Joe Ottaway - The Man Behind Britain's Best-Dressed Gentlemen

In 2015 we first caught up with the dapper stylist, Joe Ottaway to discuss men’s style and fashion. Since then Joe has created his own exclusive sock style range for London Sock Co., as well as launched his own personal shopping service.

Below is the original interview as well as some updated content since we caught up with him recently… we hope you enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourself…

JOE: Thank you for having me gents, I’m excited to get involved!

I’m originally from Essex and actually started my adult life playing professional football. After suffering an injury I took the difficult decision to move away from pursuing a sports career and follow my passion for style. Over the last 10 years I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry and through a lot of hard work and dedication, have been employed by a number of London’s leading fashion department stores as a Menswear Stylist, offering advice and guidance on all elements of styling and current fashion to a wide variety of gentlemen.

What makes fashion difficult for us gents?

JOE: I feel for a lot of men the fashion industry can seem one dimensional, unapproachable and pretentious. This can be intimidating and prevent a lot of gents from discovering the style that best suits them. I’m here to break these barriers and misconceptions down and offer tips, tools and advice to the style conscious man of today.

The other challenge is always time. Most guys have busy lifestyles and benefit from having some dedicated support.

Joe Ottaway Style London Sock Co front row

“My favourite though is David Gandy”

You style for a number of celebs. Who has been your favourite?

JOE: I’ve been lucky to work with a number of A-list celebrities, musicians, actors and sportsmen. My favourite though is David Gandy. He’s a true gent and for me epitomises classic British style.

David Gandy LCM London Sock Co.

You have been a monthly Sock Club member now for over a year. Why are socks important to you?

JOE: Socks are such a simple way to add style and show some personality to whatever I’m wearing and express an attention to detail that a lot of people notice. Having them delivered to my door each month is absolute convenience.

What has been your favourite style so far and why?

JOE: I previously mentioned how I loved the Simply Sartorial Collection as it’s such a classic style. My favourite colour from the range is East India Saffron – it’s such a great vibrant colour that compliments so many different styles. So I then took my favourite colours, mixed them with my favourite patterns, and I am excited to have my Ottaway Style range of socks, available exclusively here: Shop The Ottaway Style Collection

What is your one piece of advice for our members looking to work on their own style or update their wardrobe?

JOE: Keep it simple and invest in some staple items that fit you well and can work in multiple combinations, for example a good quality, well-fitting blazer can be so versatile with different jeans or trousers, shirts or t-shirts. Then don’t forget simple accessories to add an attention to detail for different occasions, such as colourful socks and pocket squares.

Read Joe’s first style tips blog on finding the right blazer

Joe Ottaway is a personal style consultant and offers a bespoke personal styling service for men.

Contact Joe directly via his website: www.joeottawaystyle.com or via twitter or instagram: @joeottawaystyle

Don’t forget to look out for his regular style tips via email, to our Style Club member community newsletter.