The Best-Dressed Premier League Managers

It’s the silverware more coveted than even the Transfer Window Trophy, or the Community Shield. (Note to managers: there is no actual cup for this. Or the Transfer Window.)

FashionBeans has used ‘Optical Index’ stats – i.e. we’ve looked at some pictures on the internet – to scout the Premier League bosses who most dress like one. Of the 20 coaches currently playing musical chairs in the Prem, these five qualify for the Champions League of touchline style.

Well, maybe one of them would only make the Europa League…

1. Pep Guardiola

Guardiola is the managerial and sartorial golden boy, even if the British press are waiting with barely concealed glee for him to fall flat, with his newfangled ‘false nines’ and ‘tactics’. Although to be fair, he’s not exactly helping himself by trying to play three at the back with Aleksander Kolarov.

The new Man City gaffer remains the Barcelona of best-dressed managers but he’s not without his foibles wardrobe-wise either. His slender build and penchant for extremely slim-fitting clothes can leave him looking a little ‘pinched’, and occasionally even exposed on the flanks – like that time at Bayern Munich when his trousers tore down one side, revealing more than the book Pep Confidential (which is a ripping yarn, by the way).

Guardiola also insists on wearing a belt with his suit, which is more overcautious than deploying a double pivot and splits you in half optically. If your suit trousers fit, then you shouldn’t need a belt. And ideally, they should have side fasteners rather than belt loops.

We’re being more critical than Arsenal ‘Fan’ TV though. Pep’s top of the league.

2. Antonio Conte

For those fair-weather football fans not tuned into BT Sport midweek, this summer’s European Championships were a first proper look at Conte on the touchline. The former Juventus midfield general cajoled an Italian side that could be generously described as ‘workmanlike’ through to the quarter finals by the power of gesticulation alone.

The Euros also introduced us to Conte’s nice line in tailoring. Now Chelsea boss, he compared his appraisal of the Blues squad to a suit-maker trying to find the perfect fit – which is encouraging for supporters as it’s a concept that he has clearly grasped. Like Italy, Conte’s rigs are nothing spectacular. But like many Italians he seems to have been born with a higher base level of style along with a natural instinct for grinding out clean sheets.

Conte is a particular fan of the tone-on-tone dark shirt and tie, which give him a vaguely murderous air of mafia hitman. (See also Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.)

Then there’s that thatch, which is mysteriously luscious given that, towards the end of his playing career, he was more monk-like than his Juve teammate Zinedine Zidane. A (very good) hair transplant is suspected, but Conte’s taken a vow of silence.

3. José Mourinho

The Special One arrived at Chelsea in 2004 with matching swag to coordinate with his swagger, even if the nickname that has stuck to him tighter than a man-marker ever since was a misquote. (He actually said, “I think I am a special one.”)

With his Armani overcoat, rakish scarf and Clooney-esque coiffure, Mourinho inspired even the most cynical and jaded of tabloid football hacks to pen paeans to the suave continental’s personal style.

But while celebrated more enthusiastically than that late Porto equaliser at his now home of Old Trafford, the Portuguese’s dress sense is in fact as pragmatic as his style of play. He sticks exclusively to muted colours like navy, grey and black with the discipline of a textbook Mourinho away performance. Or at least he did until he moved to the Red Devils.

He’s still got it, though – in the wardrobe department, at least. Man United might have been pumped 4-0 by his former employers (now managed by Conte) at the weekend, but Mourinho could take some scant consolation from the fact that at least one of his outfits looked good.

4. Arsène Wenger

The long-serving Arsenal manager is as consistently elegant as his press conference bon mots.

Unlike many of his less mature peers, Wenger manages to wear a suit and tie – courtesy of the club’s official suit supplier, Duchamp London – without looking like an errant Grange Hill schoolboy, or a footballer on trial. And unlike his team, he doesn’t overcomplicate: dark suit, white shirt, red tie, perhaps a dark knit.

