Chuck Bass: Style Breakdown

Chuck Bass Lookbook

Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl - Style Lookbook

Key Component #1: Print

In earlier seasons, Chuck’s style came with a slight preppy edge; he had a penchant for knits, cravats and argyle print in particular. Reflective of his character, he has never been one to shy away from a statement piece. Bold prints and colours have held a special place in Mr Bass’ wardrobe – the shark sweater and iconic J Press scarf were especially notable.

As the character has matured, his style has taken a similar turn. Print and colour still play a part, but gone are the days of tipped trenches and provocative shades. Mr Bass’ style is much more refined, reflecting the change in his character from a boy billionaire to a man with a shrewd sense of business and style (the penchant for womanising is still all too familiar though). This change in character hasn’t, thankfully, changed the core of Chuck’s style.

Key Component #2: Tailoring

Tailoring has forever ruled supreme in the world of Bass. His style is the embodiment of sartorial excellence; from detail to fit, nothing ever goes unconsidered. knots have always been perfectly dimpled and pockets appropriately full – usually with a favoured paisley print (or something purple).

The current (fifth) season of Gossip Girl is a reiteration of this mantra, as it has seen Bass adopt the knit lapel pin as an everyday part of his style. While most men skip over lapels when putting together an outfit, a pin or boutonniereadds that little bit extra in the way of individuality.

Ultimately, Chuck takes the stiffness out of tailoring; he makes it appear dangerous through the use of carefully selected accessories and a carefree, effortless attitude.

Chuck Bass Inspired Clothing

Austin Reed 110th Anniversary Blue Textured Jacket

Reiss Weatherby Db Classic Double Breasted Suit Navy

Asos Skinny Fit Grey Check Suit

Turnbull & Asser Contrast-collar Striped Cotton Shirt

Jaeger Blue With Red Stripe Shirt

Topman Blue Double Cuff Best Shirt

Ben Sherman Camden Pin Dot Sheen Trousers

Reiss Fenchurch Slim Fit Tailored Trousers Light Grey

Topman Peoples Market Blazer

Collezione Pure Cashmere Single Breasted 3 Button Coat

Turnbull & Asser Classic Paisley Woven-silk Tie

Reiss Flounder Paisley Print Cotton Airforce Blue

Lanvin Buttonhole Flower Pin

Austin Reed Red Leather Clip Braces

Turnbull & Asser Paisley-print Silk Pocket Square

Topman Burgundy Geo Pocket Square

Churchs Suede Bampton Monk-strap Shoes

Reiss Whiterock Seam Detail Oxford Shoes Tan

The Bass Look on a Budget

At this point, I usually put together a series of example outfits. However, the lack of diversity in Chuck Bass’ look would make it somewhat limited. The style breakdown and lookbook above should give you the kind of detail needed to take inspiration from.

As an alternative, I’m going to put together a Chuck Bass look on a limited budget. As his style is very expensive (the man is, after all, a billionaire) and his wardrobe is sourced from the likes of Brooks Brothers and Turnbull & Asser, which fall out of the regular price range for many.

To start, you want a good suit with a slim fit and modern cut. By modern cut I mean the jacket shouldn’t go to far past your backside – a bum freezer if you will – and the waist should be tapered to some degree.

At a lower price range, the materials used aren’t going to be premium, but aim for something with a good proportion of natural fibres. This Marks and Spencer suit is 50% wool but at £149 it’s relatively well-priced considering the rates you can find yourself paying for 80%+ polyester equivalents.

If you’re working with a budget, pick a neutral colour for additional versatility. This indigo/navy is perfect and works great if your going to apply the Chuck Bass ethos of print, pattern and colour for the peripherals.

Moving on to the shirt. In my opinion, a stiff collar looks far better with a silk tie than a soft collar. For a good stiff collar, traditional shirt makers are often the best, such as Hawes & Curtis, Charles Tyrwhitt etc. Shopping the sales and flash promotions are a great way to find excellent examples at better prices. This stripe shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt is currently just under &20.

A navy silk spotted tie works great with the pink in the shirt. If you’re not sure on spots, paisley is also a fantastic choice with stripes. Don’t forget to pop in a pocket square in a Bass favoured puff fold.

Finally, brown shoes are a given when working with a navy suit. These 100% leather Derbies are a solid choice. Sock-wise, look to compliment your trousers and have the colour work with the rest of the palette of your wardrobe; these pink-ish socks do just that and are great for this look.

Read more : http://www.fashionbeans.com/2012/mens-tv-style-chuck-bass/

Autograph 2 Button Slim Fit Suit With Wool