Celebrity style salute: James Franco

James Franco is the new king of indie film and is catching people’s attention for more than his award winning performances and James Dean-eque looks. His fashion style is just like his choice of movies roles; off beat, high quality and loved by everyone. James dresses with expression and seems to have a romantic yet nonchalant attitude towards fashion, mixing beatnik style with modern prints and slimline suits. All in all, he is my new fave fashion icon and any man looking to get a more hip and happening wardrobe, this is the guy you want to be.

The other cool factor to James Franco is that he is constantly improving himself. Not only is he taking on more challenging and diverse acting roles (playing Allen Ginsberg in upcoming film Howl and Aron Ralston, a rock climber who was forced to cut off his own arm, in 127 Hours) but his hunger for more education has seen him cramming in lectures and essays between films. He has studied at UCLA, Columbia University, has completed his thesis and is pursuing a joint Ph.D in English and Film Studies this year. He is also a talented painter, director, poet and has just released a collection of short stories called Palo Alto. No wonder he was recently photographed having a nap in a lecture. Is there anything this boy can’t do?!

But enough gushing, back to the fashion. Here are my top five lessons to learn from the super talented and well dressed James Franco…

Mix ‘n’ match

Sometimes I think men get the raw end of the deal with fashion… jeans, shirts, T-shirts, shorts, suits, repeat. But what guys need to remember is that although you don’t have as many options as women (if want to wear a skirt, go for it! John Galliano has been encouraging it for years!) you can mix and match your formal wear, work suits, casual clothes and even sportswear to get more outfit options. James does this really well. I love the striped T-shirt with lighter wash jeans and a crisp, formal jacket. Tres cool.

The Freshman look

Ties with regal patterns aren’t just for accountants or teachers. They are back with a vengeance right now and leaving everyone looking a little bit smarter. I really like this polished and old-fashioned look, it harks back to a time when people went to more effort with their clothes on a day to day basis. Next time you are getting ready for a big night out, head to your Dad’s wardrobe and borrow a couple of those ‘daggy’ ties. I dare you.

How now brown trou(sers)

There is something happening with chinos. I have spotted many cool guys wearing rolled up light beige pants with a belt… maybe they are the new jeans for 2011? Chinos have been given a new lease of life for the summer and I think everyone should get in on this look. Chances are you have a pair in your cupboard but if not, here are some classics from Coast (on right) available at incityfashion.com.au!

THE suit

Ummm… Yes. This is a good look. This is a great look. Any guy buying a new suit today should take this picture in and just say “Give me five of these, please”. This is a tighter fit suit that has a 1950s feel to it but still remains very ‘right now’ by the texture of the material. Ask for something ‘more slimlined’ rather than going a smaller size, we don’t want short sleeves or the dreaded ‘business leg’ (where socks are visible when sitting).

Layering 101

Layering is not a difficult concept but I still think it can be done really well and really poorly. James is definitely on the ‘really well’ side. It’s all about colour, shape and length. Always make sure the hoodie is longer in the body than the jacket (as pictured) and doesn’t add too much bulk. Little details make all the difference.

Labels on my radar: Coast, Diesel, Von Zipper, Flinders Lane, Cheap Monday, Mambo, Burton, Ksubi, Chronicles of Never, Life with Bird.