THE JOURNAL

There’s an episode of The Simpsons in its imperial phase that begins with a run of misprinted calendars that lead to the introduction of a thirteenth month, “Smarch”. (“Lousy Smarch weather,” Homer Simpson complains.) In a funny way, August has a similarly made-up feel, if not weather, gaining its name from an emperor when the Romans shoehorned two bonus months into the pre-Etruscan solar year.
The dog days of summer, it’s a period of 31 days when entire countries shut down and decamp to the beach, earning it the epithet of “silly season”. Not much happens, and this year certainly not red-carpet events, compounded by the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors’ strike. So, perhaps you’ll excuse us the pang of trepidation that we experienced as we embarked on compiling this, our regular monthly run-through of the outfits to catch our eye. But, as you’ll see below, we were pleasantly surprised when, instead, August offered us a bountiful crop of well put-together clothes.
Could it be that without the pressure of a deadline to reach or a project to promote, we can feel more at ease with ourselves – and our wardrobes? Here’s our summer report.
01.
Mr Lee Tae-Yong

Taeyong of boy band NCT 127 is seen at the LOEWE FW23 collection, Seoul, 2 August 2023. Photograph by Mr Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images
It takes a special talent to stand out in a boyband as sprawling and numerous as NCT. The Korean supergroup consists of no fewer than 20 members split into five sub-divisions, a quasi-corporate structure that seems rather fitting given its full name: Neo Culture Technologies. It could almost be a Nasdaq stock. And sitting at the head of the boardroom table is the CEO of K-pop, Mr Lee Tae-Yong, or simply Taeyong to his fans. His style is as sleek as you’d expect: all designer bags, statement jewellery, minimal tailoring and satin bomber jackets as flawless and silky smooth as his complexion. We stan.
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02.
Mr Dwyane Wayde

Mr Dwyane Wade at Chateau Marmont, Hollywood, 6 August 2023. Photograph by Mr Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for FWRD
Mr Dwyane Wade has officially been inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, and he spent the days leading up to it celebrating. Meanwhile, we’re celebrating this outfit, which is simple and striking in equal measure. Turns out the cleanest white tank top (a fairly slinky, skimpy one – but the man is pulling it off), paired with effortless black trousers and glossy boots, is all you need for to make an envy-inducing fashion statement. Crack yours out before it gets too nippy to do so.
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03.
Mr Austin Butler

Mr Austin Butler in Malibu, 19 August 2023. Photograph by Backgrid
There’s been much discussion around Mr Austin Butler’s continuing embodiment of the king of rock ’n’ roll since his Oscar-nominated performance in Elvis. And while most of it has focused on his vocal cords, we’re much more interested in his 1950s-inspired rockabilly style. It’s clear from the actor’s everyday excursions that he has a soft spot for vintage workwear. From the era-appropriate faded French chore jacket to the distressed light-wash denim and brown leather cowboy boots – his ruff-and-ready summer style has us all shook up. If he takes as much inspiration from his upcoming villainous portrayal in Dune: Part Two, then expect to see him in head-to-toe Rick Owens this time next year.
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04.
Mr Omari Douglas

Mr Omari Douglas attends a wrap party for "A Little Life" in London, 3 August 2023. Photograph by Mr Dave Benett/Getty Images for 1 Hotel Mayfair
Ever missed out on a buzzed-about sneaker drop and wondered which lucky bugger beat you to the punch? Here lies the answer: actor Mr Omari Douglas wearing what might just be the most sought-after drop of the summer, the impossible-to-get-your-hands-on silver Sambas from the latest adidas x Wales Bonner collaboration. As for what he chose to complement his eye-catching and now-collectible metallic shoes with? Nothing more than a sleek black suit and a subtle ombré shirt that picked up on the hue of his chunky D-frame glasses. There’s a dash of colour and sprinkling of pattern, but he mostly lets this year’s most enviable cop do all the talking.
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05.
Mr Jahi Di’Allo Winston

Mr Jahi Di’Allo Winston attends Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event, Los Angeles, 10 August 2023. Photograph by Ms Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Remember the name Mr Jahi Di’Allo Winston (not that it’s hugely forgettable). For film and fashion buffs alike, this kid is one to watch. Variety magazine knows it – here the young actor is pictured at the industry mag’s Power of Young Hollywood party, which honoured 50 rising stars in entertainment whose premature success could easily induce an existential crisis. Our seal of approval, however, is all down to the outfit, which marries the workman texture and retro silhouette of the denim shirt, the checked print of the trouser, the unexpectedly out-there eyewear pick and the laid-back suede clogs in a way that reads as tastefully quirky yet altogether cohesive.
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06.
Mr Robert Pattinson

Mr Robert Pattinson in Manhattan, 2 August 2023. Photograph by Backgrid
This is too perfect. Mr Robert Pattinson – not just Batman, said in a gruff voice, but “The Batman” – riding through New York City – AKA Gotham City – on a bike that could be best described as the Bat Brompton. Of course, what with the ongoing strikes, Pattinson is not promoting The Batman or any sequel that he may or may not be currently filming. But c’mon. Decked out in gym-Goth gear, from the murdered-out backwards baseball cap, Oakley sunglasses and scowl down to the On running shoes, this is exactly what Bruce Wayne would wear on his commute. Would the Dark Knight ride a folding bike? Maybe, an e-bike with a specc’ed-up carbon-fibre frame, fat tyres and a rocket launcher. Well, it would free up some space in the Batcave…
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07.
Mr Mark Ronson

Mr Mark Ronson at the Grand Slam Social, a US Open Kickoff party, New York, 23 Aug 2023. Photograph by Mr Ben Rosser/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Tennis aficionados are some of the most stylish fans in the sporting world. But there’s one attendee of NYC’s Grand Slam Social – British musician Mr Mark Ronson – whose style we’re particularly fond of. The music mogul looked dapper in a pastel double-breasted suit, which inevitably earned him a spot in our late-summer best-dressed list. Not only has he played with proportions, leaning in favour of a wider, almost flared leg that subtly nods to 1970s styles, he’s also opted for a duck-egg blue that makes a particularly good companion to white sneakers and equally light-hued base layers.
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