Why Is Everyone H*rny For Magnum P.I.?
Everyone I know wants to dress like Tom Selleck this summer.
Well for starters, he’s hot as hell in a daddy sort of way that blurs the line between homo and heterosexual. He’s ultra manly, but in those short shorts there’s a little bit of… je ne sais quoi that just resonates with the moment.
I follow a few men’s style accounts, and it may be the algorithm at work, but suddenly everywhere, I’m seeing Tom Selleck as Magnum P.I. I posted a very horny picture of him in tiny little khaki shorts and I got no less than fifteen DMs about it. There is, in fact, an entire account dedicated to the character and his style. If I were a person to say ~it’s a vibe~ right now I might say… ~it’s THE vibe~.
Granted, I’ve never seen the show, I don’t know anything about the character or Tom Selleck for that matter, but also - never has a look so deeply resonated with me (except for Freddie Mercury at Live Aid) (also, what is it with me and men’s style when there’s a mustache involved?). Let’s break it all down.
HAWAIIAN SHIRTS
The first thing we need is a strong Hawaiian-esque shirt. (This post goes very in depth about this element of the costuming - the show takes place in Hawaii). Anyway, my whole endeavor here might actually be a bit redundant because the styling on this show was so consistent and precise, but that’s also part of what makes me love it. I love consistency. So first, there were a lot of printed shirts on this show. I’ll admit, this style is something I personally have a hard time with - I think it’s honestly better with chest hair, a tan, and a gold chain than on my physical body… But here’s how I’d interpret the vibe.
1. This excellent print button down has the feel of a men’s shirt, but the fit of a women’s. If you have boobs, this will likely be more flattering than a true men’s shirt, which might otherwise feel kind of tent-like. Matteau, $420
2. These are the perfect baggy men’s shorts - very Magnum, except a little longer than what he typically wears (more on that in a minute). J.Crew, $30
3. A classic pair of converse! Very dad. Converse, $65
4. This is a men’s tank, so wider arm and neck holes and boxier fit. A great foil for the otherwise feminine skirt. Ayr, $60
5. This Dries skirt! It does a similar thing to the Hawaiian shirt, but in a different format. I love the idea of it with the loose, masculine shirt. Dries van Noten, $895
6. A perfect pair of fisherman sandals - not too stiff, either! Ancient Greek Sandals, $315
7. A men’s shirt! I love how the oversized sleeves of a men’s short sleeve shirt fit. Mango, $70
8. Magnum PI seems to be always in a canvas belt like this - utilitarian and practical. Totally perfect! Alex Mill, $45
9. These are cut for a woman’s body - they’re a little slimmer than his vibe, but the fit is perfect. I have a pair of these in black and I LOVE them. Kule, $328
10. The most classic, comfortable, practical sneakers of all time. I have a pair and they’re so squishy. Reebok, $100
11. I love the sportyness of this men’s ringer tee contrasted with the bright florals of the miniskirt. Todd Snyder, $44
12. And about that floral mini! It’s terrycloth, so fuzzy and soft like a towel. I love the red and the cheeky tie on the side. It would also be great with the Ayr tank, though a bit of a different aesthetic. Alémais, $295
13. Everyone’s favorite unstructured loafers! I’ll get in to the boat shoe thing in a bit. Jamie Haller, $550
14. I’ve been borrowing this handmade chain and gold nugget from my friend/designer Christen DeLaney, and it is just the most beautiful thing. It all has a super organic feeling and the most beautiful weight. I can’t wait to wear it with a bit of a tan. Cam Studio Jewelry chain and pendant
TINY SHORTS
And now we’ve come to the part of the show where we address the elephant in the room - the itty bitty, tiny microscopic shorts. HOT. I mean, I guess it’s no surprise I’m into this - while it’s set in Hawaii, it’s very VERY Connecticut dad.
1. The ultimate - an LL Bean rugby sweater. This one is in a cashmere/cotton blend, and is men’s. If you want something similar, all cotton, and cut for a woman’s body - try this from Kule. LL Bean, $89
2. Ok, I would basically never consider wearing plaid mini shorts in my real life until now. I love the idea of them with the rugby stripes - so strange. Rowing Blazers, $88
3. And of course….the boat shoes. Magnum wore them constantly, and they are a capital t Thing this season, thanks to Miu Miu. I love boat shoes, and personally have worn Sperry - they’re so soft and comfortable - and I like that these are solid black. They’re on trend, but not overly trendy. G.H. Bass shoes, $145
4. Gotta have a little ball cap! Shameless plug here for my Earl Earl dad cap, which I practically live in. Earl Earl, $31
5. The fit of this is men’s, but Madewell sizing is pretty flexible. I love the garment dyed look of this polo, it’s perfectly soft and worn looking. Madewell, $88
6. And of course, a vintage Rolex. Rolex
7. I just found this brand, they make super vintage inspired shorts. These are very high waisted, very short, and very BLUE. I love them. They come in sizes 24-40 too. Hammies, $75
8. And here they are - the much beloved Miu Miu boat shoes. I do love them, they’re perfect and that collection was perfect, but they’re also largely sold out! Miu Miu, $950
9. Imagine this unbuttoned to your cleavage, tucked in, and the sleeves rolled up. HOT. Buck Mason, $148
10. CT dad must have a leather woven belt! This one is as simple and classic as it gets. Anderson’s, $148
11. Ok these look way too long, but click through and you’ll see them rolled up. They’re a truly excellent pleat front short, and a staple for this vibe. J.Crew, $43
12. I’ve wanted a pair of these Vans for so long. I love these because, again, they’re super simple, super classic, and functional. They’ll look five times better after a fun summer of adventures. Vans, $55
13. Ok, and this might be my addition - it might be too East Coast, but I love it for this. The most utilitarian bag of all time. LL Bean, $35
CAMP DAD ACCESSORIES
Ok, and the last thing - camp dad accessories. Things like croakies, tool belts, hats, loafers, belts…. useful stuff for a useful and practical person.
1. Leather tool pouch, $85 ; 2. Gap hat, $25 ; 3. Emme Parsons sandals, $550 ; 4. Sounder sunglass strap, $42 ; 5. The Row loafers, $1,150 ; 6. Maggie’s Organics socks, $30/three ; 7. Banana Republic belt, $60 ; 8. Mango loafers, $180 ; 9. Hereu shoes, $515 ; 10. Celine sunglasses, $490 ; 11. Cos sunglasses, $99
And that’s it, friends!
I love you! Your friend, forever,
Laurel
Don’t want to burst your Tom Selleck bubble, but he is a staunch conservative Republican & gun advocate. Yuck!
This is so timely I just finished binge watching the entire original series and now I get the Tom Selleck appeal. Didn’t as a kid but very different perspective watching as a full grown adult. 😋