Paul Monks helps style Sky Sports presenters and pundits and he says while modern fashion is relaxed and allows people to shape their own ‘look’, it’s important to remember the basics of presentation.
Watch a PREVIEW of the chat with Paul Monks below:
Watch or listen to the FULL CHAT with Paul Monks below:
Doing casual well requires creativity
I’ve presented on Sky Sports News since 2014 and since 2020 there has been a big shift away from formal.
When I started we wore Hugo Boss and Reiss suits and ties (tough life, I know). It was almost like a uniform.
But things have shifted to a more casual look with more opportunity for us presenters to craft our own image.
Over the past five years Hertfordshire stylist Paul Monks has helped overhaul the look of Sky Sports’ presenters and pundits.
He says generally the clothes are more relaxed but there’s nuance. Every sport and programme is a little different.
When I started we wore Hugo Boss and Reiss suits and ties (tough life, I know). It was almost like a uniform.
“Sky was in the moment after COVID of changing its identity,” Monks told Sport and Life.
“What does Sky Sports News look like now? What does Monday Night Football look like now? What does bringing in tennis mean?
“Darts is massive, we show all the golf and rugby league.
Sky Sports relaxes look but onscreen talent still looks good
Paul says he enjoyed the creative freedom of making the looks unique to the different sports.
“When people thought of Sky Sports News they did think of people wearing a suit.
“But we did have an opportunity to say ‘we’re splitting it into a morning show, an afternoon show and an evening show.
“And I felt I wanted us to relate to our consumer a lot more.
“When people thought of Sky Sports News they did think of people wearing a suit.”
“Historically, bankers and barristers always wore suits. But if you go into the city now most of hem are wearing shirts and chinos at most.”
Dressing down doesn’t mean not bothering
The relaxing of Sky Sports News dress code has coincided with work places around the UK moving away from formal.
But Monks says it’s important not to confuse causal with scruffy. Ironing is a must.
“My mum was very regimented. I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed, so ironing or steaming is the starting point.
“I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed, so ironing or steaming is the starting point.”
“We’re trying to aim for elevated, you’re not turning up in a track suit. Now people have an opportunity to dress maybe more what they feel their own personality is.”
The relaxed fit’s days are numbered
So what’s the next few years going to look like – on screen and on the streets of Britain?
“I do actually think things are going smarter. I’m noticing guys wearing dark denim.”
If you’re old enough to have seen a few fashion trends come, go… and then come back again, you might not be surprised that we’re due to smarten up.
“I do actually think things are going smarter. I’m noticing guys wearing dark denim.
“Everyone was wearing oversized t-shirts. Now we’re seeing guys tuck t-shirts in and they’re becoming slimmer. Like a Marlon Brando white t-shirt tucked into dark denim.
“And in footwear, I do think people are wearing smart boots, loafers, dark brown belts. I don’t know if blazers are going to come back.”
