An individual’s style often evolves as a combination of their life experiences and personal influences. As you’ve heard me say time and time again, style should be individual, personal and unique to you.
For example, I consider my personal style a combination of different influences/experiences that have shaped my life. A splash of urban (from my long days on inner city basketball courts), a little prep (that I picked up when I attended Columbia), slightly rustic/rural (since I was raised on a farm), plenty of tailored wear (because of my love of classic tailoring and my asethetic preference for clean lines), and a little creativity (since I am a fashion stylist and blogger after all).
Enough about me. Meet Townsend’s friend Lynton Barnes – Williamsburg Brooklynite and employee of Ralph Lauren Rugby’s NYC flagship. Lynton is a perfect example of awesome personal style created by mixing personal influences. In his case; a combination of classic American prep and the artistic neighborhood where the “hipster” originated.
Here, Lynton gives us a taste of how a stylish Brooklynite with a passion and knowledge of traditional prep style can create his own niche: the “Prepster”.
1. East Coast Tradition x Brooklyn Swagger
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Ooh, these outfits are sporting some of my personal ‘No’s:
- never wear a tie with a baseball style hat
- never wear a tie with an untucked shirt
- never wear wool socks and shorts. It looks like you can’t decide which season you want to dress for. Summer or Winter?
Although I am a female, I am a fashion student and love menswear designs. I also find the combination of urban swagger and modern sophistication. Great shots of Lynton Barnes, too. Any thoughts on the female prepster?
Do I see a NUPE thrown up on the last picture focusing on the bow tie???
Just wondering….
I like a lot of your posts, but this is one of my favorites in a while, maybe its the change seasons. All great looks, although the chunky socks baffle me.
I like what he’s going for..except for the thicker almost winter socks with the Chucks. That threw the look off!
Townsend looks quite strange in aviators..
I can’t get behind wearing a collar pin and tie and yet not tucking in your shirt.
Out of interest, how many of the clothes in the first look are from Rugby?
The second look is very cool (with no socks, it would be better), good job guys !
If you like french men street looks : http://les-freres-jo.blogspot.com/
The very first pic would be AMAZING without the “‘SUPREME” hat. You can take prep inspired clothing and make them more urban; however, you cannot take urban inspired clothing and turn them prep. Or, maybe it is just the way he wears his hats? Something is just wrong with the “look.”
What I do like is that I think this gentleman and are a similar build. Lynton- are you around 5’10 180? I’m sure I could learn some size-specific tips from you.
So what options do men have who don’t want to wear shorts above the knee. Obviously, I don’t want the puffed up cargo shorts, or kiddie board shorts. Isn’t there something below the knee that denotes style? And please don’t suggest capris!
Thanks and nice post Dan!
rismomax
yes…its called grow up ;)
another great post. even though i wouldn’t wear any of these looks i love them all. which like you said,is the point because its HIS style. style has to be personal. anything else is pointless. i know you are busy now SB but i hope to see you going around the country sometime in the near future. it seems like even in menswear where we don’t have nearly as many options as women, each state, each city seems to have a distinct flavor shown through suttle differences. can’t think of a better person to articulate that than you. have a great holiday weekend
LB, representing for us PRC’s.
Untucked shirt with tie? Thick socks with shorts?
Apart from the wacky hats, this guy looks fresh to death. I follow the same shirt/shorts/sneakers formula.
The Chuck’s do not qualify this as urban. The only “urban” thing found here is that misplaced cap. I don’t think this is a post I agree with. He’s trying to say “go to hell” with his outfit, but can’t he at least tie his shoes? Or was that an intentional sprezzatura… To me, this guy just screams “trying too hard” in everything he’s wearing. Sorry for the harsh criticism, but read on–there is something very noteworthy in this post.
The only good thing I see here is Townsend (if that’s actually him) in #4. Townsend looks great there, and he looks comfortable without trying hard. That is a great casual look, and it’s good his shoes are.. you know.. tied.
I’m hearing a lot of people saying there’s urban style mixed in there. Maybe it’s just me but, with the exception of the beat up Chuck’s, I’m not seeing urban. I’m more inclined to agree with SB’s term “prepster” on this one.
this guy’s style is great and definitely his own. i really like how he incorporates a little style into the prep aesthetic. i follow unabashedly prep daily as well and fred also encourages this. too many “prepsters” are stuck in the past with tradition that, to me, is somewhat boring and unoriginal. i like the “F” you attitude with the velvet slippers. i know most would say only with formalwear or in the house. way to go lynton.
Where is the trench from?
Not a fan of all the fake worn-in denim (both the jeans and the jacket). Also, the shirt in the first pic is too long to leave untucked.
LIKE IT VERY MUCH!
Congrats guys!
>:D<
He smashed the game. Period.
Where is the navy blazer in last look from? Rugby?
everything hes wearing is from rugby. thats where he works
Confidence goes a long way in style. He has plenty. Good job Mr. Barnes.
Wow I usually wanna leave a comment, but don’t… Now for this POST I had to…It captures originality, not just fashion…
Awesome post. I really love the mix of urban swag and American prep. It’s something I strive for as I’m building my own personal style.
Great Stuff! I love how he mixes prep and street and puts his own twist on things.
Just one word (and 3 exclamation marks): AWESOME!!!
Another TO around? What’s up? Lol- and I also think this is awesome
Ohh sorry…I didn’t know that I’m not alone…so my new name is “TO the 2nd”;)
Haha I suppose so… it’s up to you lol
Sure style may be personal but those hats are a little tacky.
To each his own.
-SB
Really cool and different. Like the worn in chucks and the way he stands behind his own personal style. Anyone can throw on clothes but being yourself keeps it original without looking trendy. I’ve had my converse for 6 years and they are still one of my favorites , a must have for any outfit and very versatile.
Agreed!
Thx for reading,
Dan
Simple but thoroughly inspirational! Great insights.
I’m sorry but beat up chucks should never see the light of day, and a trench coat should never know what the sun looks like.
Let’s agree to disagree. I think chucks look better as they get beat up.
Thank for reading.
-SB
Love the site and your insight.
A scoff here and a scoff there is cool, I myself is guilty of that but the hipsters here around north FL wearing chucks and vans with their toes poking through the canvas is not as “trailblazing” as they might think, in my opinion anyway. Now those turtleshell glasses though! Right up my alley!