Known for his signature heavy beard and funky but polished threads, former Knicks player Baron Davis has always been into fashion.
In 2011, Davis produced “American Schlub,” a documentary about the sad state of men’s fashion. And back in 1999, when he was a college player at UCLA, he encouraged his coach, Steve Lavin, to let him help redesign the Bruins’ jerseys with a new navy blue color scheme.
“The bookstore sold out of those uniforms faster than any ever before,” Lavin tells The Post.
After a 2012 knee injury ended his hoops career, the 34-year-old NBA style correspondent — who says he shops “everywhere from Barneys to Target” for his eclectic look — is hosting his own series on the newly launched Esquire network.
“How I Rock It,” which premieres Nov. 20, showcases guys whose careers ooze style — including the impeccably dressed Michael Chernow, a co-owner of the New York restaurant the Meatball Shop.
Ahead of its debut, Davis took The Post out on the streets of Manhattan to find the city’s best-dressed men. Here, he gives a rundown of his favorite looks.
-
1. Teddy Dewitte, 40, banking
Cotton socks, $3.30 at Uniqlo, 666 Fifth Ave. Chad Rachman “That suede jacket is sick,” says the Esquire host. “And glasses are the accessory of the year — even people who don’t need glasses are wearing them. His frames are a unique golden color — you don’t see that a lot. I love all the different blues he’s got going on, too: The faded jeans, the dark blue suede shoes. The red socks are a nice pop, too. He says he got the idea for red socks from the prime minister of France. He says the dude is really old-fashioned, but he’d do the red socks — and he thought it was creative. This guy looks like he just stepped out of an Esquire magazine shoot.”
-
2. Lunel Milien, 36, financial services
Merino wool v-neck sweater, $220 at Rag & Bone, 119 Mercer St. Chad Rachman “I think purple is a great color,” says the ex-Knick. “He’s got the burgundy sweater, but the key to the look is the light purple collar of the shirt popping up from underneath, which brings out the pinstripes in his pants. This is a great first-date look. If you want to make a statement, wear purple.”
-
3. Ryan Fischer, 32, dog walking
Onitsuka Tiger "Mexico 66" trainers, $85 at piperlime.com Chad Rachman “The short-sleeved Diesel shirt with the tie hanging down a bit is just a great flavor,” says Davis. “And slacks with tennis shoes is like, ‘I’m casual but I have a job to do. I’m spending a lot of time on my feet, so I need to be comfortable, but I look presentable on top.’ And he’s a dog walker; he’s on his feet all day, so it makes sense.”
-
4. Ali Syed, 32, finance
Navy wool-blend slim suit jacket, $300, and trousers, $120, both at Topman, 478 Broadway Chad Rachman “This guy has a J.Crew suit, which I love. I think J.Crew has figured out a way to make young professional guys look cool with a polished suit that looks expensive but is actually affordable,” says the TV host. “Look how nicely it fits him. And I love the pink in his dress shirt playing off the pink in the pattern in his tie.”
-
5. Mike Stamm, 40, Web development
Felt fedora, $14.95 at H&M, 1328 Broadway Chad Rachman “I like all the grays this guy is rocking,” says the basketball star. “You’ve got the olive-gray shoes, the black-gray pants with the gray-beige shirt. Gray is super cool, and this is a good way to wear it. Then, you’ve got the gray hat with a little bit of plaid, which breaks up the rest of the gray in the look.”
-
6. Rudy Scott, 34, finance
DSquared2 black silk tie, $134 at farfetch.com Chad Rachman “This tie has metal at the top of it, and it’s reversible. It’s sick,” says Davis. “I’ve never seen anything like it. If you have one cool accessory like that, it can change your whole look. His gray suit looks very custom and clean, then you’ve got that Armani reversible tie, and it looks so modern and cool.”
-
7. Steve Lavin, 49, St. John’s coach
“Cooper Square” leather wingtips, $298 at Cole Haan, 620 Fifth Ave. Chad Rachman “Look at this guy! This is where I got my style from!” says Davis of his former college coach, whom he was meeting for lunch. “He’s got his red wingtips with plenty of treads on the bottom, for the court. I love this guy. He’s got a big recruit coming to campus, so he’s looking like he means business with the gray overcoat. It’s the ‘Godfather’ look.”
-
8. Erik Mace, 34, graphic design
Oliver Peoples eyeglasses, $550 at Fivestory, 18 E. 69th St. Chad Rachman “This guy has on some great Oliver Peoples glasses — they’re tortoise-shell with round frames,” says Davis. “He just looks very well put-together. He’s got the sock swag — they’re black-and-white striped — which is very cool, since he’s got the plaid going on up top in his shirt. So, by the time you get to the guy’s feet you’ve got a whole different vibe going on.”