Jack Kerouac Fashion - Dressing Like Jack Kerouac

Icons From The Past: Dressing Like Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac is one of the most well-known male writers of all time, and for good reason. Kerouac’s novels embody the mystique of a nomadic lifestyle, and sparked a romanticism for the road in countless generations of American men. Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Kerouac’s writing is that his lifestyle was very much in line with what he wrote about, with little to no pretension or fabrication injected into the final product. Kerouac exuded cool, and certainly dressed the part. For men who are looking to embrace the philosophy of the open road, it’s important to have an idea as of how to dress. Kerouac’s style was effortlessly cool, and any fashion-forward guy can emulate it with success without having to try too hard. The following are just a few tips to help you dress like Jack Kerouac; perfect for those who are currently caught up in his novels.

Avoid “Beatnik” Stereotypes
One of the most common misrepresentations of Jack Kerouac is that he dressed like many other popular authors and artists that identified with the “beat” generation. While Kerouac certainly found himself in and out of creative circles, the hippie-dippy floral prints and bright colors that are so often associated with this era were the exact opposite of his M.O. In fact, Kerouac is often cited as being completely representative of the working man, embodying “blue collar” attitude in a ragged, yet attractive manner. Beatnik style, on the other hand, is often thought of as being characterized by turtlenecks, berets and dress shoes; a look Kerouac didn’t step near whatsoever. If you’re trying to get Jack Kerouac’s look, leave the notion of beatnik style at the door, as it won’t do you any favors.

Get The Slacks
Kerouac was very often seen wearing either black or khaki slacks; his go-to pants. The writer preferred slacks not only because they were comfortable, but could easily be paired with a variety of different ensemble elements. For example, the right pair of slacks looks fantastic with Oxfords, Polos and flannels, not to mention a great deal of other shirt styles. The important thing to remember when choosing slacks to emulate the look of Jack Kerouac is to avoid those which are tight-fitting. Kerouac preferred slacks that were relaxed in fit, which were flattering while still remaining exceptionally comfortable. The important thing to remember about this look is that you don’t want to draw any more attention to yourself than is necessary; subtlety is key, and is the cardinal rule to follow when trying to get Kerouac’s look.

Embrace the Bomber Jacket
It’s true that Kerouac was most often seen wearing flannel shirts and denim work shirts, both of which served as crucial pieces that made his look what it was. When the temperatures started falling, however, Jack Kerouac preferred to throw on a bomber jacket, which not only helped to keep the cold at bay but added a whole new element to his look. A lot of guys are hesitant about trying to wear bomber jackets, and for good reason; they often don’t look right when worn by the wrong person. That said, the bomber jacket will fit in nicely with just about every other element of Kerouac’s style, and shouldn’t be overlooked. For something slightly different, consider pairing an olive-green bomber jacket with black slacks; an urban look that’s difficult to beat on a fall day.

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