If this year’s Met Gala theme has suddenly inspired you to dig out your silk foulards and pay a visit to your local thrift store for a one-of-a-kind brooch, you’re not alone. “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will pay homage to the sharp-suited and well-heeled designers and tastemakers who embody Black dandyism at its finest.

Contemporary dandies like Pharrell and A$AP Rocky (who both serve as co-chairs for this year’s gala) continue to draw on the same keen, sophisticated eye that guided dandies of the past, like André Leon Talley and Oscar Wilde. But there are plenty of women who also embody the dandy spirit. Grace Wales Bonner, Janelle Monáe, Diane Keaton, and Tilda Swinton are just some of the women who have shown us the power of donning a tailored two-piece suit and a fabulous hat, while proving more, really is more by tastefully mashing together contrasting print and decadent adornment, from cowry-shelled trimmed velvet to sprawling cobalt feathers. The beauty behind the looks is no different, from slick-back hair and glossy skin to naked manicures and an intoxicating musk perfume.

Looking to bring out your inner dandy? Below, we share dandy styling tips from fashionable leading ladies.

A Statement Two-Piece

the business of fashion #bof500 gala dinner
David M. Benett//Getty Images
Grace Wales Bonner

A statement two-piece suit is a must-have to truly emulate the dandy look. You can take notes from British designer Grace Wales Bonner and sport a matching set or mix and match complementary pieces. The key is to lean into luxurious textures and signature detailing for a look that goes beyond the standard formal attire. And if you prefer to let your wardrobe do the talking, keep your beauty look more minimal with a slick-back updo, bare skin, and a well-hydrated lip.

Alpineflower Rice Jacket
Bode Alpineflower Rice Jacket
Floret Brocade Trousers
Bode Floret Brocade Trousers
Slim Fit Silk Shirt
Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Silk Shirt
Mirror 18k Nano Hoop Earring
Bernard James Mirror 18k Nano Hoop Earring
Rock Hard Gel
Oribe Rock Hard Gel
Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm
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Maximum Print

diane keaton at academy awards
Fotos International//Getty Images
Diane Keaton

If you married dandyism with effortless beauty, you would probably get one of Diane Keaton’s signature polished looks: A bold, dotted tie beautifully clashed with a striped button-down, layered under a tailored two-piece white suit. The actress has been championing dandyism for years, which can be traced back to her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, with her natural wavy hair and no-makeup makeup beauty. Add a few spritzes of a barely-there musk fragrance, like The Maker’s Naked eau de parfum, to complete your polished aesthetic.

    Favorite Blazer
    Favorite Daughter Favorite Blazer
    Capri Striped Shirt
    Ralph Lauren Capri Striped Shirt
    Brown Polka-Dot Tie
    Drake's Brown Polka-Dot Tie
    Favorite Pant
    Favorite Daughter Favorite Pant
    Baume Shine Universal Highlighter Balm
    Violette_FR Baume Shine Universal Highlighter Balm
    Naked Eau de Parfum
    The Maker Naked Eau de Parfum

    Bold Color

    fashion trust u.s. awards 2024 arrivals
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images
    Janelle Monáe

    The Dandy doesn’t always play it safe when it comes to their fashion and beauty choices. Bold looks, like singer-songwriter Janelle Monaé’s cherry-red two-piece suit, vibrant red lip, and sharp cat-eye, make it easy to embody self-expression and individuality.

    Structured Suit Jacket
    Mango Structured Suit Jacket
    Wide Leg Suit Trousers
    Mango Wide Leg Suit Trousers
    Classic Shirt
    With Nothing Underneath Classic Shirt
    Silk Satin Bow Tie
    Eton Silk Satin Bow Tie
    Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick
    Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick
    Climax Liquid Eyeliner
    Nars Climax Liquid Eyeliner

    A Tux With A Twist

    2022 vanity fair oscar party hosted by radhika jones arrivals
    Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

    While a simple tux might satisfy most, the dandy will prefer one with a little flair. Look for impeccable tailoring, and unique details like an asymmetrical closure, then finish off with a tie. Plus, we suggest opting for a powerful side part and a low ponytail to channel no-frills sophistication, topping off with a high-shine lip to match.

    Rise Jacket
    Wales Bonner Rise Jacket
    Wide Tie in Striped Silk Jacquard
    YSL Wide Tie in Striped Silk Jacquard
    Rise Tailored Trouser
    Wales Bonner Rise Tailored Trouser
    Popular Mix Wooden Brush
    Mason Pearson Popular Mix Wooden Brush
    Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
    Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
    Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil in Bliss
    Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil in Bliss

    Sumptuous Texture

    "problemista" new york screening
    Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images
    Tilda Swinton

    The ever-dandy Tilda Swinton knows how to make even a simple black suit look extraordinary. You can take a note from the actor with a top made from a shocking splash of cobalt feathers or don a silky button-up layered under a wrap-style blazer. Finish the look with a staggering statement shoe, clean, lacquered nails, and a hint of hair oil for understated elegance that makes a serious impact.

    Satin-Lapel Wrap Blazer
    Toteme Satin-Lapel Wrap Blazer
    Monique Silk-Blend Shirt
    Veronica Beard Monique Silk-Blend Shirt
    Pleated Straight Trousers Black
    Toteme Pleated Straight Trousers Black
    Eva Cutout Patent-Leather Pumps
    Khaite Eva Cutout Patent-Leather Pumps
    Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color
    Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color
    Nourishing Hair Oil
    Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil