Donatella Versace Offers Men 10 Rules of Style

I was having a little problem with uploading the Details Magazine scan, so I decided to do it the old fashion way by typing the information.

This is from the June/July issue of Details magazine featuring Tom Brady, which is out on newstands.

Donatella Versace's 10 Rules of Style for Men

1.The three biggest fashion mistakes are cheap suits, shoes, and shirts. Spend your money on something good.

2. Some men look great unshaven; others just look like they forgot to shave. Beards and mustaches can be really distinctive if you go for an earthy, rock-and-roll look like the Kings of Leon or the Killers.

3. I just designed the livery for a Lamborghini and I’m told this machine is a real object of male desire. But true luxury is about the best of everything. Don’t cut back on the little things—great coffee, a good novel, a wonderful aftershave.

4. For luggage, I use big Versace suitcases. I always overpack, but my advice to men is to pack a capsule wardrobe: a few suits, a pair of casual trousers, and then tops and accessories for changes—ties, belts, watches, shoes.

5. In my opinion, men who have great style include Lou Reed (downtown–New York chic), Jude Law (London chic), Alain Delon (French chic), Marcello Mastroianni (Italian chic), Rupert Everett (English-public-school chic), and Kanye West (modern, cool chic).

6. When buying a gift for your wife, do your research. Find out what she wants by subtle interrogation, or ask her friends.

7. As men age, it’s more sensible to go for an elegant and understated look. But they have the advantage that they can do the rugged thing—think of Sam Shepard in denim. I find older men more attractive than boys. I need a man who can teach me a thing or two.

8. I don’t like jeans—I love them. I like slim-cut jeans, and at the moment I like them dark and clean, like tailored trousers.

9. Scent is very important. Strong fragrances suit some men, while citrus types suit others. I like my men to smell fresh and woody, but also like a man.

10. When it comes to dress, there are more rules in America than in Europe. Dress is more of a social indicator—except in L.A., where you don’t know if the guy in the T-shirt and combat trousers in the hotel lobby is the busboy or a studio executive. That’s pretty refreshing.