 ithout question the finest dressed "consulting detective" in existence, Benedict Cumberbatch's iconic turn as the imitable Mr. Sherlock Holmes (BBC's Sherlock) — in his long sweeping trench coat, immaculate dressing robes, Savile Row cut suits and (yes even) traditional deerstalker — proves in kind that it is indeed possible for a gentleman to cut a dashing and utterly confident figure (erstwhile properly elevating his stature in due process) with but minimal effort and a few smart investments being made on his part. That is, of course, given he properly allots his time and mental acuity to paying a Sherlockian-esque level of attention to the finer details and endearing benefits of exquisite tailoring whilst exclusively turning to what is most assuredly a finely curated contingent of time-tested, British heritage menswear wardrobe staples that are renowned for their transitional versatility and permanent (as well as universally flattering) fashionability — to simply employing a wardrobe very much cut from the same cloth as Cumberbatch's industrious Sherlock. |
From his aforementioned (tonally subdued) bespoke suiting and immediately identifiable tweed trench coat through his classic black oxfords and crisp semi-spread and pointed dress shirts, the exquisitely refined wardrobe of the most recent incarnation of Mr. Holmes has all the trademark makings of one properly befitting a contemporary English gentleman.
Purposefully nondescript and quite chameleon-like in essence, Cumberbatch's Sherlock takes (and elevates) these otherwise commonplace style stalwarts to the next level with nothing save that of his characteristically imbued effortless sartorial elan and a rakish disregard for both social convention and the widely held standards of proper dressage.
That being said, Sherlock is nonetheless most certainly a gent of sophisticated taste whose fashion credentials are (arguably) beyond question and whose underlying British style DNA as in tact today (albeit in a different form) as when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first unveiled his iconic sleuth to the world in 1887 in "A Study In Scarlet".
Purposefully nondescript and quite chameleon-like in essence, Cumberbatch's Sherlock takes (and elevates) these otherwise commonplace style stalwarts to the next level with nothing save that of his characteristically imbued effortless sartorial elan and a rakish disregard for both social convention and the widely held standards of proper dressage.
That being said, Sherlock is nonetheless most certainly a gent of sophisticated taste whose fashion credentials are (arguably) beyond question and whose underlying British style DNA as in tact today (albeit in a different form) as when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first unveiled his iconic sleuth to the world in 1887 in "A Study In Scarlet".
Once deemed the "first caped crusader" whilst fashionably attired in his signature Victorian-era Inverness cape, hearty tweed suits, deerstalker cap, and ornate (cashmere/wool/silk) dressing gowns, his style has slowly evolved over time into the tasteful signature form in which stands resplendently before us today courtesy of the incredible talents (and lithe silhouette) of one Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch.
Armed with a discerning eye for luxuriously fashioned, reliably crafted and stylishly understated attire that is distinguishing in its unique execution, properly appropriate in its reflective characteristic tone and manner, comfortable in its general ease-of-wear, and tastefully sensible in its practical utility, Mr. Cumberbatch's beloved Sherlock (and his unquestionably perfect embodiment thereof) has become as sartorially iconic as his literary namesake is culturally renowned (and revered as a British national treasure) for good reason.
Undeniably smart and profoundly modernist in their pared-back styling, one could honestly say that every individual piece in Sherlock's wardrobe serves a purpose whether in direct support of his sleuthing (physical) proclivities and characteristic disposition (ie. leisurely habits) or in subtly enhancing his lithe silhouette in a most practical and becoming manner.
Armed with a discerning eye for luxuriously fashioned, reliably crafted and stylishly understated attire that is distinguishing in its unique execution, properly appropriate in its reflective characteristic tone and manner, comfortable in its general ease-of-wear, and tastefully sensible in its practical utility, Mr. Cumberbatch's beloved Sherlock (and his unquestionably perfect embodiment thereof) has become as sartorially iconic as his literary namesake is culturally renowned (and revered as a British national treasure) for good reason.
