New Men’s Shop and its Dapper Founder Aim to Raise Dallas’ Male Fashion Game

Whenever a new men’s shop, an atelier that focuses on providing sharply tailored, modern pieces for the modern man opens its reason to celebrate. That said, I dashed over to Uncommon Man (great name BTW) to meet its founder, the dapper Kyle Shiels.

Mr. Shiels presents himself in a way straight from Tom Ford’s playbook. A hairstyle harkening to the mid-century, a shirt unbuttoned just enough to proudly display virile chest hair (he astutely knows that undone one button further would verge on Guido), crisply tailored pants and of course, loafers sans socks.

I was commiserating with two girls-about-town, Missy Peck and Kelle Knight, that on a recent trip home to Florida I was horrified by the men I encountered at the airport. It was a new low with flip-flops barely covering feet in serious need of a pedicure, mom jeans and too many MAGA baseball caps to count. Maybe such attire is OK when ensconced in a private man cave watching some mixed martial arts, but in public?

Shiels is focusing on helping Dallas men up their game. Given that his first outpost is across the street from SMU, he is hoping to school young twentysomethings early in life. I had an enlightening chat where he confided in me his aesthetic and fashion goals for the future.

Can you share two to three of your style icons and why you appreciate their aesthetic?

Easy — Pierce Brosnan, Cary Grant, Ryan Gosling, Michael Caine, and Paul Newman. Stick with the classics! Each of these men carries themselves with ease and elegance while staying true to who they are. They’re natural… timeless…

Who is your fantasy client? 

Hmmm… my ideal client? Ah! A debonair gent who dabbles in private banking. Always tapped into what’s current. He can be found at the new it restaurant or entertaining friends with his wife at his mid-century modern home, bedecked in a mixture of classic and contemporary art. His bar cart lends itself to the je ne sais quoi he exudes — classics can be found in order to make the perfect Old Fashioned yet you can always find some obscure vintages that he has collected during his exotic travels — Austria, Croatia, Italy — you name it.

If walking down the street and someone stops to compliment your personal style, what two bits of advice would you give them to “up” their personal style quotient?

There are too many to choose from! If I had to narrow down a few points to really drive home, I would probably say that fit is of the utmost importance. Once you narrow down the perfect fit tailored for your body type, you can then play with texture. It’s also crucial to find a detail in the aesthetic that is unique to you.

Most men, who are shopping bespoke idolize James Bond. What would be your theme song (the one that is playing when you walk into a party/bar)?

The Uncommon Man is someone who stands on his own — confident, collected and cool. If I could embody this daily mantra and carry it into a dimly-lit, upscale watering hole, I’d like to think that Leon Bridges’ “Better Man” would be playing as I casually sauntered in and ordered my beverage of choice. Naturally shaken, not stirred…

Where do you hope Uncommon Man will be in the next year?

Ideally, Uncommon Man will become a go-to spot by next year. A place where men know that if they come in, they will be treated not like a customer, but more like a friend. A destination where one can build the ideal wardrobe around his needs, a way of life and personality. A collection and an environment that is unique to them and to Uncommon Man.

Uncommon Man, 6609 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite B. Open by appointment only on Mondays. The regular hours are 10 am to 6 pm Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays. For more information, visit shopuncommonman.com.