Get That Look : Celeb Style for Shorter Men- Bob Dylan

Contrary to popular belief, all male celebs are not tall. There are quite a few shorter male celebs. Why don’t we notice how short they are? Style and confidence- these men have it and they dress to make the most of their best features, and visually add inches to their frames. How to accomplish this short men celebrity style? At a price you can afford? Here’s my suggestion…

This week’s candidate: Bob Dylan

Height: 5' 7″ (per celebheights.com)

Why: His vintage rocker looks are timeless and look as good today as they ever did! Fitted clothing in solid black tones worn during the 60’s and 70’s still look great on men today.

For example, here is Bob Dylan performing on stage in July 1978 and here in January 1965 while recording his album “Bring It All Back Home.”

The key to these looks? The dark, monochromatic silhouette makes the most of his slim, shorter frame by creating one long line, visually adding inches. More importantly, notice his the length of his sleeves, the slim fit of the trousers, and the close fit of the jackets- This man’s clothes FIT. Oversized items or too-long sleeves, jacket and pant lengths just make a person look shorter than their actual height. Dylan’s sharp clothing balances out his seemingly untamable hair to create a memorable rock star style. Note that the sunglasses he wore everywhere make him look relaxed in any situation.

Get the Look: In your Size and on your Budget...

Look for clothing, particularly dress shirts and trousers, labeled “trim fit” or “tailored fit.”

1) The Pants: ForTheFit.com offers black trousers for a Bob Dylan style in short rise, slim, flat front styles in various price points (Ben Sherman,$84 ; Ballin, $145). For more casual events, consider Skinny Jeans, like the Decker from Silver Jeans (available exclusively at ForTheFit.com in inseams from 27", $89)

2) The Shirt: Keep an eye on the fit through the torso. One option is to buy off the rack and have the shirt taken in at the waist, and sleeves shortened by a tailor as needed. Another option is to buy a slim-fitting or proportioned dress shirt. For Dylan’s look, try a trim black shirt in black or charcoal (Ben Sherman dress shirt in Black or Charcoal, $69). With a black suit. leather jacket and vest, wear a white shirt (Classix shirts are just $30, and BONUS: sleeves start from 30" and fit is proportioned for 5'9"& Under- no need to see the tailor). Dylan keeps his clothing neutral (wearing black all over is more Johnny Cash than Bob Dylan).
3) A Structured Jacket: In all three photos Dylan wears a jacket that fits him to a tee but each as has a different style: leather, tweed, and suit. A slim, fitted suit from Ben Sherman or Calvin Klein will give you the clean look you need at the office or a special night out (from $388).
4) Sunglasses: Instant cool. The RayBan Wayfarers ($139) Dylan wore indoors still look great today.

PART 2- Smart Shopping: Making the most of your wardrobe on a Recession Budget

The global economic crisis is causing many of us to think more carefully about our buying decisions: what, when, and how many of something we really need. At the same time, unless we continue to spend as individuals, the economy will continue to falter. For the next few weeks, we'll do our part by offering tips on making the most of your clothing budget in these tough economic times.

This Week's Tip: Step into your closet and ask yourself whether you have something appropriate for every aspect of your life – work, sports, dates, family events, happy hour, etc. If not, start shopping today. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing last minute shopping for that big event. Last minute shopping is nearly always more expensive and less likely to offer a repeat performance. Instead, shop for what you need over time and what might last over time...

1. INVEST...in pieces you’ll wear once a week or more.
2. BETTER OVER TIME... Add pieces to your wardrobe that improve with age and wear.
   

• The Leather Jacket: A classically styled, leather jacket, when well cared-for, will improve over time- becoming softer, more supple and generally wonderful to wear. Tip: Leather does not tailor well, so buy a jacket that fits off the rack (for shorter men, try the Park Avenue Classic Lambskin Jacket, or our Suede Jacket (pictured below) for classic, unembellished jackets available in sizes from men's extra-small
• The Jean: Quality jeans will soften and improve with each wash, not disintegrate (for a shorter inseam , from 27"- try the Silver Jeans "Grayson" Relaxed-Fit, Bootcut, Dark Vintage at ForTheFit.com)