6 SUITS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 23

START BUILDING A WARDROBE THAT’LL SET YOU UP FOR THE WHOLE SEASON

Your school uniform days might well be behind you, but September’s back-to-it energy is still an exciting prospect as far as your wardrobe is concerned. The idea of stocking up on chunky knits, coats and scarves, however, can feel premature while the weather’s still fairly mild.

Our suggestion? Shop smart at the start of the season and start building a wardrobe that’ll see you through whatever winter brings your way. Here’s our pick of staple shirts, knits and chinos that’ll ease you back into weekday routines now and layer up nicely when it gets colder too.

Relaxed chinos

Meet the new chino even non-chino guys can get behind: the worker chino. Our relaxed take on your workhorse navy chino has been engineered for comfort with a roomier fit, an elastic waistband and an adjustable drawcord. Wear yours with trainers and a lightweight knit now and then match their casual lines with a chunky knit and boots when it’s colder. And, as all good wardrobe building blocks should be, they’ve been designed for styling versatility: tuck the drawcord in for a more streamlined look that will go with a shirt when you need to be more formal too.

 

Zip neck polo

If you’ve lived in pique-cotton polos over the summer, you’ll appreciate our autumnal take. Spun as a mid-weight layer with soft merino wool, our long sleeve knitted polo will regulate your temperature, meaning it’ll keep you cool on days it’s still unseasonably warm, and cosy when it’s actually cold out too. We’ve topped it with a zip for a sportier take on the traditional buttoned placket, while its light grey tone will work with pretty much any colour you throw its way.

 

Checked overshirt

The seasonal shift calls for a transitional layer that slots easily into your wardrobe. An overshirt’s great for taking summer’s t-shirts into autumn and then beefing up light knits when the weather turns. Our checked overshirt is crafted in Italian wool-cotton blend fabric with a trans-seasonal weight that’s just right when you’ve no idea what the weather’s going to do, but will also be streamlined enough to wear under coats when it’s colder too.

 

Merino-wool hoodie

The hoodie’s found its place in our daily wardrobes, but that doesn’t mean your worn-in favourite is going to cut it. Our light knitted hoodie will lend tailored outfits a cosy, casual feel but still feel put-together. And because we want it to look reliably great with repeated wear, we make ours with a blend of merino wool and flexible fibres for shape retention and less bobbling even with repeated turns in the washing machine. So you’ll be wearing this one under suits, shackets and coats right through the season.

 

Washed Oxford shirt

After a summer of airy fits, autumn presents an opportunity to step things up a little again. An Oxford shirt is a shirting staple that hits between smart and casual with its trademark button-down collar. We tailor ours from pure cotton that’s been washed for softness and has mechanical stretch (meaning the stretch comes by the way the yarns are twisted, rather than added elastane). All this amounts to crisp style with all the comfort of an old favourite. Wear yours now to transition from summer’s short-sleeve shirts and layer it up under knits and shackets later.

 

Chunky loafers

When summer fades into autumn, it’s time to bid farewell to your sandals. A pair of chunky loafers presents the same slip-on ease but in a more refined way that we’re all ready for as we shift seasons. The highly polished finish has a pleasing back-to-school feel, while the chunky sole adds a modern profile that will helpfully lift you a centimetre or so above any autumnal puddles too. They’ll look great styled with tailored trousers and a knitted polo for office days now and will see you right through autumn’s weddings and other smarter plans too.

SHOP NEW IN

 

WHAT TO WEAR TO AN AUTUMN WEDDING

Their big day, your chance to take it up a notch

Wedding invitations sometimes come with strict dress codes, and it’s your duty as a guest to do your best to keep to that dress code. But, if you’re having trouble decoding what a dress code means, you might be feeling a little stumped as to what to wear. And if the weather’s unpredictable, as it can be in autumn in the UK, that brings more challenges with it.

Embrace colour

Add texture

Go for pattern

HERE’S WHAT TO WEAR TO WEDDINGS, WORK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Words: L. Thorpe

Looking for a guide on what to wear for (almost) every occasion? Our ideas for how to dress in any situation will help you to make the most of your look, wherever you’re headed. It’s true that sometimes rules are made to be broken, but this guide will help give you some ideas for maximum style with minimum effort.

What to wear to a wedding

First things first; if you’re a wedding guest, it’s a good idea to check what the dress code is (if there is one). It’s normally written on the invite and will give you a bit of direction for your outfit. The second thing to check is what the wedding party are wearing. While it’s not the worst thing in the world if you’re in a similar colour to the groomsmen, you might want to skip any confusion.

With a wedding, a 2-piece suit is usually a safe choice when the dress code is more casual, or a 3-piece suit for when it’s more formal. If you want to keep it classic, go for neutral colours like stone and beige or brown and add some colour with a patterned tie and pocket square. Smart shoes are the way forward at a wedding too – remember those photos stick around for a long time! A double Monk or Oxford shoe are a classic choice, while a chunky loafer is a more contemporary option.

