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FashionBeans Best Dressed Men: 2015

What are men without role models? In a year that saw such style atrocities as committed by Alan Cumming at the Emmys and Bieber at the Met Gala, it’s clear some of us need all the guidance we can get.

Mercifully, not every red carpet event attendee had us shaking our heads; we saw our fair share of style wins in 2015, too. Without further ado, these are the 10 stylish men to tip your cap to.

Jamie Dornan

2015 was quite the come up for Northern Ireland native Dornan, with the silly yet staggeringly financially successful, pseudo-erotic romp Fifty Shades of Grey selling out in cinemas worldwide.

As a former male model (he cut his teeth baring all for American retailer Abercrombie & Fitch in 2002), Dornan knows a thing or two about fashion, moving deftly from off-duty athleisure looks through to tonal smart-casual and full-blown formal ensembles.

He’s also a proponent of short beards and stubble, showing that when it comes to facial hair trends, he’s already well ahead of the game.

Jamie Dornan Lookbook

Get The Look

• Acne Studios Garret Melton Wool Coat
• Hackett Black Satin-trimmed Wool And Mohair-blend Tuxedo
• River Island Navy Blue Casual Contrast Neck Bomber Jacket
• Nikelab Cashmere Pant
• Jack Wills Haughton Rib Beanie Hat
• Converse All Star Black-canvas High-tops

Michael B. Jordan

He’s come a long way from The Pit. First appearing on screens as 16-year-old drug dealer Wallace in The Wire, Michael B. Jordan has since been tapped for roles in Chronicle and the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station. This year, the rising star shot even higher with major roles in Fantastic Four and Creed.

There’s no arguing with the fact that Jordan is a consummate actor. But that’s not really why he’s here. Rather, it’s the 28-year-old’s superb style – a fine blend of statement suiting and slick casual ensembles – that’s won him a well-deserved spot on this year’s list.

If you’re looking for tips on how to pull off pattern, pay attention – Jordan’s got it down pat.

Michael B. Jordan Lookbook

Get The Look

• Extra-slim-fit Suit In New-wool Blend Arton/heos By Hugo
• Carhartt Camo Harris Trenchcoat
• G-star Arc 3d Slim Jeans Wisk Light Aged Destroyed Wash
• Reiss Bless Marl Crew Neck T-shirt Grey Melange
• Billionaire Boys Club Rue Jogger Pant
• Jordan Deluxe

David Gandy

Yes, again. Will there ever be a best-dressed list we don’t include him in? We don’t know. What we do know, though, is that Essex-born world-renowned male model David Gandy is far and away one of the sharpest dressers we’ve ever seen.

No man has ever done more for the three-piece suit, making it – with the help of sharp fit and an ideal trouser break – look exceptionally modern. Gandy’s also got something of the old school about him, mastering understated elegance in something as unfussy as a belted shawl neck cardigan, shirt, tie and trouser combination. TOWIE boys, take note.

David Gandy Lookbook

Get The Look

• Charcoal Modern Slim Fit Suit Including Waistcoat
• Asos Skinny Blazer In Cotton
• J. Crew Donegal Wool Belted Shawl Cardigan Sweater
• Gucci Suede Bomber Jacket
• Blue Harbour Pure Wool Herringbone Thinsulate Flat Cap With Stormwear
• Etro Two-tone Burnished-leather And Canvas Monk-strap Shoes

Tinie Tempah

Another year, another stellar performance from South London’s finest. It’s time to get a glass out for London Collections: Men ambassador Tinie Tempah, the chart-topping musician consistently killing it both on and off red carpets.

When not adding to his long line of UK number one singles this year (June’s ‘Not Letting Go’ was his sixth), Tinie’s kept himself busy giving us masterclasses in everything from low-key monochrome and sports luxe getups to stand-out evening ensembles.

But most of all, we’re yet to meet another man who can make a claret corduroy suit look that good.

Tinie Tempah Lookbook

Get The Look

• He By Mango Velvet Shawl Blazer
• Reiss Observatory Merino Rollneck Jumper Soft Grey
• Burberry London Off-white Double-breasted Linen Blazer
• Coach Leather And Shearling-trimmed Cotton-blend Bomber Jacket
• L.g.r Reunion Round-frame Acetate Sunglasses
• Etq Low 1 Dove Grey Leather Trainers

James Bay

Frankly, singer-songwriter Bay very nearly missed out on making this year’s list. Why? Because it’s a very special brand of useless you feel on realising a 25-year-old has had a debut album, a Brit award and three Grammy Award nominations in the same year you’ve spent celebrating not getting fired and managing to get only marginally fatter. Oh, and he dresses better than you too.

In a world of suits and Kanye imitators, Bay brings back a little of the 2000s indie edge we Brits are famous for. Clad mostly in a uniform of leather biker jacket, slim denim, fedora and chukka or Chelsea boots, this maverick masterfully navigates dress codes by adapting the cornerstones of his signature look.

James Bay Lookbook

Get The Look

• Allsaints Powel Leather Biker Jacket
• Burberry Cropped Shearling Jacket
• Allsaints Waycross Shirt
• Larose Noir Zip-detailed Rabbit-felt Fedora
• Topman Premium Washed Black Stretch Skinny Jeans
• Burton Grey Zip Suede Boots

Kanye West

Yeezy Season 1, throwing shade at Beck, the birth of Saint West and news of forthcoming album SWISH – it’s all in a year’s work for the one and only ‘Ye.

Although he was notably absent from last year’s list (how many times do we need to say we’re sorry?!), Mr. West is back rubbing shoulders with the best of them for 2015.

Up-down layering (sweats, jeans, boots) is what Kanye’s always done best, and these past 12 months have given us a bevy of examples to consolidate that fact. But Kanye’s also pushed the boat out this year, experimenting with statement fabrics and show-stopping silhouettes that demand almost as much attention as he does. Almost.

Kanye West Lookbook

Get The Look

• Alpha Industries Ma-1 Bomber Jacket Slim Fit
• Asos Drop Crotch Jeans In Black With Knee Rips
• Zara Dark Grey Coat
• Yeezy Season 1 Crew Sweat
• Yeezy Season 1 Camo Tee
• Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Sullivan Distressed Suede Boots

Miguel

It’s been a breakout year for the man re-branding R&B. Miguel released his debut album, All I Want Is You, in 2010, but it was the release of this year’s Wildheart that saw his profile soar.

The Californian-born artist cites Prince, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury as key musical influences, so it’s no surprise his eclectic style pays homage to the same icons. Rich texture clashes (cotton marl and suede with leather, for example) run alongside pops of colour for a combination that’s as tough to label as this Grammy Award-winning artist’s sound.

Miguel Lookbook

Get The Look

• Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
• Rogues Of London Tuxedo Suit Jacket In Slim Fit
• Topman White Side Split Long Line T-shirt
• Johnstons Of Elgin Light Grey Woven Cashmere Scarf
• Saint Laurent Slim-fit Leather Trousers
• Maison Margiela Cuban-heel Grained-leather Boots

Kit Harington

Is he or isn’t he? Along with water on Mars and the true colour of #TheDress, one of 2015’s biggest talking points was ***SPOILER ALERT*** whether or not everyone’s favourite Game of Thrones bastard (Jon Snow) had really bitten the dust.

Much simpler than the bewildering tangle of conspiracy theories surrounding Snow’s death is the personal style of the man who played him. There are two main reasons we rate Kit Harington: his hair and beard situation, and his jacket-and-jeans wardrobe. Yes, Harington scrubs up well in a tux, but it’s his unmatched ability to pair a blouson, trucker or cropped pea coat with a pair of jeans that really sees him clean up.

Kit Harington Lookbook

Get The Look

• Next Navy Wool-rich Peacoat
• Private White V.c. Cotton-ventile Harrington Jacket
• Reiss Saber Textured Knit Jumper Bordeaux
• Topman Levis 511 Grey Slim Fit Jeans
• Uniqlo Men Waffle Henley Neck Long Sleeve T-shirt
• John Varvatos Keith Suede Boots

Justin Theroux

It’s fitting that Theroux, who got his start in David Lynch’s surrealist films Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire, should know the power of dressing all-black. Whether it’s a sharply cut two-piece suit and tie or a simple tee and jeans combo, The Leftovers star knows how to nail head-to-toe neutral.

Managing to toe the line between refined and roughed up rock ‘n’ roll, it’s little wonder Theroux wooed, and tied the knot with, girl-next-door Jennifer Aniston in August this year. See him in Zoolander 2 in 2016. Hopefully without the dreads and goatee.

Justin Theroux Lookbook

Get The Look

• Reiss Spitfire Leather Biker Jacket
• Yeezy Season 1 Nylon Bomber
• Goorin Bros. Fratelli Brow Fedora Hat
• Ami Striped Cotton T-shirt
• Ray-ban Aviator Metal Sunglasses
• Belstaff Trialmaster Leather Boots

Eddie Redmayne

It’s not every year you win an Oscar. We had thought – given that this is Redmayne’s third year running making the FashionBeans best-dressed list – it high time we gave someone else a shot, but the British actor didn’t just wow with his The Theory of Everything performance in 2015, he raised the style stakes this year, too.

True to his roots, Redmayne does tailoring and downtime prep like no one else. Whether it’s a red and navy check suit (two of which, at least, he wore in the past year) or a low-key lightweight jumper and chino pairing, the Etonian always knows exactly how to play it for the occasion.

Eddie Redmayne Lookbook

Get The Look

• Gucci Burgundy Slim-fit Checked Wool Suit
• Remi Relief Washed-denim Jacket
• Burberry Brit Hennings Cashmere Sweater
• Reiss Medway Classic Twill Chinos Stone
• Asos Baseball Cap In Grey Nylon With Bungee Cord Fastener
• Magnanni Tassel Loafers

Final Word

Honourable mentions go to Idris Elba, Jon Hamm, Daniel Craig, Colin Farrell and David Beckham – all of whom narrowly missed out.

So, do you approve of this shortlist? Or have we short-sightedly missed someone who’s really knocked it out of the park this year?

Let us know below.

Cillian O'Connor

Cillian O’Connor is a freelance writer, editor and consultant, best known for his ability to sort the wheat from the chaff in the world’s of men’s style, grooming, lifestyle and design. Once named the No. 1 Blogger by Vogue, Cillian also contributes to The Sunday Times, The Business of Fashion and Metro.