Steve McQueen

The King of Cool wore everything with confidence. His casual looks oozed a nonchalant appeal, and smart outfits looked polished but - with the addition of his perennial Persol 714 sunglasses - also carefree. His style favourites included neutral chinos, bomber jackets and desert boots. Everything had a clean-lines feel - pared-back and unfussy.

So what can we learn from the man? Invest in great basics. Make sure they fit well, keep colours neutral and mix and match for a wardrobe that always speaks of unassuming sophistication.

James Dean

The legendary Hollywood actor is forever remembered for his effortless cool and the power of a great white t-shirt. Paired with jeans, rugged boots and tortoiseshell shades, it’s a timeless look that’s remained cool ever since.

The red Harrington jacket he wore in Rebel Without a Cause has become iconic in itself. To channel a piece of James Dean’s undeniable cool, pair a black roll-neck with dark trousers, or a plain tee with a leather biker jacket. Thick rimmed shades are a must.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds, for all his Hollywood stardom, dresses in a way that’s well, surprisingly normal. It’s normal but it’s also nonchalant. It’s stylish without looking like he’s tried too hard. Always on-point but it’s as if he didn’t know it.

He particularly knows the power of a couple of really well-chosen basics. The perfect Oxford shirt, sleeves effortlessly rolled up, great chinos paired with understated trainers, the white t-shirt, the Harrington jacket.

Our take-home tip from Ryan is choose a minimalist colour palette – navy, khaki, black, stone, white – and pull together thought-out ensembles but then undo them a bit. The jumper slightly rumpled or the jeans looking lived in gives a vibe of easy cool. It’s dad dressing done really well. Great job, Ryan.

Oliver Cheshire

Oliver Cheshire is a definite part of the menswear fashion elite. Model, street style favourite at London Fashion Week Men’s, and now founder of his own label, he’s a menswear authority with the personal style to match. He’s a master of fun wardrobe pieces that look totally at home, rather than OTT.

He’ll pick a short pink trench, paired with a graphic monochrome top, or a colour-pop, retro varsity jacket. His choices always look sophisticated because he pairs the statement piece with a neutral backdrop. He excels at rocking the Cuban collar shirt, worn open, and teamed with simple, loose shorts. His style is mostly fuss-free, easy on the logos and big on the sophisticated shapes and textures. Slightly preppy, retro and always suave, a pair of great glasses complete the look. 

Our take-home tips? A jumper slung around the neck and textures, like suede, silk, or faux-fur, add a dose of swoonable sophistication.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant, known for his eternally stylish attire, never in fact considered himself well-dressed. He attributed his sartorial choices to simplicity.

He looked impeccable in suiting. His suits weren’t skinny or overly wide-fitting, but rather a happy middle. In his own words, he went for ‘undisturbing, easy and comfortable’ clothes.

He took the stance of investing in a few great quality pieces rather than a wardrobe of clutter. He knew the power of looking after clothes – creaseless shirts and polished shoes completed his suave look. For casual, he’d pick great knitwear, particularly cardigans, and breezy trousers – worn with one hand nonchalantly tucked in a pocket.

To emulate his style, focus on fit. Get clothes altered so they fit impeccably, invest in a few more expensive pieces and take simplicity seriously. Follow these rules and the title of style icon is yours.