Fourth-place trophies and parsimoniousness aside, Wenger is particularly renowned for his outerwear, which is inexplicably difficult to fasten and often likened to a sleeping bag – or less kindly still, a bin bag. Not exactly the height of chic, you might say – to which we would reply: “Au contraire, oversized down jackets are very Raf Simons autumn/winter 2017.” Although we might not say that too loudly in the pub before kick-off.

Besides, the Frenchman could have worn an actual refuse sack for the last two decades and he would still qualify for inclusion on the basis of the astonishing fashion shoot that he did with L’Équipe’s Sport & Style supplement last year. En. Fleek.

5. Bob Bradley

That sound you can hear is the barrel being scraped. Seriously, selecting five genuinely well-dressed Premier League managers is more best-of-a-bad-bunch than selecting an eleven-a-side team from The Dirty Dozen.

Leicester City’s Claudio Ranieri can look dapper, while a trawl of Google Image search results reveals that Watford’s Walter Mazzarri has worn a pocket square in the past. (Is it just us or does he bear more than a passing resemblance to Jack Donaghy in 30 Rock?) If you squint then West Brom’s Tony Pulis could’ve copped the latest Palace drop.

But we’re sticking our neck out with Swansea’s recently appointed Bob Bradley. This is entirely based on his debut against Arsenal: a normcore black jumper – or sweater, as the former USA coach would call it – and slacks that made him look like a cross between Steve Jobs and JK Simmons in Whiplash. Which is pretty much an ideal combination for a football manager: inspirational genius meets arse-clenchingly terrifying disciplinarian.

Besides, Bradley’s all-black-everything game plan attracted criticism from no less an authoritative pundit than Gary ‘Party Shirt’ Lineker. So he must be doing something right.

Is there more flair on show here than playing a whole game of FIFA 17 solely using the right control stick? Or did you quit halfway through in frustration? Compile your own ultimate five-a-side team of best-dressed Premier League managers in the comments below.




Credit: Jamie Millar

7 Of The Most Stylish Men You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

Red carpet events are predictable affairs – and we don’t just mean the tailoring. Browse any major event coverage online and most of the ‘best dressed’ slideshows you click through tend to throw up the same familiar faces: Hollywood actors styled in luxury labels and chart-topping musicians paying their dues to the brand paying their rent.

But what about the men who – although not front-page news – are every bit as fashionable? Here, we introduce seven of the most stylish, and their styling tricks worth tapping:

Alan Ferguson

Alan Ferguson is a music video director whose fame was relatively confined to music circles until late 2014 – when he married Solange Knowles.

After rubbing shoulders with ‘Yoncé at what was arguably the most hipster wedding of all time, Ferguson proved himself a worthy style icon, thanks to his distinctive blend of heritage style and sleek minimalism. A glove-fit two-piece might read traditional, but Ferguson rejigs it slightly – adding in an oatmeal leather trench coat, or in the case of his all-white wedding suit, a pair of gold toecap shoes. Subtle enough to wear, but bold enough to sing.

Anderson .Paak

The understudy of ex-N.W.A member and billionaire headphone peddler Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak (real name: Brandon Paak Anderson), is a walking, talking example of when the student becomes the master.

Hip-hop’s most exciting rising star is more than just a multi-talented singer-songwriter-instrumentalist. The 30-year-old has a style as distinctive and free-spirited as his original stage name: Breezy Lovejoy (no judging). Part grunge, part hipster, he looks just at home suited up or streetwear-ed out.

Simon Porte Jacquemus

Paris-based designer Jacquemus might be best known for his NSFW fashions, but it’s his knack for reinventing French classics like the Breton stripe that’s earned him his.

As headline-grabbing as his womenswear designs are, though, it’s his personal style that we think deserves some spotlighting. Like his work, this man’s wardrobe is mostly timeless pieces given a remix – jeans and an asymmetric gingham shirt or an unstructured navy suit styled with black Chelsea boots and a red neckerchief. Bon travail.

Eric Rutherford

Eric Rutherford spends most of his time in the buff. But on the odd occasion he does actually get dressed, he’s really quite good at it.

The actor/model/instaceleb has amassed a global following thanks in no small part to his razor sharp wardrobe, most of which involves well-crafted transitional staples. The remainder? Statement pieces that toe the line between trend and novelty, like a bold checked blazer or a bright suit – always masterfully anchored with muted staples.

