Shafiyi Wali's crisp fit and casual, yet polished, spring suiting caught my attention while shopping in Union Square last week. I was surprised to find out he's so stylish at just 23-years-old, but wasn't surprised to find out he's a personal shopper at Sak's Men's Store. While it may be his job to look this good, something tells me he's a natural. What I love most about his outfit is that it's so well thought out, and yet seemingly simple.
What he's wearing: Check shirt from Club Monaco, gray wool vintage blazer, vintage pocket square, H&M black pants, Saks Fifth Avenue tan leather oxfords.
The twill jacket and tattersall shirt's stripes play nicely off each other, while the cool gray and black tones keep the overall look subtle and clean. What's really clever though is the loosely folded, silk pocket-square -- the pattern is perfect, the colors are spot-on and it really completes this look.
Shafiyi could so easily have gone with black shoes, but that would have created an entirely different outfit, for an entirely different occasion. These beautiful tan leather oxfords makes this look instantly more casual, and brighten the entire outfit by adding contrast.
7 Style Questions for Shafiyi:
1. How would you describe your personal style?
Old school prep with a little bit of an edge. But always simple.
2. Where do you shop in SF?
Mostly in Hayes Valley and the Haight.
3. What is your biggest style peeve?
Lots! When I see guys in women's denim short shorts, and fake designer leather goods. Stick to what you can afford, and make that look good. Brand names should not matter -- it's all about confidence.
4. Who are your ultimate style icons?
Hamish Bowles of Vogue, Lapo Elkann, Kanye West, the guys from Street Etiquette, and Michael Bastian.
5. What are your favorite warm weather pieces?
Dress shorts, tank tops, loafers and sometimes a blazer on top.
6. What's your most prized possession?
I bought this amazing bag in Paris three years ago from a Moroccan vendor at Marche aux Puches. I also just got a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses.
7. If money wasn't an issue, what would buy right now?
If I had the money, a Birkin for sure, because it's timeless -- or a vintage gold Rolex.
Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.
