Words by The Urban Journal
He’s football’s undisputed king of drip, with outfits for every occasion – and if you’re looking to impress post-lockdown, there’s plenty of style lessons to learn from Karim Benzema.
Footballers have long had a reputation for bad style. Despite the eye-watering salaries, good fashion sense, it seems, has never been much of a priority. But in recent times, with players being more culturally-aware, things are changing. In the Premier League, the dancing feet of Pogba and Lingard are always donned with the latest streetwear trainers. In Italy – and in fact, the world – there are few men more widely respected for their style than the great Andrea Pirlo.
Gone are the days where footballers ranked top for every worst dressed list on the planet. Instead, they feature in magazines, with the main topics of discussion their style, latest timepiece or favourite runway outfits. Footballing stars now regularly grace fashion shows, with all eyes keenly fixed on what they’re wearing. Some have won us over with their streetwear, their flair for what’s new. Others have wowed us with tailored pieces good enough to make 007 jealous.
But leading the pack, with outfits chosen to perfection and influence unmatched, is Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s long-standing talisman. If he’s struggled to carve himself out as Los Blancos’ leading man, he’s had no such difficulties when it comes to style.
And if you’re looking to turn heads this summer, there’s no better to learn from than him. These are style lessons to learn from Benzema:
1. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
Lesson number one: just keep it simple. When out to impress, keep it minimal. No bells, no whistles. Instead, opt for the understated, pick the right accessories and wear them with confidence.
From the single gold chain to untied (we think it’s intentional?) shoes, Benzema keeps it neat.
2. Cargo pants are a must-have
Perhaps no pair of trousers are more versatile than the cargo. Suitable for nearly all occasions (don’t show up to the wedding in cargo pants, mind), they don’t just add style, but functionality, too. In recent years, they’ve become widely popular, with celebrity style gods – from A$AP Rocky to Travis Scott – regularly seen donning a pair.
If they’re good enough for them, they’re good enough for you.
3. Printed T-shirts are the way to go
Sometimes, to jazz up an outfit, all you need is a statement t-shirt. Not the kind that’ll get you arrested, mind you. Opt for a simple picture with cultural relevance and you’ll do no wrong. Granted, you’ll still need to choose the rest of the outfit carefully – but with a printed t-shirt, you’re already halfway there.
4. Pay attention to colour coordination
The Devil, as they say, is always in the details. Making sure you pay attention to them, then, is as important as anything else – but whilst you’re at it, don’t overdo it. There’s a fine line between matching your shoelaces to your outfit and changing your phone case to match every colour in your wardrobe.
5. Out with the skinny, in with the baggy
Slowly, but surely, the trend of slim and skinny fits are being phased out. For better or worse? We’ll leave that to you. To stay on cue with the style kings, though, opt for a slightly roomier pair of trousers/joggers/jeans than usual. If done well, the results – as evidenced by Benzema – can be spectacular.
Like Karim Benzema, you’ll need some trainers to impress this summer. Luckily for you, we’ve picked out the best ones to wear.