Archive for April, 2023

Royal trend report

Here’s what the men in the royal family love to wear

 

GET OUTFIT INSPO FROM SOME OF THE MEN IN THE ROYAL FAMILY

Words: L. Thorpe

With King Charles’ coronation just around the corner, we took a closer look at men’s fashion in the Royal Family to find out their wardrobe favourites.

We analysed of the key members of the royal family at their public appearances and combined this with search data to discover the most popular items in royal wardrobes.

What style of suit is most popular for the royal family?

It’s no surprise that you’ll see most of the men in the royal family in suits for public appearances and events. But what style is the most popular? Two-piece suits are the most frequently worn suit style, though three-piece suits and waistcoats also make an appearance regularly. Sometimes it’s even more scaled back, with a trousers and shirt combo.

Classic morning suits are worn regularly for formal events, too. But for more relaxed events, the royals get a little more creative with colour, fabric choice and accessories. For the BAFTAs in 2023, Prince William wore a black two-piece suit in a velvet finish, accessorising the look with a classic bow tie. King Charles has been seen in grey suits and pinstripe suits, too.

What colour do the royals wear the most?

When it comes to their formalwear, the royals are usually found in a blue suit, most specifically navy blue, which evokes feelings of calmness and stability. There’s been a 200% rise in searches for navy tweed suits and a 300% rise in searches for navy checked suits recently, showing that the public are (quite literally) following suit.

King Charles and Prince William were spotted in a navy suit on Easter Sunday, with the King also favouring this traditional suit colour at the Platinum Jubilee Concert. Prince Phillip also regularly wore his navy blue military uniform to many events, and Prince Harry wore a bespoke single-breasted frock coat at his wedding.

When it comes to ties, the royals keep it neutral too, with black and blue being the most worn tie colours at events.

How do the men in the royal family accessorise?

Top hats are a popular accessory, especially for events like Royal Ascot, where there’s a pretty serious dress code for those in the royal family. They need to wear black or grey morning dress, which includes a waistcoat and a top hat and usually has a morning coat with tails, a collared shirt, waistcoat, tie or cravat and formal trousers. King Charles was also seen in something similar at the Queen’s Garden Party.

The royals often accessorise with a classic tie or bow tie and pocket square, too. They’re also sometimes seen carrying umbrellas, which is a must when you’re trying to stay looking sharp in the Great British weather.

Who’s the most stylish male in the royal family?

When it comes to the most talked about for all things fashion and style on social media and in online searches, Prince Harry comes in first place. Whether it’s his wedding suit, what he wears for Ascot, or his more casual fits.

He’s closely followed by Prince William and Prince George (who’s in top place for the number of searches related to his outfits).

Want to dress like a royal? Take a look at men’s suits and boys’ suits at Moss.

Posted April 27th, 2023 in Style.

How to wear a tweed suit now

The menswear classic respun.

tweed suits

HOW TO WEAR TWEED NOW

THE MENSWEAR CLASSIC RESPUN

• WORDS: L. HOLMES

Originating in Scotland in the nineteenth century, tweed soon earned the reputation as the go-to textile for the high-born country living set; they quickly realised that clothing fashioned from this sturdy weave was excellent at keeping the cold at bay while they were galavanting about outdoors. And although its popularity may have waxed and waned over the last one hundred years or so, today it’s still a fabric that a style-conscious man automatically turns to when there’s a decided nip in the air. Only this time, tweed looks just as confident when worn in town as it does in the country.

DOES THAT MEAN I CAN WEAR A TWEED SUIT TO WORK?

Of course: tweed is that rare breed of a fabric that has successfully morphed from countryside uniform to workplace-ready togs, so whether you’re working at the office or from home these days you really can’t go wrong (though we suggest you leave off the tweedy hunting cap). Our newest tweed suits are slim cut, lightweight and breathable – faultless working arsenal styled with a shirt and tie for meetings with the boss, or with a T-shirt for a look that’s pulled together but completely at ease.

WHAT ABOUT COLOURED TWEED – HOW EASY IS IT TO PULL OFF?

Coloured tweeds are so easy to wear in your day-to-day life, that you’ll end up wondering why it’s taken you so long to get on board. For those a little hesitant of wearing colour, you’ll find the texture and tweed’s matte finish tones down vivid colours. A khaki tweed suit is definitely less out-there than wearing, say, a linen suit in the very same shade.

