Have you ever wondered if masculine elegance can ever become excessive? Perhaps you picture those men who, wanting to show off, dress like a Christmas tree…
The truth is, there are ways to stand out flamboyantly without completely breaking classical rules. These ways involve geometry, proportions, materials, and patterns. If you’re curious how this works, let us introduce you to the concept of the “dandy.” You’ll learn where it comes from, how it manifests, and see examples of so-called dandy outfits.
Historically, the term “dandy” appeared in the 18th century and meant “city boy.” A century later, it came to describe someone concerned with personal appearance and how they present themselves socially, particularly in terms of clothing. The most famous historical dandy remains Beau Brummell, an English aristocrat whose life inspired the film Beau Brummell: This Charming Man.
How do you recognize a dandy? A dandy is someone deeply invested in their personal appearance, clothing, and behavior. Their true passion, however, lies in clothes. They seek the special, the colorful, the original. Essentially, they appreciate classic style, but in daily life, they pursue extravagance. A dandy wears suits and shirts with rich patterns, paired with embellished ties and standout shoes. Their goal is simple: to amuse themselves and others. They can wear bright colors in winter or muted tones in summer with the same grace and natural ease.
Even though the dandy style developed late in some regions (and can seem hard to integrate with the gray apartment blocks of Bucharest), it shows potential among fashion-savvy Romanians. A few examples of dandy outfits include:
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A sharp-collared shirt, a textured vest, and high-waisted trousers, paired with a silk tie or scarf.
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A checked sports jacket, a thin turtleneck sweater, beige trousers, suede brogues, and a leather-strap wristwatch.
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A linen or cotton jacket in a light hue, a pastel linen shirt, warm-toned chinos, leather loafers or espadrilles, and a Panama hat to complete the look.
These are just a few examples of dandy outfits, adaptable depending on taste, occasion, and season.
You might wonder: can only men be dandies? Absolutely not. Women can also embrace dandyism. A female dandy approaches clothing and behavior with elegance, sophistication, and refinement, much like a male dandy. The fact that dandyism is not limited by gender has helped it become more than just a term—it has entered European popular culture.
The Pitti Uomo fair, held twice a year in Italy, gathers men united by a shared passion for the dandy style.
So, is being a dandy a virtue or a flaw? If dandyism means being consistently attentive to personal appearance and social presentation, we advocate for it—even if it sometimes takes exaggerated forms. But what do you think: in today’s world, is being a dandy a virtue or a flaw?
