The 8 Style Roots For Men

I tend to focus on women’s fashion because as a woman myself I have a stake in the game - but (if I do say so myself) I think style roots could be the most helpful style system for men. I think for a lot of men, they are actually pretty intuitive with their style. My partner, for instance, couldn’t care less about clothes, but when I look in his wardrobe I see a consistent colour palette (muted navy, grey and green), the same silhouettes over and over (t-shirts, jeans, linen shirts, knitted sweaters). He knows what he likes, simple as, and I admire this as someone who changes my mind about my style like I change my underwear - as someone in my comments phrased it the other day, giving me a giggle. But, he also has pieces gifted to him by family (and me) that he never wears and doesn’t like, and something like knowing your style roots can help to take away the obligation to put them on when you hate them. I also think style roots can help the messy looking man in your life look more put together and level up his outfits without even trying. I believe Arthur’s style roots are mushroom, stone and mountain - he never wants to look like he’s trying too hard, he wants to feel pretty casual, muted and basic - but at the same time, he would never want to be seen in jogging bottoms and he is so excited when he gets the opportunity to wear a suit which says to me he has the mountain style root. Knowing what kind of clothes make him feel happy and confident can help me to expand his style whilst ultimately staying true to him - I now know after ten years not to get him a graphic tee because it will not get worn.

So, let’s look at the 8 roots and what that can look like for the men in your life. I have focused very much here on pretty “basic” male fashion as I know this is how the majority of men tend to dress and I want this to be practical to use; however, this by no means represents the full scale of men’s fashion - for anyone whose a little more fashion-orientated I may make a version for you down the line if you are interested! For any of the girls in my audience - I also think this is a great way to look at the style roots at the same level.

Sun

The sun style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• bright colours

• stripes

• pattern mixing

• graphic tees

• layered tops

• plaid/check patterns

• patterned trainers

• suspenders

• bow ties

• patterned ties

• literal patterns e.g. food

Moon

The moon style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• leather jackets

• dark colours

• distressed denim

• silver jewellery

• chunky boots

• crosses

• studs

• tattoos

Earth

The earth style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• shades of brown and green

• suede or leather jackets

• check shirts

• baggy or distressed jeans

• wool jumpers

• distressed leather shoes

• corduroy

• baggy jeans

• fleece-lined jackets

Stone

The stone style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• trainers

• baggy jeans

• oversized t-shirts

• sports jumpers/jackets

• baseball caps

• denim jackets

• hoodies/sweatshirts

• denim shirts

Flower

The flower style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• floral shirts

• floral ties

• pastel colours

• light pink, purple, blue, green, yellow

• bow ties

• cardigans

• pocket square

Fire

The fire style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• sheer fabrics

• velvet

• silk shirts/ties

• open shirts

• clean white fabrics

• fitted shirts + trousers

• cardigans

Mountain

The mountain style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• blazers

• suit trousers

• loafers

• oxfords

• white/cream fabrics

• waistcoats

• shirts

• ties

• long coats

• tie pin

• chinos

Mushroom

The mushroom style root in men’s fashion tends to incorporate the following elements:

• jeans

• neutral/muted colours

• t-shirt

• simple jumper

• polo shirts

• plain fabrics

• neat white trainers

• simple patterns e.g. stripes

• balanced outfits e.g. suit trousers + tee or shirt with jeans

Example Celebrity Roots

Thimothee Chalamet - sun x stone x mushroom

Brad Pitt - mushroom x stone x mountain

Harry Styles - flower x sun x mountain

Matt Smith - mushroom x mountain x earth

Russell Brand - moon x fire x stone

Johnny Depp - moon x mountain x stone

Austin Butler - fire x mountain x mushroom

Chandler Bing (Friends) - mountain x stone x earth

Joey Tribbiani (Friends) - mushroom x stone x sun

Liam Hemsworth - mushroom x stone x earth

Hugh Jackman - mushroom x stone x mountain

Tom Cruise - mushroom x earth x stone

Cole Sprouse - earth x sun x mushroom

Ncuti’s Doctor (Doctor Who) - sun x earth x fire

David’s Doctor (Doctor Who - stone x mushroom x earth

Matt’s Doctor (Doctor Who) - mountain x flower x earth

Kendrick Lamar - stone x sun x mushroom

Kurt Cobain - stone x sun x moon

Hozier - earth x mountain x mushroom

Daniel Craig’s James Bond - mountain x fire x mushroom