A dandy is a man dedicated to nonchalant refinement, gentlemanly hobbies, and exquisite physical appearance. Historically, a dandy was often a self-made member of the middle-class who aspired to an aristocratic lifestyle.

The archetype of a British dandy was George Bryan “Beau” Brummell (1778–1840), who attended Oriel College, Oxford and later, was associated with the Prince Regent, the future King George IV. Famous for nothing at all (in the opposite way to the way Paris Hilton is), Brummell was always perfectly groomed, perfectly fitted, perfectly starched, and  freshly laundered. Naturally, he was rarely without an elaborately knotted cravat and a witty bon mot.

Stephen Tennant was another British example, thought to be the inspiration for Sebastian in Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. And of course, Oscar Wilde was rarely seen in public without a witticism. Of course, dandyism is something long associated with the literary world.

Later, dandyism spread to France around the time of the French Revolution and French bohemian dandies sought to convey contempt for bourgeois society with elaborate clothes and general decadence. Quelle bête !

Not to be confused with steampunk, today, the cult of the dandy is hard to come by. You will see him occasionally with a waistcoat in Brooklyn or perhaps a hint in James Franco or Jude Law. He will most certainly be wearing a bow tie, if not something very similar.

But rather than looking for the dandy, why not be one? The world is crying out for witty elegance and you should be all ears.

Tips for Modern-Day Dandies

1. Dress beautifully, not flashily. Refined effortlessness should be your co-pilot.
2. Be cynical but not aggressively so. Your attitude should personify an elegantly arched eyebrow.
3. Cultivate a coterie. A dandy is nothing without people to admire him. Other celebrities are good. Royalty is better.
4. Be bewitching and especially witty. If this requires practice in private to look insouciant, so be it.

A modern-day dandy is open to interpretation. Shop the above look at Reiss.

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