Undeniably smart and profoundly modernist in their pared-back styling, one could honestly say that every individual piece in Sherlock's wardrobe serves a purpose whether in direct support of his sleuthing (physical) proclivities and characteristic disposition (ie. leisurely habits) or in subtly enhancing his lithe silhouette in a most practical and becoming manner.
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Upon further inspection transitionally season-less and heavily regimented in its application, one would imagine that any such restrictive form of self-imposed routine would prove to be frustrating (a stylish straight jacket of sorts) for an otherwise unpredictable and eccentric man such as he, but his wardrobing habits seemingly tell a much different story… one of him revelling in (not being artistically stymied by) its reassuring reliability.
Although, and if truth be told, it should really come at no real surprise given it is built upon a fine stable of classic formal staples that are beautifully cut, game for combatting even the harshest of incremental conditions, and properly positioned to tackle any task (formal or informal in nature) whether it be centred in the concrete jungles of metropolitan London or a small village/manor in the bucolic countryside (such as in "The Hounds of Baskerville") with nary a change needing be made — he does have more important matters then style to dedicate his mental capacity to after all.
Although, and if truth be told, it should really come at no real surprise given it is built upon a fine stable of classic formal staples that are beautifully cut, game for combatting even the harshest of incremental conditions, and properly positioned to tackle any task (formal or informal in nature) whether it be centred in the concrete jungles of metropolitan London or a small village/manor in the bucolic countryside (such as in "The Hounds of Baskerville") with nary a change needing be made — he does have more important matters then style to dedicate his mental capacity to after all.
Preferring to keep his personal attire fundamentally utilitarian in its basic foundation, subtle in its classic tonal colour palette, genteel in its character distinguishing styling, and (as previously alluded to) regimented in its reliable performance, Sherlock is (as such) not of the peculiar (flamboyant) ilk who actively pursues breaking the sartorial mold in spite of his prevailing "devil-may-care" cavalier attitude towards institutionalized rules and social convention.
Be that as it may, his style echoes the sentiments of a man whose confidence is unshakeable and who not only pays painstaking attention to even the most minute detail but is acutely aware of the power of clothing to reveal as well as transform.
Understandably as such, he is both a master of disguise and an eminently sharp dresser whose peculiar brand of style errs on the safe (traditionally handsome) side rather then being uncharacteristically mundane, boisterous or peacockish.
Insofar as that, it is at once both a tribute to his storied sartorial past and a tasteful reflection of the present menswear landscape — a gracefully nuanced bridge between the old (sans the Calabash pipe and walking cane) and new guard.
Be that as it may, his style echoes the sentiments of a man whose confidence is unshakeable and who not only pays painstaking attention to even the most minute detail but is acutely aware of the power of clothing to reveal as well as transform.
Understandably as such, he is both a master of disguise and an eminently sharp dresser whose peculiar brand of style errs on the safe (traditionally handsome) side rather then being uncharacteristically mundane, boisterous or peacockish.
Insofar as that, it is at once both a tribute to his storied sartorial past and a tasteful reflection of the present menswear landscape — a gracefully nuanced bridge between the old (sans the Calabash pipe and walking cane) and new guard.
All that having been said, his peculiar sense of style makes for a most fascinating characteristic study (which I'm sure he would take great pleasure in administering himself) at the end of the day in that it offers rare glimpses into the Bohemian soul and (predominately formal) tastes of the man beneath the intellectual veneer.
Capable of holding its own against the habitual eccentricities of an enterprising leading man such as Mr. Holmes, the signature stylings of Cumberbatch's Sherlock are truly worthy of all the commendations volleyed in their direction in that they perfectly accentuate his character in every which way — which is a trait that should take precedence above all others when discussing the very nature of any gent's style as well.
So, while he may indeed be a complete a** to deal with and prone to falling to his many addictive habits, his mercurial adventures as the world's most capable (perhaps only) consulting detective nevertheless make for edge-of-your-seat, intellectually engrossing entertainment while his (elegantly masculine) wardrobe has proven to be both enduring in its appeal and reflectively revealing in its subtle statement making execution.
It is, one could deduce, all quite elementary indeed after all.
