MANILA, Philippines - Up against the athleisure and rave party trends, you might wonder if there’s still space in the fashion scene for classic and preppy.
Well we’re here to show you why the answer is a resounding YES! Conyo style is alive and kicking. Whatever the season may be, it’s a look you want in on, and with how good these guys look, there’s no question why.
While these high society dudes can raise some eyebrows whenever they exclaim how "hassle, solid" the traffic is and how "scoobs, pre" the party was, one thing is undeniably clear—their fashion falls nothing short of effortlessly stylish.
Now before we get lost in their vocabulary, read on for a crash course from the metro’s hottest conyo guys on their signature style:
1. Wear boat shoes.
As an integral part of the preppy uniform, boat shoes are now worn far beyond the yacht clubs where they first proliferated. Rock these with a pair of slim-fit jeans or straight-cut pants. They’ll instantly make a rather casual ensemble look more polished.
Take cues from Luis Hontiveros as he pairs his long-sleeve top and jeans look with an all-black Sperry A/O 2-Eye Stampede boat shoes.
2. Go for modest colors.
Sport clothing pieces in grays and blacks. The typical conyo would wear plain clothes in these understated hues. A black top paired with black pants is a good start. You can also try an all-gray outfit but in different shades.
Seal the deal in minimalist outfits like these by looking for a versatile pair that features two neutral colors like this heather and black Saucony Kineta Relay sneakers that Patrick Frankson wore with his black and gray outfits.
3. Keep it crisp and clean.
You can snag this look easily with a white button down or a plain white shirt—two of the most common must-haves in every conyo guy’s arsenal.
Finish off the plain look with a dash of color in your shoes just like how Anjo Lazaro paired his white button down + jeans and white shirt + brown shorts (by Mark Tamayo) with a pair of Sperry A/O 2-Eye Wedge Seude boat shoes in Navy/Brown/Red.
4. Cuff it up.
Nail the laidback yet put-together short-sleeved shirt and shorts ensemble by cuffing the hemlines. Folding your jeans’ once or twice makes for a very relaxed style statement, too.
Cuffed jeans or shorts call for fail-proof trainers.
Emil Khodaverdi opted to complete his plain maroon shirt +folded shorts and color block top (by Mark Tamayo) + cuffed pants with the timeless sneaker silhouette of Skechers OG 85 Early Grab in Gray/Blue.
5. Try skimming bottoms.
Wear snug ankle-grazing pants with a simple shirt or pair slim-fit shorts with a muscle tee. Balance out these millenial-inspired outfits with shoes that have heritage to make a statement.
Tony Labrusca went for retro sneakers in the Saucony Originals GRID SD in Black/Gray.
6. Keep accessories minimal.
Focus on quality over quantity where an accent piece can make the outfit. A snapback makes for a casual vibe, while a nice metal watch adds polish.
The right accessories will add character to a simple shirt and ripped jeans combo or shirt + cut-offs look.
Mike Frey sealed these off-duty looks with an equally easygoing pair like the Skechers Relaxed Fit: Status – Melec in Brown.
7. Master the tuck.
Yes, the conyo can rock tucked-in tops for an everyday ensemble without looking like an octogenarian. How do they pull it off? They select tops with a good fit. So if you’re thinking of tucking in a baggy button down, think again.
Mr. #AxeBlackDavid himself—David Guison tucks his slim-fit short-sleeved button in his navy blue cuffed trousers which he pairs with Saucony Originals Shadow 5000.
8. Go for timeless pieces.
Striped long-sleeve tees, plain sweaters, dark jeans, and all-white sneakers are classics and will make you look polished without even trying.
These outfits are best paired with classic and versatile white shoes.
Luis Sunico slipped into his leather all-white Pony Topstar '77.
- Alixandra Caole Vila