Ryzenberg On: Steve McQueen’s Iconic Style

The last name McQueen has become synonymous with fashion, especially nowadays that Alexander McQueen has reached mainstream superstardom posthumously.

However, long before the skull scarves and savage beauties running amok in New York, Paris and London, there was an actor that revolutionized the way men dressed; His name: Steve McQueen.

McQueen, better known as ‘The King of Cool,’ made sartorial choices that epitomized all-American chicness. Despite his rebellious persona and vices, (it’s been said he smoked pot and used cocaine on a daily basis during the late 1960s and early 70s) he kept his style effortless, simple and masculine. 

He also had some signature key pieces, like his Rolex Explorer II (later re-named the Steve McQueen) and the Submariner, Persol sunglasses he wore on the Thomas Crown Affair (1968) and the Hutton Original Playboys brown boots he made famous in the movie Bullit (1968). He even became a brand ambassador for Tag Heuer after wearing the Monaco watch on the film Le Mans (1971). The model was re-released in the 1990s. 

No other actor of his time (not even Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood or even Sean Connery) left a mark like McQueen did in fashion. Perhaps it was his ‘antihero’ appeal and his no-nonsense personality that often came across as understated and so many imitated.

Gentlemen (or ladies interested in men’s fashion) this is a look very easy to recreate. Clean V-neck sweaters, tailored suits, khakis, aviators and sports coats are some of the iconic pieces the late actor wore on and off-screen. 

Because of his passion for motorcycles and car racing, he often wore leather jackets, rugged boots, gloves, T-shirts, jeans (lots of them) and racing jackets.

Sad to say they don’t make men like this anymore, (sorry Mr. Clooney) but this renegade will forever be an inspiration for men’s fashion and a legend for many generations to come.

Ryzenberg On, is signing off