Sprezzatura Explained - DOs & DON’Ts - The Art Of Looking Effortless + How To Pull It Off
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Learn even more about Sprezzatura here: gentl.mn/2F3FF9E
Get to know the sprezzatura icon, Gianni Agnelli: gentl.mn/2HLMuez
SHOP THE VIDEO:
1. Wool Challis Tie in Turquoise with Gray, Orange, Navy and Yellow Pattern - gentl.mn/2ES5Dgd
2. Light Blue Veronica Persica Boutonniere - gentl.mn/2GtT1ca
3. Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Grey and Light Blue - gentl.mn/2EDSNyV
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Sprezzatura
It is an Italian term and meets as much as casual elegance that looks effortless and nonchalant. Even though it's not a term that was super popular 10 or 15 years ago, it actually has quite a bit of history. In fact, it was first used in Castiglione's book of the Courtier which is a classic of Italian Renaissance literature. The goal of sprezzatura was to teach noblemen on how to cultivate an elegant lifestyle while appearing natural and unrehearsed about it.
As with many things, sprezzatura has evolved over time. In the last half a century, it has mostly become an idea of imperfection. One person that's very closely connected to sprezzatura is the Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli. He obviously broke traditional style rules, for example, he wore his wristwatch on top of the shirt cuff rather than underneath.
If you go to Pitti Uomo today, you'll see the majority of men will either have a tie that is tucked in or one blade especially the back blade is longer than the front. Agnelli really finds sprezzatura in a way that he cultivated what would otherwise look as a bold style error.
The Dangers of Sprezzatura
04:55 1. It has its time and place
First of all, recognize that sprezzatura is meant for specific situations: you can’t wear loafers without socks when attending the Queen’s Garden Party in Buckingham Palace. The same applies when you’re in court or climbing the corporate ladder.
05:16 2. Keep it low key
It’s also possible to go too far and end up looking ridiculous and contrived, so restraint is still the name of the game. Today, sprezzatura tends to look more like the flamboyant style of Agnelli’s grandson Lapo Elkann than Agnelli himself.
06:00 3. Try to be original
Lastly, sprezzatura is accomplished best when one’s nonchalance is unique, graceful and original. Following the examples you see in photos of Pitti Uomo can, therefore, become its own kind of conformity, and people will know it.
Ways to Do Sprezzatura
06:41 1. Leave Buttons and Buckles Undone
09:06 2. Play Around with Your Necktie
09:54 3. Wear Your Belt Long
That being said, it’s fair to acknowledge that it is not easy to come up with a truly original take on sprezzatura these days; our best advice is to find something that appeals to you and wear it with confidence.
#sprezzatura #notsponsored #sprezzaturafashion
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I leave my fly open for some extra sprezzatura.
F. -now, that’s original.
hahahahaha i love that... that was good my friend
Really ? I just wear only boxers for the complete sprezzatura look
😆😆😆😆😆👌
Dont forget to stick your shirt out of your fly
As Picasso said: “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Top shelf quote.
J'aime bien cette cotation.
Reminds me of Ye
Nice!
That’s it!
Go to a bar in a suit. get hammered to the point where you pass out. When you wake up in the car park the next morning there you have, Sprezzatura!
Been there many years ago... lawyer, late 20's, drunk to die, (I remembe ar wildfire was close by and it looked like snowing in August) got back to the close by office at 4 or 5am and passed away. It's 9am and my secretary wakes me up announcing a client. Had the meeting without the dirty shirt, only the linen jacket on. Years after I confessed to that client... he didn't notice it.
Disinf3ctant Hahaha! In that case, I was doing it before knowing what it was 😉
Lol, bravo!
lmao good one.
hahaha YES!!
I think sprezzatura will naturally come out after mastering your own style blueprint. That’s actually what happened to me, without even knowing the concept. When you are confident, it comes. Thank you for a very good video.
I was thinking the same
This is a good observation. I was thinking “well! And I do all this by accident!” And I suspect your reasoning is the deeper root of this.
My grandfather was a very sharp dresser but as he got older, and started to lose his faculties, he often displayed several of these style elements such as the narrow end of the tie sticking down below the wider front end or tucked into his trousers. We never knew he was actually a style leader.
I remember going to a wedding in Florence, dressed up in suit with floral silk tie, feregamo loafers and silk hanky. Beautiful cufflinks and belt.