For a subtler take on colour, try a tweed with a contrast-coloured check. Team yours with tonal separates (some knitwear and tailored trousers, for example) as an assured take on the trend.

SOUNDS GREAT, BUT CAN I WEAR TWEED WHEN I’M NOT WORKING TOO?

Yes, and with the minimum of effort on your part: wear your tweed trousers with a roll-neck jumper or a T-shirt for an uncomplicated yet contemporary feel. Not only will this balance the bolder tweed off against such simple basics, but it also ticks the box for comfort – a non-negotiable whatever your plans these days.

Posted April 21st, 2023 in Style.

Black tie weddings: crack the sacred dress code with our tips for men

Here’s a quick guide to the black tie wedding dress code for men, so you can confidently show up looking sharp.

 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLACK TIE DRESS CODES

Words: L. Thorpe

Looking forward to an upcoming wedding but need inspiration for the strictly black tie dress code? Our quick guide to sophisticated black tie wedding attire for men will have you looking your best in no time.

What is a black tie wedding?

A wedding with a black tie dress code is as formal as it gets. The gents in the wedding party will be dressed to the nines, wearing black tuxedos and white dress shirts, likely accessorised with bow ties and cummerbunds.

Wedding guests are also expected to dress formally in a tuxedo or dinner suit with elegant accessories.

What sets tuxedos apart from regular suits? Tuxedo jackets have satin facing on the lapels, while standard suit jackets don’t. Tuxedo trousers have a stripe of matching satin running down the outer seam. This adds an extra touch of sophistication to the suit. Read more about tuxedos vs. suits here.

What should men wear to a black tie wedding?

Here’s what to look for when choosing your black tie outfit:

Shirt: This should be a white dress shirt, preferably in a style known as Marcella or piqué, meaning the fabric of the shirt has a naturally stiff cotton weave. Choose a shirt with a classic turn-down collar and white or black buttons. Your shirt should also have a double cuff (also called a French cuff), and you’ll need a smart pair of cufflinks to go with it.

Jacket and trousers: Wear a black dinner jacket or tuxedo jacket (the design must include buttons, pockets and satin lapels). Wear matching tuxedo trousers, which are high-waisted trousers that don’t have belt loops or cuffs. They should also have a satin stripe down the outer seam of each leg.

Pocket square: A flat-fold pocket square in your tux jacket will add a little colour and tie the look together. Choose a silk or linen pocket square in a colour that complements your tie but doesn’t match it.

Tie: Always wear a black bow tie for an event with a black tie dress code. The bow tie should be silk, hand tied, or pre-tied, but never a clip-on.

Shoes: Patent shoes in black are the ideal pairing for a tuxedo suit.

Waistcoat: Waistcoats are optional, but if you want to add one to your outfit, make sure it matches your suit. You could also wear a cummerbund instead of a waistcoat but never wear the two together.

Suspenders: Tuxedo trousers aren’t designed to be worn with a belt, so if you’re worried about a wardrobe malfunction or just looking to style your tuxedo with a finishing detail, suspenders are the way to go. Choose a high-quality fabric and a colour that complements your suit, like black, white or a dark neutral colour like navy or charcoal.

Modernising the black tie wedding dress code

You might find it ironic to hear that back in the 1880s, black tie was considered a way of dressing down rather than dressing up. Edward VII popularised the trend by wearing a silk suit (a smoking jacket and matching trousers) as a more comfortable alternative to the traditional knee-length tailcoat. Today, however, it’s one of our most formal event dress codes.

There are a few ways to put a modern spin on a black tie ensemble and add your own signature style. It’s all in the details – you can choose a colourful pocket square or a unique pair of cufflinks to make your outfit stand out.

More daring modern takes on the black tie dress code include wearing a velvet jacket instead of the traditional tuxedo jacket or replacing the traditional black bow tie with a much bolder colour. However, if you’re going to a wedding, it’s always best to stick with the classics – it’s considered bad form to wear something too flashy that will upstage the bride and groom. Channel your inner 007 with a time-honoured black tux and bowtie, and save the more adventurous style choices for another time.

For a black tie look that’s all about style and confidence, browse the selection of formal men’s attire from Moss.

