Actor, director, producer, philanthropist, Robert Redford wore many hats during his legendary Hollywood career – and looked stylish in every last one. The man who skyrocketed to ubiquitous idol status in films such as 1969’s Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, 1973’s The Way We Were and 1976’s All The President’s Men was also one of the best-dressed men of the 1970s. Obviously, there’s plenty to be said about Redford’s outstanding contribution to cinema, including, in 1981, his foundation of the Sundance Institute – one of the film industry’s most influential supporters of upcoming talent. But also, a lot can be said about some of the great man’s most successful outfits. Scroll down for our thoughts on three classic looks from Redford’s cinematic past.

Almost all men’s clothing can be separated into two categories: things you want and things you need. Underwear, you need. Crew-neck T-shirts and cotton sweats, you need. But a burgundy mohair blazer by TOM FORD or a pair of pale suede boat shoes from LOEWE? Those you want. And that counts, too. The trick is to build a wardrobe of pieces that somehow sits in the middle of the two camps – clothes that cover the bases, but offer that little something extra. Here are 10 elite essentials to take things up a notch.

If you’re chasing PBs, then one of the top considerations when buying new running shoes might be stack height. However, if the only thing you’re sprinting for is the bus, then your sole searching is likely to be on a different scale. Because, while those competing in running events are probably looking for the maximum amount of cushioning they can legally wedge under their feet – 40mm, according to the World Athletics regulations – those dipping a toe into the leisure market are keeping things decidedly down to Earth. Case in point, Common Projects’ latest silhouette, the Driving Lo Profile. Even from a brand known for its minimal aesthetic, this cult hit, inspired by traditional driving shoes, takes stripped back to the next level. Although it should be noted that reasons for wearing them are not thin on the ground.

Almost all of the menswear you love started out as a functional uniform for some occupation outside the fashion industry. Trench coats, blouson jackets, cargo pants and desert boots, for example, can all be traced back to the military. And those Carhartt double-knees you live in would never have been on your radar were they not endorsed by the world’s blue-collar workmen decades ago. The sports industry has had a big hand in shaping modern menswear, too. And few athletic garments have had such staying power as the classic Henley.

Actor, director, producer, philanthropist, Robert Redford wore many hats during his legendary Hollywood career – and looked stylish in every last one. The man who skyrocketed to ubiquitous idol status in films such as 1969’s Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, 1973’s The Way We Were and 1976’s All The President’s Men was also one of the best-dressed men of the 1970s. Obviously, there’s plenty to be said about Redford’s outstanding contribution to cinema, including, in 1981, his foundation of the Sundance Institute – one of the film industry’s most influential supporters of upcoming talent. But also, a lot can be said about some of the great man’s most successful outfits. Scroll down for our thoughts on three classic looks from Redford’s cinematic past.

Almost all men’s clothing can be separated into two categories: things you want and things you need. Underwear, you need. Crew-neck T-shirts and cotton sweats, you need. But a burgundy mohair blazer by TOM FORD or a pair of pale suede boat shoes from LOEWE? Those you want. And that counts, too. The trick is to build a wardrobe of pieces that somehow sits in the middle of the two camps – clothes that cover the bases, but offer that little something extra. Here are 10 elite essentials to take things up a notch.