Lessons in Dressing Well From Donald Glover

Lessons in Dressing Well
From Donald Glover

Lessons in Dressing Well
From Donald Glover

Eddie Redmayne in My Week with Marilyn

You'd hate Donald Glover if he wasn't so damn likable, right? He's one of those guys that seems to be good at everything. He's an award-winning actor and writer, a comedian and a musician. On top of all that, the guy's got killer personal style. By focusing on fit and switching things up with a few well-chosen standout pieces, Glover can wear simple, uncomplicated outfits and still look better than 90 percent of the male population. This weekend, he's hosting Saturday Night Live as well as performing as the show's musical guest under his stage name, Childish Gambino. But first, let's take a few moments to appreciate his personal style and glean some wisdom from this modern renaissance man.

Stick to One Statement Piece

If you want to make an impact with your look, you don't have to go over-the-top flashy with a bunch of layers or accessories. Glover proves that the way to look cool and still add a powerful pop to your outfit is to stick with simple pieces and colors and then make one item stand out. All it takes is one bold pattern or impactful color to add a shot of knowing style to your look. This is especially helpful during the summer—a tricky season to look stylish. A bold patterned shirt isn't too big of a risk when paired with simple cotton shorts and classic sneakers.

Dressing Up Doesn't Have to Be Stuffy

Especially during the warmer months, you don't want to look too buttoned-up or formal, even at a more proper occasion. Glover toes this line like a master, opting for easygoing fabrics when it comes to the suit and pairing them with a breezy shirt (collar unbuttoned, of course). It's almost a minimalist approach. There's no fussy tie or pocket square. The little details are really the mark of a confident dresser—the dark tropical shirt, for example. Or the loafers perfectly punctuating the tan chino suit.

Off-Duty Style Is All About Quality

Here's a tip for getting dressed on a day off—be it a lazy Sunday afternoon or a maybe a trip to the airport. You want to be comfortable yet still look good. And to accomplish that you should choose easy basics but make sure they're of the utmost quality. Tailored shorts that are anything but sloppy. A relaxed T-shirt accented with a delicate necklace. Some handsome glasses. Low-key (but slightly hyped) sneakers. It's all a subtle but purposeful style flex that doesn't take much work at all.

Donald Glover high school yearbook photo
Donald Glover high school yearbook photo

FYI

Glover was voted "Most Likely to Write for The Simpsons" in his high school yearbook. In fact, it was a spec Simpsons script that landed him a job writing for 30 Rock.