Posted April 17th, 2023 in Black Tie, Hire-Black-Tie, Occasions.

Spring clothes: what to wear in between seasons, inspired by Fred

Because getting it right in between seasons isn’t always easy.

 

WHAT TO WEAR THIS SEASON, INSPIRED BY FRED’S LATEST EDIT

Words: L. Thorpe

Wondering what to wear now that the weather’s at that in between season where it’s sunny, cold and raining all in one day? Here’s our guide to putting together a spring outfit that’ll take you through to next season, inspired by Fred Sirieix’s latest Moss edit.

Overshirts and shackets

When the weather’s changing in spring, layering is key. Overshirts and shackets are a great way to update your spring clothes for this transitional season so you can stay warm or take it off and not overheat. You can dress them up or down easily and they go with almost everything. They’re an essential for day to night, too, as you can always layer up as the evening gets cooler. Skip the heavy fabrics and try out lighter options like linen and cotton.

Lighter colours and prints

Spring is the perfect time to lighten up your wardrobe and look at adding some different colours schemes in your outfit. Try adding a little colour or go for lighter colours like creams and whites. You can try light blues, pinks and greens, which are all on-trend this season for a fresh and modern look. It’s a great time to experiment more with colour, bolder prints and co-ordinating patterns.

Chinos

Chinos were made for this time of year, especially if you need to go into the office. Go for lighter colours or classic black for a style that’s easier to mix and match, whatever the weather and wherever you’re going. Pair with a classic pair of shoes, or something more casual like loafers, or even trainers for a touch of that spring/summer style.

Linen suits

Normally more of a summer vibe, linen suits are a great way to broach the period of time between spring and summer. They’re light, relaxed and easy to wear, especially as the weather gets a bit warmer and heavier fabrics don’t quite cut it. You can wear linen suits to the office, an early wedding or an outdoor event. Choose a lighter, neutral colour for an extra touch of warm-weather magic.

Lightweight sweaters and jumpers

Lightweight sweaters and jumpers are great for the transition from spring to summer. Layering is often the best option when the weather’s a little bit unpredictable. You can choose to make a statement in a bright colour, or a colour that complements your skin tone. If you want to keep it a little safer, choose classic neutrals to keep cosy on cooler days. Wear them with chinos and layer with your favourite jacket for a style for all seasons.

Short sleeved shirts

Short sleeved shirts are a must-have for spring. They’re comfy and lightweight, so they give a more casual feel to any outfit, though you can wear them for work and more formal occasions, too. They’re perfect for heading to the office in the warmer weather, going on a date, or going for a couple of drinks after work. Again, you can experiment with colour, patterns and fabrics. Pair them with a casual trouser or tailored shorts if you’re feeling the heat.

Trainers and casual shoes

You can ditch your boots for something a little lighter and more casual, like your favourite trainers or loafers. You can wear them with whatever you like and for any type of event. Go for a classic pair of white trainers or a simple pair of suede loafers. Whether you’re heading to a festival, chilling in a beer garden, or going out for a stroll, trainers or loafers are both great options. Just remember to add some suede protector if that’s your go-to loafer style.

Posted April 14th, 2023 in Style.

How to dress a page boy

Prepare for the little guy to steal the show.

HOW TO DRESS A PAGE BOY

PREPARE FOR THE LITTLE GUY TO STEAL THE SHOW
• WORDS: A. FOZZARD

There’s nothing like a page boy to charm your wedding guests and steal the limelight. Page boys originated in the medieval times as young servants to noblemen, but they’re now only really a feature of weddings – and mostly for the cute appeal.

A page boy’s role in a traditional wedding is to carry the bride’s train as she walks down the aisle, but mostly all that’s asked of them is to look the part and be a delight. Most kids find it pretty easy.

The trickier part is dressing a page boy to look smart, coordinate with the wedding party and feel comfortable. Here’s how it’s done.

WHAT DOES A PAGE BOY WEAR?

A page boy’s suit is usually the same as the groomsmen’s but smaller. Luckily, we’ve made our bestselling men’s styles available to hire (or buy) for little ones. Tailored to suit his proportions but in a cut that mimics the smart lines of the grown-ups’ styles, they make it easy for you to get the oldest to youngest styled in sync. After something more formal? He’ll look particularly adorable in our downsized tails and kilts.

