Pretty much every man wants to be Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, right now.
The coolest man in America is a multi-talented master. He has a hit TV show, music career, and a role in Star Wars. Add to all this his unique way of dressing, and you’d be smart to take notes from him ASAP.
His looks range from retro throwbacks to normcore to sharp suits. What they all have in common is that everyone is trying to rock them in the same way he does.
So how do you get the look? Keep reading for all the tips and rules you need to follow.
You’re about to get the ultimate primer to Donald Glover style.
Normcore Style
To start off your Donald Glover fashion journey, you’re going to need pocket t-shirts. Lots of them.
The male fashion icon at one point wore so many of these that it became a kind of uniform. He’s the definition of normcore. Also known as the style that looks like you aren’t trying too hard.
After all, the truly stylish don’t need to make much of an effort. Let your basics do the talking and top it off with a swag all your own.
The new incarnation of normcore is wearing deliberately “unstylish” outdoor gear. Even if the closest you get to outdoors is running to Starbucks.
Nostalgia Rules
One of the reasons you can spot a Childish Gambino outfit from afar is the retro styling.
Donald Glover’s musical alter-ego hosted Saturday Night Live. On the show, all of his looks screamed 1960s/1970s. And what’s more, he pulled them off without looking like your uncool dad.
He started off the night with a tan velvet blazer with broad lapels by Gucci. He accessorized with every 1970s man fave, the low cut vest showing a “V” of chest hair.
This look isn’t for the faint-hearted. But if you rock it right, you’ll turn more than a few heads.
Don’t go too far and make your outfit into a costume though. A few key separates is enough to give you the look.
Get Suited and Booted, with a Twist
Which leads us to his suiting, which has a definite Seventies twist. The Donald Glover suit is a mood and a lifestyle all its own. However, it’s actually not that hard to copy.
In a nod to his retro music style, Glover has worn a full velvet suit to an awards show. Paired with bow tie, of course. For summer, he wore a pale khaki suit with sharp brown shoes.
To rock these suit looks, you have to get the color right.
One of Glover’s favorite colors is purple, worn from the Emmys to the Critic’s Choice Awards to the Met Gala. Stick to a warm tone or go for pastel. This way you look smooth and unique, but not too flashy.
It’s important to pair the suit with the right shirt as well. Opt for silk if it’s a formal event and leave a couple of buttons undone. For more casual days, a round neck white vest is perfect.
To up things a notch, go full retro and wear a turtleneck.
If you’re getting nervous at this point, it could be you’re not ready to go full Glover just yet.
If so, there’s an easy way to add some of his styles at your next formal event. Wear a floral jacket in a dark color paired with black pants. Glover wore this look to the Met Gala in 2017.
Color and Pattern Mixing
Donald Glover style is all about mixing it up. That means colors and patterns too. Take his Gucci look here which managed to make a tropical floral print shirt look fresh. A patterned shirt is one of the hardest items to match, so don’t even try.
The Hawaiian top has been a Childish Gambino outfit trademark ever since 2013. That was the year his second album Because The Internet came out. The cover featured him wearing the shirt, unironically (or not?), and he rocked it.
There are so many ways to rock this that you can easily insert your own style into it.
Wear a simple suit in one color, and pop a floral shirt underneath. Stick to a single statement pattern and mix it with muted colors. A perfect example is this look from the Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Top Your Look with the Right Accessories
Any good look needs the right accessories to top it off.
A go-to look in Donald Glover fashion is the trucker hat. It’s perfectly off-trend, which is why it’s a great look for him. It had its peak moment in the Noughties, which actually makes it retro right now.
The other must-have is the two chains. No, not 2 Chainz the rapper. Glover is never seen without his two gold necklaces (Cartier, by the way), of differing lengths.
It makes sense since many of his looks require an open neck or bare chest. The chains mean you’ve got something to show off. Doubling them up means your look is more current and less 1970s pimp.
Lastly, you need the right shoes finish off your outfit. The casual staples are either the Nike Cortez or the Yeezy Calabasas if you can get a pair. You can wear both of these with suits as well.
If he’s not in retro sneakers, you’ll find Glover in a polished leather shoe. There’s no stuffiness here, as usually the high-quality kicks are worn without socks. These can elevate a casual outfit or complete a formal look.
Donald Glover Style for You
The biggest Donald Glover style rule is to say “suck it” to style rules. He’s managed to become a style maverick by not taking fashion too seriously. For the ultimate look, use his influence and add your own twist to it.
For more tips on the modern man’s style, check out our blog.
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