Gareth Southgate: From Fashion Icon to Relaxed Style
Introduction:
Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England football team, has become known not only for his managerial skills but also for his fashion choices. From his signature waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup to his more recent relaxed polo shirts and cardigans, Southgate’s fashion evolution reflects his approach to managing a young squad.
1995 – The Nineties Clobber:
In 1995, as a clean-shaven 25-year-old, Southgate celebrated his first England call-up in full Nineties fashion. Sporting a Calvin Klein jumper tucked into jeans with a belt, he was on trend for the time. With the current England squad being about the same age he was back then, they would surely be curious about his fashion sense.
1996 – Training Ground Casual:
On the training ground in 1996, Southgate’s focus was clearly on his football skills rather than his appearance. He wore a white sweatshirt by Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno, paired with three-quarter-length tracksuit bottoms. While his outfit might not have won any fashion points, it was functional for the training session.
2006 – Roomy Suit:
As Southgate started his managerial career at Middlesbrough, he struggled to find his style off the pitch. At age 35, he wore a roomy suit, stripey tie, and checked blue shirt that didn’t quite match his hair. It was clear that he needed to raise his sartorial game along with his managerial skills.
2014 – Getting Somewhere Style-Wise:
Managing the England Under-21s in his forties, Southgate began to show improvement in his fashion choices. He sported an all-blue outfit with a brown belt, demonstrating a sharper look. However, his duffle coat on his arm leaned towards a more casual “dad on a day out” vibe.
2018 – The Waistcoat Phenomenon:
The 2018 World Cup marked a total fashion transformation for Southgate. Wearing a three-piece suit from Marks & Spencer, he became a fashion icon. The waistcoat in particular gained attention, boosting sales and inspiring online memes. Some even hailed it as the male corset, highlighting Southgate’s ability to frame a man’s body with style.
2021 – Keeping It Simple:
Three years after the waistcoat phenomenon, Southgate continued to look sharp but opted for a simpler style. He abandoned the three-piece suit for a navy suit, pocket square, and a polka-dot tie. Despite being dubbed lucky by some, the tie couldn’t secure victory in the delayed Euros final against Italy.
2022 – The Knitted Polo:
Southgate revealed his love for thin knits in 2022, debuting a knitted polo at the World Cup. The Merino wool blend zip neck polo became an instant hit with fans. It seems that the iconic waistcoats from 2018 may never make an appearance again, as Southgate admitted in an interview that he hasn’t worn one since.
2024 – Laid-Back Cardigans:
In 2024, Southgate posed for GQ magazine in a posh cream cashmere cardigan, showcasing his dapper style. With his new laid-back attitude and fashion choices, he aims to fly under the radar while managing a younger England squad. The cardigan proves that this piece of clothing isn’t just for the older generation and may bring good luck to the team in the upcoming Euros.
Conclusion:
Gareth Southgate’s fashion evolution reflects his approach to managing the England football team. From his Nineties clobber to becoming a fashion icon with his waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup, Southgate has shown versatility and adaptability in his style choices. His transition to a more relaxed and casual look with polo shirts and cardigans aligns with his desire to put players at ease. As he leads the younger England squad, Southgate’s fashion choices continue to evolve, proving that he is not only a skilled football manager but also a fashion icon in his own right.