There were Italians there in slacks and a cashmere sweaters, with loafers and no socks who oozed style and were effortlessly smart.
The best fiorenzie I saw were just casually going about their day.
I like wearing Chucks with formal wear.
@@bngr_bngr hey, I’ll wear a Snuggie with nice things.
Good thing we are on the same page.
Keep those chucks tidy alright?
@@jenniferschmitzer299 Shout! keeps them clean.
It's like the older guys do it better while the younger guys look like they are trying too hard and end up looking like 1970's NY pimps.
Couldn't have said it better!
🤣
Brilliant!!!
Try 1960's rule breaking instead.
I do not look at someome with hundreds of accessories and five layers of flamboyant clothing as being effortless. Quite the opposite in fact. In my opinion sprezzatura is in the little details of the clothing as you mentioned as well as a cool confident personality. Great video as always Sven!
1:13
The older Italian gentlemen pull it off the best.
It's because they look as if they genuinely don't care, and perhaps they don't. The younger men are too obviously trying to _look_ as if they don't care when they almost certainly do.
ChrisC They care, don‘t worry about that ;-)
GAMBLER-Agreed. My barber, for instance, invariably wears a belt AND suspenders (braces) with brown polyester elastic waistband slacks, pulled almost a full foot above the midriff. Black dress socks under beat up hand-me-down NIKE running shoes that are always two sizes too big (inherited from his grandkids, no doubt) complete the ensemble. He favours short sleeve shirts (in summer and winter) which he wears under the same home-knitted green sweater vest. In inclement weather he sometimes wears galoshes over the trainers, and on very hot days, plastic garden sandals with the socks.
He cultivates a ‘Mandarin nail’ on the pinky of his left hand (his version of a utility pocket knife) and keeps a toothpick on hand (or in his mouth) at all times unless he is eating, drinking, or sleeping (sometimes even then). He is fastidiously clean in his personal hygiene, and is always spectacularly well-shaven (cut-throat open razor) though he inexplicably uses talcum powder in lieu of antiperspirant/deodorant, and his eyebrows, ear, and nose hairs could do with a bit of trimming (at least in keeping with his vocation). He is by any standard very well-off, but would not think of ever deviating in the slightest from his strictly confirmed dress code. I have known him for over twenty years and, apart from his legendary tight-fistedness, he’s great guy- loyal, dependable, with gallant old-world manners. We have had occasion to socialize beyond my weekly visits to his tonsorial establishment. In formal gatherings he sports a navy blue synthetic/wool blend blazer over the same quotidian get-up, accessorized by his vintage late-1950’s Sears necktie (he wore it on his wedding day) and further accentuated by his one extant pair of dress shoes (black slip-ons with double tassels, circa 1981) which, having discarded his usual black knee-highs, he wears with white gym socks to fit the occasion. And there you have it: authentic Italian ‘sprezzatura’ at its finest.
Indeed, I don't think I've ever seen a man without some gray on his head pull it off without looking like he was playing dress-up.
Agreed. They had a lifetime of practice, maybe it's bound to be this way.
So, in other words, sprezzatura is investing the maximum amount of effort possible in order to appear as though you're investing the minimum amount of effort possible. I see...
Reminds me of the female equivalent: "Natural look make-up" ;)
+Weird Science I have been living in Italy for 20 years and i tell you, NO ONE uses slides with socks, that is the german, here you'll get a lot of crap if you go around with that combo, people really hate it.
Why the sarcasm?, either u want to look the coolest guy in the street or u don't.
Cristi Neagu LoL! not quite, well not even close.
Esatamente.
If sprezz is too self conscious, too theatrical, too studied, or too imitative, to unoriginal it's not genuine sprezz. In my opinion it's about putting colors patterns and accessories together that are unique to you, and that you personally love. You should be able to walk out of the house without feeling like a show-off in a costume. (Look at me! Look at me!) Merely this is who I am. Do it and forget about it.
Yes!
I think sprezzatura is only truely obtainable by some people, and most of those people are the kind of people who would never _try_ to do sprezzatura.
Your style is much more effortless and cool. You project a personality that is about content and with pleasant presentation. To be cool means not trying to be it. You accomplish that masterfully. (Quite different from these trying-to-impress guys.)
Thanks
Pheasants 🤣🤣
Pheasants?
On my personal experience, only older gentleman can pull it off true and authentic Sprezzatura, that is, after years of dressing and eventually finding your own style.