Matthew Healy

When Matthew ‘Matty’ Healy opens his mouth, it’s not just million-selling No 1 hits that come out. The shaggy-haired frontman of eclectic Brit band The 1975 is more than comfortable engaging in a tête-à-tête on his favourite designers and their latest collections.

As a result, his look is in the vanguard of edgy, vibrant rock ‘n’ roll style, with effortlessly cool, often all-black, outfits comprising Saint Laurent (of course), Dries Van Noten and J.W. Anderson.

Roberto Raro

We can all identify a Pitti peacock, but rarely can we actually name one. Which is why Roberto Raro, in all his suited glory, gives a face to the anonymous gaggle.

As director of several menswear stores in the Middle East, Mr Raro encapsulates the sort of bird that nests in Florence for January; the primary colours, the pinstripes, the razor-sharp tailoring. But despite the excess, Raro still pulls it off with that essential Italian ingredient: sprezzatura.

Vincent Cassel

If Vincent Cassel’s name sounds familiar, it might be because he’s had starring roles in two of the Ocean’s Trilogy films. Or, and perhaps more likely, you still can’t quite get over the fact that it was him, not you, that got to spend four glorious years married to Monica Bellucci.

But Cassel can teach you more than how to woo cinema’s greatest beauties; he knows how to, er, nail smart-casual too. His go-to? A good shirt – a versatile piece he spruces up with a suit in a complementary shade or plays down with a contrasting blazer, relaxed trousers and sneaker-loafers. Parisian insouciance at its best.

Credit: FashionBeans

10 Of The Most Versatile Men's Bag

The key to buying a good bag is knowing exactly what you want it to do in the first place. Need something to get your laptop to meetings in one piece? You’ll need a leather briefcase. Need something to cart your sweat gym gear home? A nylon or cotton barrel bag’s your best bet.

But what if you want your bag to do more? What if – having discovered that neon camo drawstring bag isn’t exactly what you’d call a ‘hit’ at boardroom meetings – you need a bag that works everywhere? Or at least for more than just stowing a pair of swimshorts in?

To save you dropping wads on bags that won’t pull their weight, we rounded up some of the best styles to take you from work to workout and more.

Mi-Pac Classic Backpack

A backpack isn’t just for high school – it’s for life. Especially if you’d rather not spend a chunk of yours hunched over in a chiropractor’s waiting room.

This one, from British brand Mi-Pac, comes in brown and navy, AKA the ultimate smart-casual colour combo. Wear it to the office (yes, it’s got a dedicated laptop compartment), or for a weekend getaway.

Available at Mi-Pac

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Nylon Duffle Bag

Versatile needn’t mean black or brown leather. This dome-shaped duffle, made from durable nylon, makes perfect sense if your style skews more athleisure than actuary. Plus, bonus points for its bang-on-trend quilting.

Available at Ralph Lauren

Harvest Label Brick Urban Sling Pack

Like those cross body bags you’ve seen every grime fan sporting, but want something that reads less ‘roadman’? Check this ‘sling pack’ from Japanese brand Harvest Label – a smart blend of everything’s that good about a messenger, backpack and cross body rolled into one.

With three interior pockets in addition to its three zipped main zipped compartments, it’s got plenty of stashing space.

Available at Urban Outfitters

R.M. Williams RMW City Medium Overnight Bag

With almost a century’s experience in built-to-last footwear, Australian brand R.M. Williams has set its sights on the leather accessories market, launching a collection that combines tough-as-nails construction with a luxury finish.

This overnighter – crafted from pebbled cowhide leather, and featuring a contrast suede lining – is a stand-out. Subtle, sturdy and supremely finished, it’ll take you pretty much everywhere in style.

Available at R.M.Williams

Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier

LA duo Graf Lantz’s extra-large tote lets you carry a lot in its roomy 15″W x 17″H x 6″D interior, including a little piece of history: the bag itself is made from rare 6″ military webbing that dates all the way back to 27 February, 1951.

