Culture & Education

Michiel Steur isn’t afraid to dress up a little

Over the past decade, men’s workwear has gotten increasingly casual. Gone are the days of the structured suits or even khakis. Across industries, many males now wear jeans and hoodies—or even joggers—to the office. But for Michiel Steur, the incoming CEO of i-D magazine, dressing for work has always been a slightly more formal affair. “It’s definitely not what anyone would describe as casual or streetwear,” he says with a laugh. Steur discovered his personal style early. He grew up in a little town in the north of the Netherlands with fewer than 4,000 residents and only one clothing store. But his family was very design oriented. His mother was a buyer in a clothing store a few towns over, while his aunt was a big fan of interior design. At a time when his friends were wearing hoodies and sweatpants, he preferred tailored trousers and crisp shirts, all in neutral colors. He didn’t care much whether he fit in. “I always dressed quite smart for a child,” he says. [Source images: Joe Maher/Getty Images for BFC, Dave Benett/Getty Images for British Vogue, courtesy Michiel Steur, SugarSatea (Clip)/CC-BY 4.0, Adobe Stock (textures)] Today, that clean, tailored approach is the ideal aesthetic for a global media executive who is constantly bouncing between boardrooms, planes, and late-night parties. Steur starts with a simple foundation—a well-fitted shirt and trousers—then dresses up or down depending on the situation. He takes the look down a notch by replacing loafers with sneakers; he throws on a double-breasted jacket when he’s in a country where formality is still the expectation. Steur rarely spends time thinking about what he’s going to wear, allowing him to focus on the day ahead. His uniform allows him to slide effortlessly across environments. “Pretty much everything goes with each other,” he says. “I know my wardrobe inside out.” Describe your style in a sentence.  Sharp but relaxed. I love great tailoring, sharp jackets, and clean lines, but am equally happy in the perfect T-shirt and a pair of Nike Dunk lows. [Source images: Rowben Lantion for Malone Souliers, courtesy Michiel Steur, SugarSatea (Clip)/CC-BY 4.0, Adobe Stock (textures)] What’s the one piece in your closet you’ll never get rid of?  This pair of navy Prada neoprene trousers with oversized back pockets and incredible graphic bright blue and gray details that I have had for almost a decade. I regret not buying them in multiple colorways. How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning?  Longer than it should. I wake up early, but get so easily distracted by emails, early calls, and trying to get work done before the day of meetings starts. What do you wear to a big meeting?  A double-breasted suit. It is one of my favorite things to wear, and I have them in many different colors and fabrics. I may style it more formal with a shirt, or more relaxed with a T-shirt. What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever gotten?  To have more fun with it. That, and also to get things altered. The right fit truly transforms any look. What’s one thing anyone can do to dress better at work?  Dressing professionally does not mean having to conform to a uniform; you can dress appropriately and still keep your individuality. At i-D, identity is fundamental to everything we do. I like for the team to express themselves and wear what makes them feel confident. [Source images: Courtesy Michiel Steur, SugarSatea (Clip)/CC-BY 4.0, Adobe Stock (textures)] What’s your best piece of shopping advice?  Most of my favorite pieces were things I discovered when I was not looking for them, like a winter coat in summer. The biggest shopping regrets are items I did not buy because I did not immediately need them. Trust yourself when you find something you believe is genuinely special. Who is your style North Star?  Miuccia Prada. I admire the way she can make something different, even slightly strange, feel incredibly chic. Her style is instantly recognizable, yet never predictable. Miuccia and Raf [Simons, her codesigner] may just be the chicest duo in fashion.