It takes time for sure. I always think of certain basketball players who think they are fashionable, but more often then not it’s peacocking, or hipster, but not classic.
noup, sprezzatura is just a design aspect, you can design your sprezzatura if you know general rules of designs, which apply to suits as well, easy stuff
This is in my top 10 favorite videos of yours, and your outfit is beyond phenomenal.
I zip my pants halfway, with some fabric of my brief sticking out :3
Ping That sounds dodgy. In some countries you would be arrested for indecent exposure.
I think that's sarcasm bud
Very funny, dude.
@@phillipmotaung1420 ...if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute...
Ping That was hilarious!👍
The amount of knowledge is always amazing Sven, good job!
When I think of sprezzatura, I think of virtuoso musicians who appear to play the most complex music effortlessly. Or martial artists who can seemingly take down opponents with one calculating strike. If you wear a suit everyday you will grow into it and develop a nonchalance, think old photos of men in suits from the 50s/60s, especially James Dean's effortless fashion. I personally think nowadays it looks quite ridiculous to go Pitti Uomo style, or even wearing a lot of classic menswear generally. Its the style equivalent of extreme bodybuilders or tattoo addiction (ie competing past the point of looking appealing, sexy or charismatic).
Perfectly said
Fantastic episode, love all the examples.
Good job Sven. Can't imagine CZcams without you.
The more I learn to dress well the more I appreciate this channel. Kind of intimidating at first but, but now I'm learning a lot from your videos.
Amusingly, the not-putting-on-your-coat thing is almost literally mentioned as a negative example of sprezzatura in The Book of the Courtier (keep in mind, this is a book from 1528):
"For it is clearly seen that he is striving with all his might to seem to be taking no thought, and this is taking too much thought; and since it passes the true limits of moderation, his nonchalance is affected and unbecoming; and it is a thing that works precisely the reverse of the effect intended, that is the concealment of art.
Thus in nonchalance (which is praiseworthy in itself), I do not think that it is less a vice of affectation to let the clothes fall from one's back, than in care of dress (which also is praiseworthy in itself) to hold the head stiff for fear of disarranging one's locks, or to carry a mirrour in the peak of one's cap and a comb in one's sleeve, and to have a valet follow one about the streets with sponge and brush."
By the way Raphael, I love your videos about advanced topics like this and also ones in which you expound on clothing fabrics like cotton, tweed or cashmere. Do you intend to make follow-ups for other fabrics like linen, silk, cavalry twill etc?
Outstanding presentation loaded with many examples, but more important is to utilize balance and not going over the TOP! I am in agreement with you, sir.
This is the video I’ve been waiting for. Thank you Sven!
i always said there are no rules to style. just be somewhat neat, harmonize. i been sprezzatura this whole time... This video made me feel more at ease and love my style & myself ten fold.
I totally agree, except for the pocket square. I just grab one and stuff it in, and I don't really adjust it. It just pops out (like what you see at Pitti) naturally. To me, that's the definition of sprezzatura: effortless and quick. Great video Sven!
Definitely one of my favorite outfits you've worn thus far, on top of that, informative on effortlessness
Always precise, informative and very enjoyable!
Really superb video. Your understanding seems perfect and virtually everything you say in the video rings true. I do think the older guys in the video look much better and more natural than the younger guys. I'm not going to try and do any of this as as soon as you try it looks false but I am in favour of having the confidence to break rules where appropriate and hopefully a natural style will evolve for me from within. Sven it is great you are who you are and do what is right for you
These are times of severe casualness. Jeans and a golf shirt qualify as dressing up to some folks. Simply dressing in a classic style, even the most simple and casual ones could almost be considered Sprezzatura. It is so rare and unique in a lot of places to see someone with a tie on that wasn't in an office. For example, I am an appliance repairman. I own my own business. My work uniform falls into a classic, throwback style, in that, I where a long sleeve work shirt, rolled up above the elbow, with a tie and vest, work chinos and mid height, smooth leather, brown, zip up work boots. And a flat cap. It's a very retro look, and I get comments and compliments on it all the time. It is an easy style to wear, looks way more professional than a polo shirt and ballcap, and it makes me stand out among the other service technicians out there. My little twist on it, if you can call it that, is that often I have a vest chain, with a piece of obsidian for the charm, that I wear while still wearing a wristwatch. A man at my local pipe tobacco shop (yes I smoke a pipe, as if the look needed that touch), pointed out that I had checked my wrist for the time, but I had a "watch chain" on my vest. I simply replied by pulling the chain from the pocket to reveal a small folding knife, such as would be worn on the opposite side from the watch on a double albert chain. It helps me open boxes and cut other things while I'm working. Fashion and function in accord, if you will. My point is that "Sprezzatura" could almost be a case of actually following style rules and dressing in a classic fashion, because it is so rare these days to see it. A functional transposition of the stylish man, in a way.
