The 'Gentlemen's Guide': Style Icons Through The Years (PHOTOS)

Attention fellas--for the next two months Black Voices is dedicating an entire section to you: The "Gentlemen's Guide"

We have rounded up an impressive group of experts, tastemakers and celebs to share their sage advice when it comes to being a man of style and substance. Even a few impressive ladies will be offering their two cents.

In March we'll explore the hottest style trends, wardrobe essentials, grooming pointers and wellness tips. But a nice outfit, fresh haircut and killer abs are just a piece of the total package.

In April we'll delve into the amazing work, contributions and influence that black men are offering their communities and the world.

It's all about living your best life and we're here to offer a helping hand.

To kick things off, here's a look at style icons--from Harry Belafonte to Kanye West--who have mesmerized us with their unique personal styles through the years.

Comments

[LONDON3]

08:17 AM on 03/05/2012

Please remove Kanye West, are you kidding?!?!?!

and say YES to those serious icons, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier !!!!!!!

Lots of fine men in those photos, Common's fine-ness and Idris Elba wit HIS fine a$$$$$!!!! Wooooo

[VTya]

07:52 PM on 03/04/2012

Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Cab Calloway ... President Obama too.
Young ones, look and learn!

[Pam James]

09:45 AM on 03/04/2012

I wish the gentleman style replaced the sloppy style that is the current trend today. Do these guys know that the baggy pants make them look like penguins?

[lotus321]

11:27 AM on 03/07/2012

The men dressed back then to impress the ladies. Today, they are more concern about their boys thinking their gear is fly.

[denise4925]

03:42 PM on 03/02/2012

Did y'all forget about President Obama?

[Pam James]

03:53 PM on 03/04/2012

It is expected that the person that holds the office of the President would dress according to society's standard. However, since you mentioned it, he always looks cool!

[LONDON3]

08:17 AM on 03/05/2012

Yeah they did, didn't they..... Double down on the Prez and HIS fly'ness !!

[Bethan Pfeiffer]

11:45 AM on 03/02/2012

umm... where's pharrell??

[Fonsini]

11:11 AM on 03/02/2012

Ahh yes, I see so many black youths who want to emulate the look of Sidney Poitier.

[liberalbarbwire]

02:21 PM on 03/04/2012

spread the around... please.....with all the boys and men for that matter walking around with their pants so far on the ground.. what decent woman or girl... thinks that looks good... all they have to do is look and they'd find people like Sidney Poitier to emulate

[tchoupitoulav1]

02:51 AM on 03/02/2012

Sydney Portier and Billy Dee= Class Acts!

[Adonijah]

10:59 AM on 03/02/2012

Yes Ma'am!

Some of these bruthas should take some notes...lol.

[Fonsini]

11:07 AM on 03/02/2012

If you're going to be a fan of someone it helps to get their name right - it's "Poitier".

[Lechiffre]

03:35 PM on 03/02/2012

She should africanised it a little. Pwatjay . I 'm not a fashion oriented bloke , but I think off that list I'll defo be more on the Idris Elbah contemporary dress sense.

anybody notice the black girl who was hiding her face on that 1968 shot of Poitier and his dawta ? that was cute.

[Adonijah]

06:43 PM on 03/01/2012

I LOVE Billy Dee and Cab Calloway slides!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!