style) or a faded jean jacket. Underneath your jacket of choice, wear a color-blocked t-shirt or tank. If you want a slightly more formal look that’s still cool and casual, try a short-sleeved button-down in either a plaid or a solid that has a vintage feel to it, like a chambray.

For bottoms wear a pair of skinny jeans that cuff at the ankle or a light colored chino short. When finishing off your look, think classic. Choose between either a black pair of Dr. Martens or a colored Converse, perhaps in navy. And don’t forget to grab some classy black shades!

For The Drums most recent music video, check out their single Days.

Music Video to Embed: Me and the Moon

By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor

“Your own pair of trousers look better on me.” -King Charles, lyrics from Ivory Road.

So I’ve basically been doing happy dance circles around my apartment since the May release of King Charles’s album, LoveBlood. I waited so long for it’s release and it lives up to all of my expectations and more. Everything about King Charles is just cool. For starters, he seems to know absolutely everyone there is to know in the UK music scene. I’ll be watching what I thought was just some random music video and then bam, there he is. And I have a feeling he is going to blowup in the States just like Mumford and Sons did two years ago.

I also love that he has a persona that he puts on, maybe not to Die Antwoord‘s proportions but a character nonetheless. Anyway, anyone who plays glam folk (and I don’t mean Vince Noir’s version although that’s grand as well), frequently makes Oscar Wilde references in his songs, and has hair kinda like this guy is winning in my book.

But I digress. King Charles has a really great personal style with a strong vintage vibe. He acts like a king and definitely dresses the part. You can pull inspiration from his wardrobe through the attitude of your own clothing. First decide if you want to wear a suit or unmatched separates. If you opt for a suit and want to go all out in King Charles glory, find a black suit with tails or an all white suit. Underneath, wear a white button down with a mandarin collar or a bib front tuxedo shirt. Coordinate either of these options with velvet slippers or loafers fit for a king.

If separates are more your style, you have a lot of options. If you want to wear a suit jacket, look for one that has a shawl collar and you can easily pair said jacket with a waistcoat, the shirt styles mentioned above, and a pair of black trousers.

For another option, try a pair of navy trousers (velvet is a bonus) and match with a blue button down. After cuffing your sleeves, try putting on a light colored belt to break up the blue. If you are super daring, you could even try a cummerbund as the King wears them often. However, proceed with caution, because this look requires the style level of “awesome” for one to pull off and not look either really silly or like you work at a hotel (or perhaps both). With the blue separates look, wear brown or cream leather shoes that come to a point at the toe. Try finding shoes that have interesting stitch details.

To finish off your look you could try a paisley scarf, wearing it either cravat style or loose around your neck. And because King Charles is often pictured with a cane, you could accessorize your look by carrying a walking umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Just remember to think British thoughts and perhaps add some Union Jack cuff-links and you’re good to go. Oh. And you may want to start growing your hair out because if you ever want to come even close to emulating King Charles’s voluminous ‘do, you best get started now because it will take awhile.