Preppy style, à la Steve McQueen

Forever on my watchlist, Bullitt was a film I'd always known about but only recently sat down to. As a lover of not only vintage fashion but vintage cars too, I rose a little out of my seat once I saw Lt. Frank Bullitt walk towards his Ford Mustang GT in a tweed blazer -

I knew that epic car chase was about to take place. Another clue: Bullitt had shed his more formal weekday navy suit in favour of something more preppy, more ivy league, more appropriate for pursuing mobster hitmen at the weekend. And his quiet assurance made him come across as effortlessly cool, effortlessly stylish - the strong silent type who knows how to get things done. And as viewers, we had every faith he could pull anything off in that outfit.

The king of cool doesn't wear just anything to the most epic of car chases, that's why I'm calling (the new) preppy style the menswear look of 2024. Men want to be comfortable but stylish, right? They may value quality over quantity, but they also don't want to look dated or like they tried too hard - that would be the opposite to the Bullitt look. It's a classic look, yes, but it's also not fussy, just effortless and chic. Style terms like preppy and ivy league might carry connotations of being stuffy and more formal, however, they're actually looks that when made up with all the right quality pieces, ooze elegance, confidence and indicates someone 'in the know' - à la Steve McQueen.

Today, (the new) preppy look is a more relaxed version and could also be considered smart casual (that leans more towards smart). It's a type of style that can be more difficult to define as different versions and variations depend on the style personality of the wearer (some would include hoodies, for example). However, Bullitt's look is in fact an easy one to replicate considering it's made up of timeless wardrobe staples; the classic trench, tailored trousers and fine knits. Let's also not forget that Bullitt even wakes up looking stylish (I'm referring to the green paisley cotton pyjamas he wears)!

If you feel aligned with the style of Steve McQueen as Bullitt then you can easily 'shop your wardrobe' to put together this look, or start now by adding these versatile items. I promise you will wear them on repeat. See below as I construct the Bullitt look for 2024 with hero investment pieces that will make getting dressed a breeze. - KL Stylist.

01. The Perfect Trousers

I would put the Lt. Frank Bullitt of today in these versatile trousers from Lestrange (£129). The brand's signature trouser 'combines sweatpant-level comfort with fine tailoring. A modern take on the classic trouser.' I feel Bullitt would agree - a great choice for the office or the weekend.

02. The Classic Trench

Every stylish wardrobe should include a classic trench coat. This one from Uniqlo (£99) is not only stylish with its relaxed, single-breasted design but it's water-repellent too. A versatile piece smart enough for the office but can also be worn (smart) casual.

03. The Luxury Roll Neck Knit

A navy roll neck just like Bullitt's is a wardrobe staple and a great layering piece. This one from M&S (£125) is pure cashmere - soft, warm and luxurious.

04. The Suede Boot

Apparently the King of Cool had delicate feet and suede Chukka Boots were his preferred choice of shoe. These from Jones Bootmaker (£79) are similar to the ones Bullitt wears. A perfectly smart choice.

05. The Cotton-Jacquard Overshirt

For a more modern take on the Bullitt look, I'm swapping the more traditional blazer for this smart overshirt instead. This particular one is from Oliver Spencer (£190) that aims to create 'clothing with all the quality and craft of premium tailoring, but with a relaxed modern style.' The perfect choice for this more relaxed version of Bullitt's preppy style (and looks just as great layered over a roll neck).

06. The Printed Pyjama Set

I love that this film has chosen every opportunity to show off Bullitt's style, which even includes his stylish paisley pyjamas - although V. cool for the time, I'm suggesting a modern upgrade to a leopard print Desmond & Dempsey set (£175). 'Think of them as your off-duty uniform.'

07. The Cool Watch

A watch will complete the ensemble. The original which Bullitt wears is a Benrus Series 3061 - the civilian version of the wristwatches produced for the US army in the mid 1960

The latest version of the Benrus series 3061 is made for a modern audience but stays true to the original (£486).

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