bro who is reading all of that
Not an anti intellectual for sure, bro.🤣😂🤣
Possibly my favourite style video on CZcams by anyone ever!
I prefer a more classic look so I didn't really know much about sprezzatura before this video. Thank you for being educational as always.
Also, I love your coat and I'm glad you left the one button undone this time
Insightful video Raphael!
Great video on an interesting topic. Thank you!
I love this vid! I always learn a ton from your videos!
Very informative Raphael. Nice to see the older dressed gentlemen effortlessly out smarten the younger genereation who seem to say "hey look at me", I think you're right the peacock analogy is very apt. to many vivid colours does'nt really do it for me, seems to me they try too hard to impress.
Fun video. Great job as always.
One of the best video recently uploaded.
True sprezzatura can only come when one pursues elegance for a long time and finally surrenders to what's more natural or easier for himself. It's not something to seek, but something to learn how to tolerate. The italian word for "despise" or "disdain" (as in other latin languages) is desprezzo... that's were it comes from. Not disdain for others, certainly, but for yourself... in an elegant way.
mind the comics that was a much better explanation than I got from the video. The thought of intentionally unbuttoninga random button or intentionally leaving one strap undone or intentionally messing up anything really just seems absurd.
sprezzatura has nothing to with disprezzo. They mean completely different things. Sprezzatura comes from sprezzante which means contemptuous, a person that does his own thing and doesn't care about what others think
Amazing episode
I'm asian and sprezzatura so inspired me to become Italian Gentleman! I love your chanel brother
*channel
Wonderful video! Thanks for including multiple examples and clearly explaining the rules. You see this style in Southern and in African American communities- be it church or steeplechase.
The feeling of observing and learning the marvelous world of gentlemen is fascinating, I enjoy these videos ✨💖✨
To sum up, Sprezzatura isn't about the clothing and how you wear it but about the person.
I Pitti those fools!
Best pun so far!
I wholeheartedly agree. Once you have both practice and, perhaps more importantly, harmony between your lifestyle and wardrobe, sprezzatura comes naturally, in my humble opinion.
Great video. Very well investigated subject and explanation.
There is an iconic photograph taken in Italy in the 50s. I don’t know if it represents sprezzatura .It shows a young girl walking on a sidewalk somewhere in Rome. The men , young and old are admiring her as she walks by. What I noticed in that photo was how well dressed the men are .Even the older gentlemen are dressed nice.
I do it by making sure I test run my outfits. At least once or twice. So, that when I wear the outfit to the designated event, I feel comfortable and nonchalant in the outfit.
Excellent presentation. Thank you Raphael 😘
Superb . Thank you again for high quality content .
Interesting video again Mr. Schneider. I would rather prefer to look like you. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.
My friend, you are so entertaining, I have never thought I would develop such interest in fashion and style. Thanks!
And again this channel thought me a word which I was missing to explain what I want for my life!
An overcoat over the shoulders is a classic Italian look. Italian men have been doing that long before Gianni Agnelli. I think the concept is one of nobility and wearing a cape. You know, we Italians, do everything very operatically. haha
Thank you for your channel! Marvelous! I love the tones of the jacket at 8.47!
Please never stop, greetings from Perú
Love it. Dressing well and a little foppish is always in fashion. Great content as usual...
The green pinky ring is great. I love that piece
Thanks
Great video. Super informative.
I'm fascinated with the videos on this channel. I'm suggesting them to the men in my life. I wish there are rules of Sprezzatura for women--we desperately need them.
Have you found Sartorial Talks? She is most illuminating. Xx
Fantastic video!
I always learn something from your videos. Danke.
Absolutely fascinating.
Personally I like sprezzatura in ties. I love the look of having your backblade peek under the front blade. It gives it more depth and width than if it's tucked into the keeper loop. Also tucking in the backblade of your tie is very conveniant if you just managed to tie the perfect knot but the backblade was left too long. Another thing I like to do is open my double breasted jacket when sitting.
