Introducing “Can I Borrow That?”: A Breakdown of Our Favorite Guys’ Style

Welcome to Can I Borrow That?, a column dedicated to unpacking the style of guys whose outfits we want to copy–and asking for their input when we do. First up is Dorien Russell, an influencer partnerships manager at HL Group.

I first began following Dorien Russell when he tagged me in a #stickofbutter-inspired Instagram Story post, and ever since I’ve been enchanted with his sense of personal style, a sartorial approach that can be described as dapper but never stuffy. That’s a very fine line to tread–between looking thoughtful and looking forced–but Dorien treads it like a professional tightrope walker, mixing disparate items to concoct the perfect visual equilibrium.

Below, I’ll dissect the appeal of some of his most bookmarkable outfits and attempt to recreate one of them myself, with feedback from the muse in question.

Unpacking Dorien’s Style

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Off-Guard

A post shared by Dorien Russell (@theportraitofdoriengrey) on Aug 6, 2019 at 3:53pm PDT

It’s not easy to combine “beach barbecue” and “Italian businessman” vibes with artful aplomb, but lo, here is Dorien doing exactly that. Look closely, and you can also witness a master pattern-mixer at work–the reds and the blues and the grays are close enough to harmonize but distinctive enough that it doesn’t feel too matchy-matchy. I’m not sure where he was headed in this ensemble and frankly don’t want to ask because my fantasy conclusion (the supermarket, to buy cotton candy grapes) is satisfying in its own right.

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When you see the refund check come through

A post shared by Dorien Russell (@theportraitofdoriengrey) on Mar 21, 2019 at 3:23pm PDT

A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER that graphic hoodies look really, really good under plaid blazers, huh. It’s clearly (clearly!) an ideal marriage of the epitome of casual with the epitome of tailored, and I cherish a marriage of extreme contrasts like the next commonsensical mortal. Beyond that, I’m thrilled to have this sorely-needed inspiration for how to carry around one of the many canvas totes I’ve accumulated over 27 years of living and make it look cool.

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Yeah, I walked back and forth about 22 times for this photo, but it’s my birthday so who cares???

A post shared by Dorien Russell (@theportraitofdoriengrey) on Apr 5, 2018 at 4:50pm PDT

As has been duly noted, I’m obsessed with the art of layering–emphasis on the art–and therefore feel very qualified to acknowledge when an artiste is among us. Enter Dorien, whose above outfit is prove of his highly evolved skills in this arena. Fitting a button-down shirt under a denim jacket under a tailored overcoat such that the resulting outfit looks streamlined is a challenge in its own right, but doing so in conjunction with perfectly stacked sleeves (so that a little slice of each is visible) is next-level art.

Attempting to Copy It Myself

Okay, now for the part you’ve either been anticipating with glee or reservation: my attempt at recreating one of Dorien’s best ensembles…

“It looks pretty spot on!” Dorien told me–generously. “I love the cardigan over the shoulders touch as that’s my preferred way to wear a cardigan these days,” he continued. “If I re-wore this outfit, that’s exactly how I would update it.”

I must confess that I feel a sheepish sense of satisfaction for successfully making the sweater over my shoulders look intentional. In truth, I don’t own a single solid green knit, so I had to resort to borrowing my fiancé’s pullover–a pullover that regrettably doesn’t open at the front, much to my chagrin before snapping the photo.

“The only thing missing is a bald head and a graphic tee,” Dorien said. “But because I wore that look about a year or so ago, I would do it differently today. I feel like there’s a wave of more tonal/less noisy looks happening at the moment, which is why I would have switched out the shirt for a clean white top or something similar to yours as the cardigan speaks for itself.”

!!!!!!!

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