Available at Graf Lantz

ASOS Barrel Bag

More than just somewhere to chuck your trainers, a low-profile barrel bag – like this one from ASOS – makes a solid, sportier alternative to the classic leather holdall.

Available at ASOS

Want Les Essentiels Kastrup Backpack

Constructed using premium leather and breathable mesh, American brand Want Les Essentiels de la Vie’s backpack can take a beating.

Not that the Kastrup looks rough – in fact its bias-cut front pocket and subtle stitched leather logo give its utilitarian shape a sleek and sophisticated edge that makes it ideal for wearing with smarter looks.

Available at Want Les Essentiels

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Batchel

Gimmicky portmanteau names aside, the Cambridge Satchel Company’s batchel is an all-time classic.

Handmade in Britain, it’s got all the hallmarks of a bag that’s built to last – from its goes-with-everything deep damson colour to a 100 per cent leather and brass construction.

Available at Cambridge Satchel

Ted Baker Small Clipper Holdall

Not every business trip needs a roller bag. Ted Baker’s Clipper holdall combines travel-friendly capacity with a design that’s every inch the suited professional – from its leather-style handles to a fabric body that takes its cue from the brand’s tailoring collection.

What’s more, its convenient size and comfortable double top handles mean you won’t feel like you’re carting a cadaver around.

Available at Harvey Nichols

Nudie Jeans Mattsson Patched Denim Tote

Swedish jeans authority Nudie knows denim doesn’t just mean trousers. Alongside its ever-expanding roster of skinny, slim and straight-leg fits, you’ll find pieces like this 100 per cent organic denim bag too.

Quite possibly menswear’s toughest tote.

Available at Nudie Jeans

Credit: Cillian O'Connor

What Makes a Bag a Perfect Everyday Carry?

Some style choices require more careful deliberation than others. Just like shorts and bow ties, backpacks should be approached with some degree of consideration. Opting for a bag that suggests classroom rather than boardroom can throw off an otherwise confident look. For a distinct, grown-up pack, go with a classic design kitted out with premium materials. Functional and stylish, here's why the this is the perfect everyday carry.

It goes with everything

Versatility is key. Being your everyday carry bag of choice means the ability to pair it with almost any outfit, from shearling to short sleeves, patterns to perfectly worn denim.

It's the right size

Too big and a backpack will look like a it wandered off the Appalachian Trail; too small and it'll look like it escaped from a field trip. At nearly 12 inches wide and almost 20 inches high, this one presents enough cargo space for busy modern lives without looking overstuffed or losing its shape. Throw in all your daily essentials, from a laptop to gym gear, and still have room to spare.

It has a smart shape

Before zipper-top designs became the norm, backpacks opened from the top with a buckled flap covering the opening. One part classic styling, one part considered proportions, the bag features a versatile rectangular main shape with outdoor-inspired symmetrical side pockets.

It's durable

In addition to the sturdy fabric interior, the exterior is the mark of a backpack that has school in its rearview mirror. Glove-tanned leather that's durable yet buttery smooth is an indicator of the craftsmanship and quality. Over time, it will age uniquely, telling a story all its own.

It has style chops

Classic pieces are best when there are a few fresh aesthetic details thrown in. The Gotham takes the right amount of risk, offering a hint of contrasting color on the straps and stitching. The variation sets off the rich texture of the leather and makes for an eye-catching, modern accessory.

It has handy outside pockets

On the Gotham, the main compartment includes includes a laptop sleeve, a zippered section perfect for chargers, and a crucial key clip. But it's the exterior pockets that are really great when you need something in a pinch. Magnetic button closures offer quick access while keeping the classic styling in check.

It doubles as a briefcase

There are plenty of times a backpack won't be worn on your back. Whether you're in a crowded subway or elevator, or just accessing the pockets, a sturdy handle is essential. The Gotham's thick leather handle makes carrying the bag as comfortable as wearing it.

It doesn't skimp on the details

Craftsmanship aficionados know that the best pieces set themselves apart in the details. Between heavy contrast stitching and sturdy metal hardware, the Gotham shows its premium character in every detail.

Credit: Esquire for Coach 1941