Archive for June, 2017

How to shop the sale like a pro

It’s sale time. A fine excuse to pick up a bargain or invest in something that might otherwise be a little out of your reach. But where do you start? With so many sales on at the same time, and so many items to catch your attention, it’s hard to know how to get the best return on your hard-earned cash.

If anyone knows what makes a good purchase, it’s our buying team, so we’ve enlisted their expertise to help you shop the sale like a pro. Their advice? Go in with an occasion or a certain look in mind. Here’s their pick of the smartest buys in our summer sale:

 

 

Got a wedding coming up? Break free of the same old suit you pull out every time and use the opportunity to try something new for less. An ice-blue suit is a crisp option for summer occasions and makes a great alternative to greys or darker blues. This version also comes in all 3 of our fits – skinny, tailored and regular – so there’s an option for every shape and build.

 

A coordinated sky blue knitted tie and pocket square is an unexpected choice for weddings and this matching set makes it simple to stand out against more traditionally dressed guests. The sale’s also a great opportunity to upgrade your white shirt with a textured jacquard version and pick up a pair of always-wearable brown dress shoes, such as this stylish monk pair by John White.

 

Though it’s a trend-led option, an ice-blue suit offers remarkably versatile styling opportunities. Switch out the white shirt for a pastel blue or pink version and either keep things tonal with darker blue accessories or take advantage of sale prices to be a bit bolder with colourful floral braces.

 

 

Maybe you’ve left it to the last minute to get your outfit sorted for prom (we understand – it happens). If that’s the case, may we suggest a skinny fit grey 3-piece suit as a great investment that will see you stylishly suited up for prom night and beyond? Add interest with bright and bold accessories. Top tip – look out for ties with tie bars included to get even more bang for your buck.

 

Already got your prom suit? Use the sale to pick up a standout shirt to amplify your prom look.
From puppytooth to floral to a slick black version: anything goes, so be brave!

 

 

By the time the middle of the year rolls around, it’s easy to feel a bit stuck in a rut with what you wear to work every day. Now’s a great time to invest in something a little more interesting that’ll refresh your weekday wardrobe now and still work when the new season kicks in.

Texture was key for this season and will continue to be for AW17 and beyond. Why not upgrade your daily uniform with a textured wool suit in on-trend airforce blue or silver grey?

 

Now you’ve got the base sorted, brighten up your business look for the summer with light blue, pink and lilac. Carry on the textured theme with geometric or striped patterns – a simple way to lift a so-so look to something much more interesting.

 

And finally, pick up some classic accessories that’ll see you through the rest of the year and into next, such as leather brogues or monk shoes and pastel-patterned accessories.

 

How to up your shirt game

Sleek, supple, resilient: Serving up our extra slim fit stretch shirt.

Our most streamlined fit is cut close around the back, chest and shoulders to enhance your form. Crisp, cotton-rich fabric is woven with a touch of nylon and elastane for unbeatable resilience, unrestricted mobility and all-day comfort.

Designed to stretch as the body moves and bounce back to its original form, it works hard to maintain its shape (just like you do). Tailored to hug your frame and finished with a smooth sheen so you look at the top of your game, morning ’til night.

 

 

From essential white to office-ready pastels and deep hues for after-hours, our stretch shirt collection is updated each season in of-the-moment colours and patterns.

All rounded off with an easy-care finish, meaning less time getting dressed and more time for play.

Game on.

 

Man of the hour

Your Pre-Match Routine

This is it. Prom night’s here. It’s time to get your game face on. An hour is more than enough time if you use it wisely. Consider this your pre-match routine.

Organise

Mints. Wallet. Phone. Get them all in one place. If you’re getting a lift to prom (or even bag the ultimate ride to prom), throw an umbrella in there. Rain will not – I repeat – will not wreck your look.

Clean up

Have a shower (obviously). Clean behind your ears (trust me: if you’re lucky enough to get someone else’s face close enough to yours, you’ll be glad you did). Brush your teeth (ditto). Sort your nails out. I’m not suggesting a full-on manicure (but by all means, feel free), just the bare minimum of short and, importantly, clean.

Groom

Whether you’ve reached the giddy heights of a full beard or are still in the facial furniture starting blocks, you need to groom it. Shave it, condition it, or sculpt in some elaborate design. Whatever floats your boat, mate, as long as it’s tidy.

Barnet

Get it in order. Hopefully you’ve booked in at the barber’s well before the last hour, but now’s not the time to experiment with a whole new look. A quick tidy up is essential and a bit of styling product never hurt anyone.

FRAGRANCE

Preferably not your dad’s and definitely not too much of it.

Suit up

It’s time to get decked out. Your suit and shirt are ironed, your shoes are polished and your accessories are absolute ballers. Put them all on. Now, check out the man in the mirror. Feel free to give him a few words of praise and get ready to receive a whole lot more.

Suit goals

5 men you really, really want to look like

Obviously it should be me at the top of this list, but since we’re here, these gents also know a thing or two about wearing a suit. Look and learn, lads:


Image: Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock

Tom Hardy

You don’t see Hardy kicking about in a suit every day, but when he does suit up, he doesn’t muck about.

A 3-piece suit. Pattern. Killer accessories. Does he look scared? No.

He also looks like he’s just been roughed up a bit. Notice I said, “looks like”, gents. We’re here for a good time, alright?


Image: REX/Shutterstock

John Boyega

Look, I appreciate the single black glove might be a bit much. The bold colour though? This is a man who’s not afraid to stand out in a crowd.

Roll into prom wearing something like this and I guarantee you’ll have everyone’s attention.


Image: Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

Riz Ahmed

A slick tux is the ultimate evening look for any self-respecting man. You know what’ll give you the edge, though? Being man enough to wear one in head-to-toe blue.

And if you really want to step up to the plate, make like Riz here and add in a coordinated blue bow tie.


Image: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock

Tinie Tempah

If there’s any time to bring out the big guns, lads, it’s prom. Take our friend Tinie here: absolutely bossing it in an embellished silver grey suit.

And as much as I’m an advocate for accessorising, a suit this sick needs nothing more than a plain black shirt and patent shoes so shiny you can admire your reflection in them. Trust me: you’re gonna want to.


Image: MediaPunch/REX/Shutterstock

Eddie Redmayne

Not feeling the spangles? Sticking to suave is a sure route to success. Fact.

Nothing says you’re the (gentle) man like knowing how to pull off the classics. Here’s Eddie showing how to play a blinder in a traditional double-breasted number.

Does it look like an old man’s suit? No – because he’s nailed the three P’s: proper fit, peak lapels and polished shoes. Got it? Good.

Absolute tunes

The Prom Father’s playlist

So, the big night is finally here. Your suit’s sorted. You’ve bossed your accessories. All that’s left to do is to put it all together and get pumped for prom night.

Any man worth his salt knows that getting ready is all part of the game plan. You think McGregor hits up the ring without getting in the zone? No.

Whether you’re getting the lads round or prepping solo before you hit prom, you’re going to need a banging playlist.

So here it is.

I think the phrase you’re looking for is
‘thank you’.