If he’s really close to the groom, you could put them in the exact same outfit while giving the groomsmen a contrasting waistcoat – that way, he’ll definitely look like the guest of honour.

BROWSE BOYS’ HIRE SUITS

CHOOSING A COMFORTABLE PAGE BOY OUTFIT

A grumpy page boy is never ideal, so it’s worth taking extra effort to make sure he feels comfortable on the day. Our boys’ suits for hire are cut to give him plenty of room for running around and tearing up the dancefloor. And we’ll do all the measuring to make sure it fits beautifully.

An extra tip would be to opt for a suit with a high percentage of wool as the natural fibre encourages airflow to keep him cool. These suits are generally pretty good at avoiding creases too, which is a real perk when it comes to the photos.

If it’s really hot or he’s not a fan of wearing a suit, you could just put him in the trousers and waistcoat. He’ll still look smart as the waistcoat will keep his shirt in place. Another option is to let him change his shirt and waistcoat to a t-shirt later on in the day.

And don’t worry about him growing out of his suit before the day arrives. You only need to get him fitted six weeks in advance, and we can always do a re-sizing nearer the time if you think he’s grown.

HOW TO STYLE A PAGE BOY

Most people tend to style their page boy just as they’ve styled their groomsmen and being able to hire pre-tied cravats, patterned ties and top hats in kids’ sizes makes this possible. On the flip side, if you want to give him a gift to say thank you, a tie you’ve bought him to wear on the day works well.

You could even let him choose his own accessories (perhaps from a pre-vetted selection) so he feels included in the process. Or maybe just leave it to something like his socks if you’ve already decided what you’d like him to wear.

PAGE BOY SHOES

Given that he’s likely to grow out of new shoes in a few months, you won’t want to spend lots on a pair he’ll wear for one day. See if he already has a pair he can wear (like his school shoes) or consider letting him wear some smart sneakers he can wear again. If you do buy him new page boy shoes for the day, allow plenty of time for him to wear them in first.

DRESSING A YOUNG WEDDING GUEST

If you’re attending a wedding with a youngster, you don’t want to cause a stir by upstaging anyone in the wedding party. Hire a children’s suit for a wedding, ideally in a darker shade that won’t show up any stains after he’s rolled around in the grass or spilt a drink. Take your cues from the invitation as to the colour scheme of the day and go for a different shade so he doesn’t look like the page boy.

HIRE BOYS’ SUITS

Posted April 6th, 2023 in Hire-Weddings.

The spring coat guide

Get decked out for going out.

 

THE SPRING COAT GUIDE

Words: C. Stewart

You might not like it, but coat season is continuing through to spring. Slightly better news: your winter coat might be a bit too warm to keep on wearing as the weather warms up.

So, here are a few light-to-midweight options (and a heavier one just in case) to keep you cosy as the weather changes. Whether you’re taking on early colder-weather commutes or you’re getting back to pub gardens, a good outerwear line-up will see you through.

SHOP COATS

For full outfit points

Your coat shouldn’t be an after-thought. What’s the point in putting together a well-planned outfit if your poorly considered outerwear lets down the side? A more relaxed blazer is a failsafe choice, but choose one with standout detail (like a colourful check and bouclé texture) for true outfit-crowning status. Anchor it with solid-coloured chinos and accessories that call on the shades in the jacket.

For unpredictable weather

Spring should mean brisk days that get reliably warmer as the season sets in. The reality? Cold mornings that transition into bafflingly warm afternoons. When the weather can’t make up its mind, why should you? A lightweight jacket you can layer under something warmer is a super smart choice.

For when it’s properly rainy

When spring finally arrives, keeping dry jumps to the top of the priority list. But that doesn’t mean style should go out the window. A trench is just about the best thing you can put on if you want to stay dry and stylish. oOurs is made with breathable cotton for warm days, and a little room for layering if it’s still a bit chilly.

For those slightly warmer days

Again, for that unpredictable weather that swings in the opposite direction and brings cooler weather, you’ll need something a a bit warmer. Our knit bomber isn’t bulky, so you can still layer it, but it’ll offer more than enough warmth on its own when the temperatures drop.

Posted April 5th, 2023 in Style.