With that in mind, here's how to properly channel two of the iconic sleuth's finest (most notable) looks today…
Capable of holding its own against the habitual eccentricities of an enterprising leading man such as Mr. Holmes, the signature stylings of Cumberbatch's Sherlock are truly worthy of all the commendations volleyed in their direction in that they perfectly accentuate his character in every which way — which is a trait that should take precedence above all others when discussing the very nature of any gent's style as well.
So, while he may indeed be a complete a** to deal with and prone to falling to his many addictive habits, his mercurial adventures as the world's most capable (perhaps only) consulting detective nevertheless make for edge-of-your-seat, intellectually engrossing entertainment while his (elegantly masculine) wardrobe has proven to be both enduring in its appeal and reflectively revealing in its subtle statement making execution.
It is, one could deduce, all quite elementary indeed after all.
With that in mind, here's how to properly channel two of the iconic sleuth's finest (most notable) looks today…
 With an enviable form of effortless élan and an exquisite level of sartorial elegance to his account that are respected by gents worldwide and admired by oodles of women all the same, the two following inspirational ensembles are proof as to why it should be a rather simple (elementary you might say) task to deduce the origins of which the prevailing notion that sees Sherlock being regarded as a proper modern British cultural titan and enterprising style icon sprung from…  |
| | : SHOP THE LOOK : BELSTAFF: New Milford Herringbone Trench Coat BURBERRY: Black Wool Suit MARKS & SPENCER: Point Collar Wine Dress Shirt ACNE STUDIOS: Navy Virgin Wool Fringed Scarf TOPMAN: Black Leather Oxfords |
| : SHOP THE LOOK : DEREK ROSE: Navy Piped Wool-Cashmere Dressing Gown TIMEX: Black Dress Watch (Sherlock's is by Rotary; sadly no longer available) TOPMAN: Navy Textured Smart Dress Trousers THOMAS PINK: Pale Blue Cutaway Collar Shirt DEREK ROSE: Black Leather (Mule) Slippers (those pictured are no longer available) | |
| A self-prescribed highly-functioning sociopath with incredibly astute powers of observation and deduction, Holmes peerless sense of unshakeable self-confidence (in both intellect + style) and characteristic entitlement are driven by a staunch belief that neither modern convention nor the rules of society apply to him — or that he need ever cater to any restrictive parameters in thereof. A man of many talents (expert swordsman, proficient chemist, talented actor, master of logical reasoning, etc.), (Cumberbatch's) Sherlock is as such not simply a man of unquestionable intellectual wit, peerless deductive acuity, and unfettered mental fortitude, but rather a modern Renaissance Man whose innate tastes and signature wardrobe have resonated with the masses to such an extent that he has become a veritable (and noteworthy) contemporary style icon in his own right in the process. | : Sherlock Encyclopedia : Image | The Telegraph |
With said sartorial clout in hand as well as 4 novels, 56 short stories, countless dedicated social societies, and over 100 years of cinematic history (70+ actors have portrayed Holmes in over 200 productions), it may be safe to state that the intrepid adventures of the one-and-only Mr. Sherlock Holmes remain just as intellectually engrossing and sartorially inspiring as ever.
So much so in fact that I don't believe it would be a stretch to proclaim that never has his reach been this vast nor has the Sherlockian game in which he has inspired ever truly ceased to exist in one form or another throughout his gilded existence.
Which, as it were, brings me full circle to Cumberbatch's Sherlock who is indeed a man whom — in matters purely sartorial (do check any Sherlockian narcissistic tendencies and affectionately dispassionate traits at the door) — one could do far worse should he (or she) be searching for a muse to draw styling advice and wardrobe inspiration from.
So much so in fact that I don't believe it would be a stretch to proclaim that never has his reach been this vast nor has the Sherlockian game in which he has inspired ever truly ceased to exist in one form or another throughout his gilded existence.
Which, as it were, brings me full circle to Cumberbatch's Sherlock who is indeed a man whom — in matters purely sartorial (do check any Sherlockian narcissistic tendencies and affectionately dispassionate traits at the door) — one could do far worse should he (or she) be searching for a muse to draw styling advice and wardrobe inspiration from.
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