For those of you who follow my fashion ramblings on LinkedIn, you already know about my mild obsession with Madrid’s pijos — particularly the way they dress. Today, I want to introduce you to the upgraded, more polished cousin of the old-school pijo: the Cayetano look for men.
Basically, the Cayetano vibe is Spain’s version of that classic ‘I own land somewhere in Extremadura’ look. It’s preppy, a bit aristocratic, but with a chill, modern twist.
Every time I’m hanging around Nuevos Ministerios, it honestly feels like I’ve stumbled into the spiritual home of the Cayetanos. And while my own style leans way more hipster-Scandi when it comes to men’s fashion I’ll admit it: I can’t stop staring at Cayetanos. There’s just something about how they mix tradition with that effortless Spanish charm. Also, let’s be real for a second, this might be one of the safest, smartest fashion choices out there for men who are a bit… let’s say style-confused. It’s clean, put-together, and honestly kind of impossible to mess up. Minimal effort, maximum polish.
During my little fashion safari (aka shamelessly staring at men — and yes, even turning my head if someone looked particularly interesting.), I also noticed the evolution: the classic pijo moccasins — the ones that look like they time-traveled from the 80s are slowly being replaced by sleeker, more Italian-style loafers.
Moccasins Castellano
So, what exactly makes a Cayetano?
Let me break it down:
The Quilted Vest
A key piece for autumn, usually worn over a sweater or a button-down. It’s practical, classic, and adds a polished touch to casual outfits.
Varsity Jackets
They add a sporty, youthful touch to the look and are often layered over knitwear or shirts during the cooler months.
Sporty-Cool Essentials Perfect for more casual days. This version of the look typically includes:
- Relaxed-fit jeans
- A pastel or neutral-toned sweatshirt (brands like Hutton are popular)
- A baseball cap
- Clean, stylish sneakers
Branded items are acceptable, but logos are usually subtle and not too bold.
Modern Preppy Combos
These outfits often include:
- A knit vest over a basic T-shirt
- A tucked-in button-down shirt
- Chino trousers
- Leather loafers or boat shoes
- Stylish Converse or similar low-profile sneakers
The color palette tends to be understated — navy, olive green, beige, brown.
Everything is neat, simple, and thoughtfully put together, with a preference for quality and timeless pieces.
If you’re thinking of trying the look (or dating someone who rocks it — I see you 👀), here are a few places to start:
- El Capote
- Scalpers
- Massimo Dutti
- Silbon
- and deathless Castellano
I’ll be dropping the full Cayetano shopping list (yes, including shoes and accessories) in the upcoming The Spoiled Queen’s Guide to Madrid: Fashion, Art & Design, so stay tuned.
Until then — what’s your style? Would you ever try the Cayetano look?
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