For me these tricks work perfectly because they are just perfectly subtle while being elegant and casual at the same time.
bro nobody is gonna read all that
Your videos are as well put together as your outfits.
I literally just learned about this and now I am all about it.
I read the book, and it told me to read another book, Plato's "Symposium." This book, in turn, told me to love a ladder. Sprezzatura!
The guy wearing the shorts looks like a flight attendant.
Fuju And not the kind I'd find attractive LOL
It's all about personal style. You can't "learn" personal style. "How to style" can be. Being raised with the rules of classic style is important. Having it has everything to do with personality and expectations. You don't think about breaking the "rules", it just happens and feels right
Yes, but not personal style for the sake of it.
@@David-cm4ok Absolutely.
It also comes down to having the personality and attitude to pull it off. What other people think about me is none of my business
love that tie
Another great episode
Great video! Subscribed.
Never ever heard this term and i'm italian, just learned a new thing!
that haircut looks perfect for you (y) by the way great video as always !
Hi Sven, love your jacket today :-)
"Peacocking" we were already fans, but that one deserves un saludo!!!!!!! Bien Hecho!!!!! Yuchhh Egghhhhhhh
In my dictionary sprezzatura is the Italian for not ironing shirts...
Great video!
no that's not it
phenomenal
Sprezzatura is very fun! I like Johnny Anieti's grandson's style. Although you said it was peacocking his outfits are nice, in my opinion.
Sven - love the jacket you are wearing.
Your outfit is excellent as usual. Video is great as well and I especially like how you stayed objective despite your subjective opinion on the topic.
By far your best post, ever. The "Pitti Peacocks" as I call them simply look like fools. They are beyond pretentious and simply look tragic.
Thanks
Very nice recap!
Wow, this is advanced stuff.
Jose Manzol I agree!!
Or just completely misguided.
Sprezzatura comes down to just two words: Gianni Agnelli.
Brilliant video!!!!!!!!
I'm more impressed this has 1.13 MILLION subscribers than the content... didn't know this was a thing
Hi Raphael. What about a video bringing some tips for the summer? I live in Brazil (and by the way I like when you use Brazil soccer team jerseys) and is hard to dress up with hot weather. Congrats!
Could listen to you talking men's style all day .
Thank you for videos
G00D Morning from Auckland, New Zealand it’s Monday, December 30, 2019.
Merci monsieur..... excellent..well explained 👍🥂🥂🍾
My doctor must have Sprezzatura. He dresses extremely sharp and is always always very cool calm and collected. He never raises his voice has a style that is viciously sheek but looks as if he doesn't even try.
The tie you wear today is lovely
I utilise the philosophy of sprezzatura all the time in my poetry. I write a first draft I could go with, but I know it could be far better. I then revise it over and over, tightening and elasticating metre and grammar, getting rid of dead poetic space by replacing overused or empty adjoining words that are only there to keep the metre, etc, etc. On the final two drafts, I remove all sense of facile over-precision, by changing tiny details to suggest that things are made up as they go along without strict adherence to the general compositional rules of the poetry. The result is something that seems to have been finished in one draft while being neither mechanically overworked or rough around the edges. That's sprezzatura. And it's not easy. You can only succeed at it in poetry after decades of hard work.
I have an OCBD with a particularly nice collar with long points and I prefer to leave it unbuttoned especially with sweaters so that they spread out and ruffle a bit
I agree with you Raphael that a lot of the peacocks at Pitti Uomo are over the top and it is no longer sprezzatura because it is no longer effortless.
By the way what material is the buttons on your jacket that you wore in todays video made out of?
I think they are just plastic or some kind of resin
Hey Raphael, you should really do a video on what to wear for business in warmer climates, like in Rio(Brazil) where I live. Please?
Hi, awesome video. I’d like to know if there is an article about classic style rules and if not could you make one please? I’d appreciate it. Thanks
I'd say more than 95% of men should stay away from trying to pull off this look. It only works for independent (artistic or rich) men, not for average office slaves.
That's kind of the point, in my view - to show off you're important/powerful enough that you can break the rules others can't. The real art is to not only break the rules, but also look good while doing it.
wow. it flew way high above your head, didn't it?
I'm not going to even try!
Lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣
el estilo de un hombre es indispensable, gracias por la tutorialita.