Icons of Style: William F. Buckley, Jr.
In his closet: Repp ties, Shetland wool sweaters, monogrammed dress shirts, Oxford cloth button downs, shawl collar tuxedos, 3/2 roll suits
Iconic look: Oxford cloth button down shirt, Shetland wool sweater, khakis, plimsoles
Key accessories: Grosgrain watch strap, tortoise shell eyeglasses, car phone
Thing you can't imitate: His intellect
left a comment on 3/17/2013 at 12:25 PM:
A true renaissance man. I admired his style, his wit, his politics, his ease. Nice photoessay Fred!
left a comment on 2/24/2013 at 11:52 AM:
WFB was a rare breed—, intellectual, political scion, Renaissance man, and consummate gentleman. His fashion sense was borne of that era when he and his generation were returning to ivy-covered Yale after WWII. Their pragmatic affinity for military-inspired khaki’s and other classics set the stage for the explosion of preppy style in the 50’s and decades beyond.
left a comment on 2/21/2013 at 6:10 PM:
Buckley did it so well because he didn’t care - he was never a fashion plate, but managed to get old Eastern style down to a T because it came naturally to him, though he wouldn’t have given it a second thought personally. He didn’t ape any prep/Ivy image; he was an actual prep school and Ivy League graduate who wore what he’d grown up with. Authenticity makes his style classic.
left a comment on 2/20/2013 at 11:58 PM:
I’m far from being a fan of Buckley and his old guard but he did represent the Political Right much better than the contemporary models. He had an amazing command of the word and you just don’t see men of his intellectual caliber.
left a comment on 2/20/2013 at 11:23 AM:
Loved WFB’s style, wit and politics. If the fashion world is going to give serial misogynist JFK a pass, then WFB should be allowed his views, as well.
left a comment on 2/15/2013 at 10:29 PM:
As a moderate Christian Liberal, I have a deep respect for him as a political thinker. He was smart enough to distance himself from the second Bush administration and saw the deep flaws in Ayn Rand’s philosophy.
The modern Republican party could learn a lot from this man. God rest his soul.
left a comment on 2/15/2013 at 9:13 AM:
I know a number of bleeding-heart liberals (like me) who found much to admire in WFB. Yes, he was THE conservative icon of his time - brash & cocky, but also intelligent. But oh, that style! My final thought WFB: He is surely spinning in his grave thinking about what his beloved party has turned into.
left a comment on 2/15/2013 at 7:52 AM:
WFB’s style, deportment, and general “mien” is a true classic. I adore the man. I can’t say that I can comment much about his ideas.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 6:11 PM:
@Max
I agree with what you said. I thoroughly enjoyed Buckley’s “Firing Line” show because he was willing to give a “two-sided” discussion that was thought provoking and, at times, interesting. I cannot say that I agree with everything his political point of view stood for…but then again, I can’t say that I agree with everything ANY political personality brings forth, no matter the party they support.
I like the man’s style. He seemed to have a great sense of ease at whatever he did. I think the pictures chosen and posted here represent quintessential prep (ivy) style. He looks effortless in EVERY photo!
The photo of Buckley wearing the linen suit makes me want to get a great linen suit to sport this spring and summer! Thanks for this. I admire his style and agree that he is a style icon in his own right.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 5:40 PM:
WFB was the man. A true titan of the American political scene in the second half of the 20th century. That said, and not to make this too political, I do not think he would really identify with the seemingly intransigent right-ward lurch his beloved GOP has taken. If there was a true virtue to WFB, above and beyond his natural patrician grace and charm, it was a reasoned pragmatism and a willingness to LISTEN to opposing points of view without it degenerating into a rabid screaming match. His “Firing Line” debates were a joy to watch. In short, both sides of the aisle today could take a lot from WFB’s example. Thank you for posting this, Fred.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 4:01 PM:
Had the great fortune to have bumped into him at a bookstore as he was browsing about 28 years ago. Quite the man, with style, thought and showmanship.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 12:02 PM:
Liking WFB doesn’t make you a racist, anymore than celebrating JFK’s style makes you a philanderer.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 11:59 AM:
AEV, regardless of what opinions you did or did not share with WFB, he did exude a lifelong WASP/IVY/Prep nonchalance of which he’s being recognized for.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 11:48 AM:
@emjkmj - yes, I do remember those days and have no problem with them. WFB said what he believed and I - and many others - reacted accordingly. I’m not racist or homophobic, so those types of views are morally and ethically offensive to me and they shape my opinion of him as an individual. Just because the man wore OCBDs and blue blazers doesn’t mean he should be idolized or given free passes.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 11:26 AM:
AEV, Buckley was pre-PC. Remember the days when people could say what they actually believe?
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 11:08 AM:
I have deep respect for WFB as a political/policy thinker and was fortunate enough to meet him - and dine/drink with him - on two occasions when I was living in Boston. That said, his personal beliefs were well established - and, to me anyway, offensive.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 10:42 AM:
A personal hero of mine, for his style and ideals. Please more Buckley, sir.
left a comment on 2/14/2013 at 8:21 AM:
OMG I love this man! One of the biggest backers in the conservative movement. I wish he was still around.
Jim left a comment on 4/17/2013 at 11:53 PM:
I had the pleasure of speaking with him a half dozen times on the phone (I was providing very personalized technical support) and exchanged a few non-work emails with him as well. Always treated me with the utmost respect and made me feel valued. A true gentleman who could disagree with you politically, yet respect you as a person. He is missed.