When it comes to choosing a suit, it’s important to find one that works for you. Sure, tailoring is one of the oldest male fashion art forms but that doesn’t mean you have to let your uniqueness fall by the wayside.
Every modern man needs a good tailormade suit that works with their lifestyle. For the best clothes tell the story of who you are.
If you want that suit to tell a number of different stories for the different occasions and moods in your life, then opt for a navy colour. Unlike black, it can easily be dressed down for casual Friday or a first date, and it can easily be dressed up for a job interview or smart dinner. Wearing it with a white shirt is the classic, but the thing about navy is that it’s subtle enough to pair just as well with neckwear, sweaters or tees in any colour from burgundy to green.
Revisiting his fashion milestones (and faux pas), Priya Elan works out what makes a great suit – and finds the best clothes tell the story of who you are
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ABOVE
i’ve worn my corduroy suit
to the office and a wedding. I’ve also teamed the trousers with casual tops
“
A CUT
THE WARDROBE STAPLE
The Super 100s Birdseye navy suit from John Lewis & Partners is softly tailored on the shoulders, giving it a casual, modern vibe. You can buy it as separates or a three-piece. It’s crafted using Super 100s wool. This refers to the number of times the wool has been twisted – the higher the number the finer the wool, so this suit is fantastic value.
Now that lots of us are hybrid working, the dress code has drifted from “cool casual” to “smart cool”. Often, especially when I’ve been hot desking or temping, I’ve never really known what a dress code will be before I’ve gone into the office for the first time.
But there are ways of hitting that tailored look with a more casual tone while still ticking the boxes of style, comfort and class.
A tailored trouser or smart jacket will always be your reliable friend, giving you a sense of confidence when stepping into the unknown. Team your trousers with a soft knit like the Italian Cashmere V-Neck Jumper from John Lewis. Available in 16 shades, it is made from the finest cashmere to give a softer, smoother feel and is great as a luxurious layering option that
can be easily dressed up or down.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
with
QUERALT FERRER
Fashion design director at John Lewis
Cooler weather marks the return of one of the most elegant items in men’s tailoring, the overcoat. Perfect for layering over cosy textures, a quality overcoat seals an outfit with style, even when paired with a dress-down pair of Converse or a T-shirt.
The John Lewis heavyweight Double Faced Check Overcoat, featuring Prince of Wales check on one side and puppytooth on the reverse, is unlined to fit with modern tailoring and is perfect for wearing over layers. And the John Lewis classic Epsom Coat has been reworked for a more contemporary feel; its camel colour works particularly well with both light and dark denim.
If styling help is needed, John Lewis Personal Stylists offer free sessions in store and virtually to find ideal pieces for you – whatever the occasion or budget. Click here for more info.
John Lewis Merino Wool V-Neck Jacquard Jumper, Winetasting
John Lewis Supima Cotton Jersey Crew Neck T-Shirt, White
John Lewis Ecru Collar Cotton Rugby Shirt, Navy
John Lewis Epsom coat, £195
THE CORDUROY COMEBACK
The last two-piece I bought was also a bit of a showstopper but, I like to think, it is smart and unconventional enough for me to feel special.
Corduroy has made a comeback in recent years, especially with the rise of thrifting, since it’s such a durable fabric. I’ve worn it to the office and to a wedding, and I've worn just the trousers with casual tops. A great suit works as separates too.
The copper coloured corduroy jacket from John Lewis fits this bill exactly: it’s expertly tailored but also left of centre enough to cause a minor water cooler moment at the office. The jacket solo looks good worn casually, with a white T-shirt tucked into some denim.
For a smart casual look, I’d swap the tee for a soft-collared shirt or fine-knit roll-neck. And the best thing of all is that it’s easy to maintain, terrifically soft to the touch and will only get better with age.
I WOULD ADD A V-NECK JUMPER TO MY SUIT FOR A CLASSY, OFF-DUTY JAMES BOND VIBE
“
For a dash of personality add pocket squares, a bold tie or cufflinks. Or for a quick win, buy
a shirt in a shade lighter than you would normally try. It can make
a world of difference.
When I’m in the mood to be really different, I’ll put the suit itself in the spotlight. That was too true of my first ever suit: influenced by the charity shop garms of Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker, I borrowed a second-hand suit from a relative when I was a teenager. It was hazelnut brown and wide set.
Sometimes I would add cool separates, like a V-neck jumper to give it a classy, off-duty James Bond vibe. I felt very fancy when
I wore it for my first ever grown-up dinner party. In fact, the sizing was terribly off. It was more about the look: Patrick Bateman meets Young Americans-era David Bowie. At least, that’s what was going on in my mind. In reality I looked a bit like a Twiglet wearing a baked potato.
John Lewis Corduroy Jacket, £150; Trousers, £70
John Lewis Merino Wool V-Neck Jacquard Jumper, £70
John Lewis Check Overcoat, £295
John Lewis Super 100s Birdseye Jacket, £160; Trousers, £90
Shop our Autumn/Winter Menswear collection today – online, in store or by using the John Lewis app
Visit our Menswear Pinterest board for more inspiration
John Lewis Slim Fit Stripe Oxford Shirt, Blue
If you want that suit to tell a number of different stories for the different occasions and moods in your life, then opt for a navy colour. Unlike black, it can easily be dressed down for casual Friday or a first date, and it can easily be dressed up for a job interview or smart dinner. Wearing it with a white shirt is the classic, but the thing about navy is that it’s subtle enough to pair just as well with neckwear, sweaters or tees in any colour from burgundy to green.
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