A film that, on paper, should be excruciating (a paean to old Hollywood that happens to also be a musical) La La Land is a proper triumph that manages to infuse an easy nostalgia with wry humour, warm visuals and a brilliant original score, marking it out as both a critical darling and the hot tea break topic of the moment.

But beyond all that cinematic praise, the film's wardrobe is another winner, with Ryan Gosling's fledgling jazz musician taking charge of a series of retro ensembles that manage to channel the spirit of old-fashioned power dressing without coming off as whimsical or contrived.

Arguably the most stylish film of the year (and it's only January) here we show you the key fashion take aways from this actually really good modern musical.

1 | Mix and match your tailoring

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An approach and aesthetic that, in our opinion, is often under utilised, Ryan Gosling makes an arresting case for mixing and matching your tailoring; alternating as he does between stone, camel and navy blazers chopped up with charcoal, black and indigo flat-front trousers.

The result is a stylish medley of colour and texture that will help keep your favourite pieces in steady rotation, as well as adding a carefree touch to your day-to-day suiting, beyond grey and navy two-pieces. Not that there's anything wrong with those, obviously.

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From left: blazer by Paul Smith, £555; trousers by Ted Baker, £119; blazer by Topman, £60; trousers by Oliver Spencer, £170.

2 | The camp-collar isn't going anywhere

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Coming back into fashion during the spring of 2016, fifties-style camp-collar shirts are set to remain in style this year, whether in wild floral patterns or more manageable shades of powder blue, off white or navy - which is what our man Gosling opts for throughout the more casual scenes in the film.

Beyond its trendy credentials, the camp collar is a versatile piece that works particularly well when worn over the top of a white t-shirt and wide leg trousers, while trainers, derbies or loafers can all be thrown into the mix for different finishes.

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From left: Camp-collar shirt by Stella McCartney, £330; trainers by Common Projects, £265; trousers by COS, £79; t-shirt by Uniqlo, £9.90.

3 | Ties can work hard if you pick them wisely

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While he's a man without peer when it comes to the 'air tie', Gosling's old school, leading man look in La La Land requires a more traditional approach to neckwear - but dull grey nooses these are not.

Complimenting his enviable range of tailoring, the ties on show add bite to the (typically) earthy tone of suiting, with green, maroon and even yellow (which works well with brown) making an appearance.

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From left: Polka-dot silk tie by Drake's, £105; Dog tie by Salvatore Ferragamo, £130; embroidered flower tie by Paul Smith, £80.

4 | Two-tone shoes aren't just for tap dancing

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Ok, we'll admit that the black and white brogues sported by Gosling are a bit too Singing in the rain meets Strictly for us, but that doesn't mean that stylish shoes with contrasting colours are off the menu. You've just got to order carefully... you know?

Stick to complimentary colours that err on the subtle side, like black and oxblood or light and dark blues. Or just opt for a single colour with a standout detail.

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From left: Burwood shoes by Church's, £450; wingtip brogues by Gucci, £485.

5 | Every man needs one great navy suit

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With much of the film's style focus centered on the retro appeal of Gosling's wardrobe, it can be easy to miss the subtle appearance of an Esquire favourite: the omnipotent navy suit.

Your first, last and everything when it comes to timeless style, a good navy two piece is an endlessly customisable formal base from which to build a good look.

If, however, you're looking to add some edge to traditional navy tailoring, then a shade of 'power blue' from the likes of Paul Smith is a louder, but still versatile choice.

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From left: Wool mohair suit by Paul Smith, £730; seersucker granddad collar shirt by Officine Generale, £170; brogues with tonal sole by Paul Smith, £300.

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Finlay Renwick
Deputy Style Editor
Mother, blogger, vegan, model, liar