Having grown up between the mountains and the sea in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Caleb Caudle would have had a difficult time not developing a deep love and appreciation for the great outdoors. The singer/songwriter’s love of nature is evident in both his sound and his style. Caleb’s style is relaxed, rugged, and, on occasion, a little refined. At any given moment, he is appropriately dressed to ride off on a horse or, with the quick change of a jacket, ready for dinner at an upscale restaurant.
The rugged style breakdown:
- Textiles, like denim or chambray
- Work-style leather boots that have acquired a beautiful patina over the years (Pro Tip: look for oil tanned leather, and be sure to condition once a year.)
- Classic wide-brimmed hat — nothing too cowboy
- A substantial jacket
- Worn-in denim
For the most part, Caleb sticks to his well-fitted standards, while keeping it fresh with jackets and accessories. Living a good portion of the year out of a suitcase, he tends to favor clothing with consistency, durability, and adaptability. Nine times out of 10, you can count on seeing him wearing broken-in denim jeans, Red Wing Iron Rangers, a blue button-up (most likely denim), a custom Havstad, some assortment of silver jewelry, and a jacket you’ll most likely want to steal. Caleb’s latest obsession is the one-of-a-kind handmade statement jackets by Manuel Couture. This golden mustard jacket with black embroidery fits him like a glove, even though it was taken right off of the rack (which is very unusual).
Manuel has been creating beautiful pieces here in Nashville, Tennessee, for celebrities and musicians since the 1970s. A Manuel jacket is the perfect piece to instantly elevate an outfit with little to no effort.
By the way: You don’t have to be a musician or celebrity to wear a Manuel piece.
Here are a few styling tips from maker himself:
- Keep the jacket unbuttoned to loosen up the look. Keep it casual.
- Although the jackets are expensive, don’t let that stop you from wearing them to everyday events. Wear your jacket anywhere and everywhere! Don’t be afraid to make a statement.
Manuel’s jackets can be paired with a nice tailored shirt for a polished look or with a V-neck shirt to keep it casual.
I love the look of Manuel’s glitzy jackets combined with Caleb’s rugged standards. The combination is a 100 percent Casual Rhinestone Cowboy.
A special thanks to Caitlin Arabis, Manuel, and Marathon Village for working with us.
I caught up with Charlie during a busy tour season. Our meet was sandwiched between two tour runs and full day of press-related meetings. However, his demeanor was thoroughly pleasant, giving zero hints of the juggling act of a completely booked work day. As conversation began to flow, his behavior made more sense to me. I realized I was talking to and taking photos of a genuinely content human being — you know, the rare kind human that enjoys the process of everything. Whether it’s cooking in his own kitchen or hopping across the pond to the next show, here is a man that considers himself lucky to have the job he holds and to live what he refers to as a “charmed life.”
Maybe you’re thinking, “What the heck does this have to do with style?” The answer is, “Everything!” Our style is a refection of how we process surrounding information and how that relates to us. Depending on the individual, our style explores the space between how we see ourselves and how we wish to be seen. Someone that is aware of self and happiness isn’t going to settle for any ol’ shop right in front of them. Style for that person is more mindful and exploratory.
Charlie’s British-inspired style “with a little Mississippi hill-country dirt sprinkled in” is unique, upbeat, and refreshing. In time, he hopes to narrow down his collection to items that fit in a more timeless fashion. Here are 10 essentials that make up his current day-to-day look:
Tying in to his lifestyle and preference of quality over quantity, Reuben supports the local businesses he loves when purchasing standard items. For him, it’s Imogen + Willie for denim and Nisolo for shoes and leather goods. True, you could probably catch a deal on jeans and shoes at a department store sale, but putting money back into the Nashville community and exchanging with a business that focuses on excellence of material (and fit for the tall thin man!) is more rewarding in the long run. In this town, for the most part, the locals are the ones hiring musicians and attending shows. Exchanging and supporting each others' dreams and careers is one factor that makes the Nashville community so tight-knit.
Outside of Nashville, Reuben still has his favorite vintage shops — like Lucky Dry Goods in Seattle and Ragorama in his hometown of Atlanta — where he found his favorite shirt in another shop from a thrift find he’s had for years. Although there’s seemingly nothing special about the denim button-up, it’s a “go-to” item because of the fit and a connection to home, which he draws comfort from. 
Another tie to his roots: Reuben’s signature neckerchiefs. After they became a staple item in his wardrobe, his grandmother's vintage collection of scarves and bandanas that she rocked over the years was gifted to him. Other neckerchiefs have been gifts from his wife Hayley or souvenirs from travels. Not just a stylistic signature, these accessories are a way Reuben feels close to his roots.
Reuben’s style is confident, minimalist, and far from boring. I love that he seeks out the items that represent him, his lifestyle, and his values instead of taking on the ever-changing trends. As someone who loves to experiment with new trends that fit, I really respect someone who is approaching style from their own angle. From music to lifestyle, Reuben is a classy gent with a unique twist. He doesn’t just make a solid first impression, but leaves us with a substantial lasting impression.