Michiel Steur Embraces Tailored Style as i-D CEO

Michiel Steur, the incoming CEO of i-D magazine, maintains a distinct personal style characterized by tailored, smart attire, diverging from the increasingly casual workwear trends observed over the past decade. While many professionals now opt for jeans, hoodies, or joggers in the workplace, Steur has consistently favored a more formal approach, even from his childhood. He grew up in a small Dutch town with limited retail options, but his family's strong orientation towards design, with his mother working as a clothing buyer and his aunt interested in interior design, influenced his aesthetic. Even as a child, Steur preferred tailored trousers and crisp shirts in neutral colors over the prevailing casual wear of his peers, indicating an early development of his distinct fashion sense. He states, "I always dressed quite smart for a child," and did not prioritize fitting in with prevailing trends.

This refined and tailored aesthetic serves Steur well in his role as a global media executive, a position that frequently involves travel between boardrooms, flights, and social events. His approach to dressing involves building a foundation with well-fitted shirts and trousers, which he then adapts to suit specific environments and occasions. For instance, he might opt for loafers for more formal settings and switch to sneakers for a more relaxed look. When traveling to countries where a higher degree of formality is expected, he incorporates elements like a double-breasted jacket. Steur's consistent wardrobe choices allow him to navigate diverse professional and social landscapes with ease, as he notes that his pieces are highly versatile and "pretty much everything goes with each other." He emphasizes his deep familiarity with his own wardrobe, stating, "I know my wardrobe inside out," which minimizes the time spent on outfit selection and allows him to concentrate on his professional responsibilities.

Steur's personal style is described as "sharp but relaxed," reflecting a love for "great tailoring, sharp jackets, and clean lines." This approach contrasts with the widespread adoption of casual wear in many professional environments. The shift towards informality in men's workwear over the last ten years has seen a decline in the prevalence of structured suits and even khakis, with many men now embracing more relaxed options like jeans and hoodies for their daily work attire. Steur's commitment to a more polished presentation suggests a deliberate choice to project a specific image and maintain a consistent professional identity, regardless of prevailing fashion norms. His early exposure to design and his family's influence appear to have instilled a lasting appreciation for well-crafted clothing and a sophisticated personal style that he continues to cultivate.