STYLE. GROOMING. INSPIRATION. ADVICE.
STYLE ADVICE
Smart staff style
By Luke Keleher, 8 May 2016
A quality suit ranks among the most surprisingly versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe and can be dialled up or down, according to your individual style and the tone of the occasion you’re attending. Handy, eh? To this end, we challenged our most sartorially accomplished colleagues to put their unique spin on some suited and booted looks to inspire your smart – and not so smart – situation this summer. Take a look…
Fuss-free and straight down the line, Adam’s go-to wardrobe essentials include bomber jackets and slim-fit jeans. So when it comes to getting sprezzy for a wedding or whatever, it should come as no surprise that he settles for a relatively classic take on smartwear. Classic, however, doesn’t have to mean boring – you don’t need to match head-to-toe. Instead, experiment with different shades of the same colour, or contrast a pair of navy chinos against a grey jacket. Play it safe when it comes to accessorising, ensuring that your belt and shoes match. And go sans socks for a more casual take on things.
If you always grab a pair of Chucks and a shacket when you dive into your wardrobe, like Nick here, then you’re clearly a man of taste. Now, just because you’re heading to a wedding, there’s no need to turn your back on that and opt for something stuffy. Eschew greys and blues and keep things fresh in this season’s new neutral: khaki. Finish off with a crisp collarless white shirt for a contemporary twist on a wedding staple.
If your casual style errs on the indie side and features heavy doses of dark denim and popped collars, like Ben’s, seize the opportunity to play with powerful prints when it comes to formal dressing. Elevate yourself above the crowd and team your suit with a pair of suede Chelsea boots for an instant rocker vibe.
If your off-duty wardrobe bursts with more streetwear than Yeezy, like Matt’s, then why not channel that into your tailoring game this summer, too? Go full Kanye and play with proportions in a super-longline white shirt and layer a kimono jacket over the top. A pair of cuffed trousers partnered with smart black sneaks ensures you stay true to your roots, even when there’s a dress code to obey.
If like ASOS Insider Ashley you rep Scandi vibes all day, you’ll no doubt be looking for a way to fold this into your vibe for a wedding or formal occasion. You can’t get more typically tailored than a double-breasted jacket, but tip this on its head by rocking it over a crisp white tee. A simple pair of cropped trousers and white sock combo will pass muster with a summer dress code, while a pair of suede Wallabies will keep you dancing till your Uber arrives.
Editorial assistant Alex’s work wardrobe is a smörgåsbord of classic heritage-inspired pieces. This gentlemanly look translates really nicely into a formal look, especially when you get a tweed suit and brogue combination on the go. But for a refreshed riff on a this look, layering is key. Build the foundations with a fresh white tee, and button a boldly printed revere-collar shirt over the top.
Menswear buying assistant Pete is our resident prince of street luxe. And while he can usually be found nailing his layering with hoods and sweats, he doesn’t let us down in the tailoring department. A crisp grey suit can be given a casual overhaul in the form of a layered lightweight sweat over a longer-line white shirt. Chuck away your socks and opt for a bare ankle and lace-up Derbies for a formal look to rival the groom's.