Heading to a summer wedding? A linen lounge suit is great for staying cool and smart. Style yours with a tonal knitted tie or lose it completely for a more relaxed feel. You can also try a lightweight flannel, or a tweed in a summery shade to add some texture. Weddings are a great opportunity to try a style you wouldn’t normally wear, like a pastel colour or a more out-there print. It’s important to feel confident, whatever you’re wearing and wherever you’re going.

Our wedding dress code guide goes into even more detail about what you need to wear to a wedding.

What to wear to an interview

The way we dress for work has changed. While a few offices are still going for a full suit and tie look, most places have really relaxed their dress code. Despite this, it’s usually best for an interview to err on the (smarter) side of caution. You might not plan on wearing a suit or formal trousers every day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the right impression at your interview by dressing up a little.

An unstructured jacket, such as our Italian-made light grey pinstripe, combined with contrasting trousers or a more relaxed suit shape can help take the formal edge off your interview outfit. For somewhere a bit more corporate, try a neutral toned wool suit with added stretch such as our blue check performance suit, with a smart open-collar shirt.

Make sure to do a bit of research into the company culture and dress code before you head to your interview. Think about the type of role you’re interviewing for too – it’s not always the case, but the more senior the role the more you might be expected to dress smartly. Get more info on what to wear to nail that interview in our four interviews, four looks guide.

What to wear for work?

As mentioned, the working wardrobe has changed over the last few years. Though there’s been a clear move to hybrid working and working from home, many people are still heading out for meetings, events and office days. So what should you wear for work now?

Like an interview, it’ll depend on the workplace and their dress code, but you can take your lead from your colleagues and the type of work you do. It might mean for days that you’re in the office with meetings and clients, you’re dressed more formally in a two-piece suit with a shirt and tie, or maybe styled down a touch with a zip knit.

But when you’re heading in for an informal meeting you can wear what you want. We suggest an tee paired with a shacket or overshirt, like our tobacco cord overshirt – both add a smart touch to a casual look. Then, add some chinos and a chunky sole shoe or a smart trainer. When it’s hot, try a relaxed but tailored linen twin-set with a white t-shirt.

Want some tips on wearing a suit at work? Here’s what you need to know about business suits.

What to wear for a black tie event?

So, you’ve been invited to a black tie event but you’re not sure what to wear. First off, don’t stress – it’s actually easier than dressing for some other types of events as the dress code is really clear. For men, black tie usually means a black tuxedo or dinner jacket and trousers worn with a dress shirt, cufflinks, bow tie and patent leather shoes. It’s really that simple.

However, you can still get more creative with black tie too. Adding a bit of colour, like a midnight blue suit or a colourful velvet jacket like our burgundy take, is one way to show some of your personality so you don’t blend in with the crowd. You can also go a bit more relaxed with a double-breasted tuxedo jacket in a more casual fabric, or by adding a normal tie or shoes that work better for your style. While this isn’t black tie, strictly speaking, you can judge if it’ll be appropriate by what kind of event it is and what other people will be wearing.

What to wear on holiday

The world is (quite literally) your oyster when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Of course, it all depends on where you’re going, who you’re going with and how long you’re going for. You also need to consider what you’re planning to do when you get there; in general, if you’re heading somewhere hot you can’t go wrong with a selection of T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, trainers, some short sleeve shirts and linen trousers. Having different weights of t-shirt won’t hurt either – depending on your destination, a heavyweight tee like our taupe crew neck can be worn on its own or layered under overshirts if it’s a little cooler.

For easy summer style, layer a cuban over a t-shirt or vest and add some relaxed linen shorts. Or try a co-ord set for a look that you can mix and match or wear together, for a simple fit that looks anything but. Another way to lift your holiday look is by trying out different textures and fabrics – towelling, pique, and linen all look amazing for summer. A linen suit or a linen shirt with white chinos make smart summer evening looks, and look all the better a little bit crumpled which makes them suitcase friendly too.

Want more tips on what to take and how to pack? Here’s how to travel in style.

What to wear on a date

Whether it’s a first date or date night with your partner, what you wear should be led by where you’re heading and what you’re doing. For a dinner date, try a double-breasted jacket over a light knit with tailored trousers and chunky loafers. For a more casual date, denim always works – try a straight-leg pair with a skipper-collar jumper or a printed shirt. Or go for a layered look by pairing an overshirt , like our light grey knitted overshirt, with a good quality T-shirt and a pair of chinos.

If you’re doing something more active (mini golf, perhaps?), you want to feel comfy but still look put together. This is where smart joggers come into it. The key is how you wear them and what you wear them with. Choosing smarter pieces or more structured tops to go with drawstring trousers takes it from sports day to date night. An unstructured jacket, rollneck jumper or t-shirt-and-open-shirt combo all look great with this relaxed fit.

Stuck for ideas with an in-between venue in mind? You can always layer an overshirt or blazer with your outfit if you’re not sure of the vibe.

If you need some date ideas and some style tips for each date, then read our guide.

What to wear for a night out?

A night out can be a ton of different things, so first of all check out where you’re going and if there’s a dress code. You don’t want to be the only one in trainers, watching your mates get ushered through the entrance while you wait outside. A smarter jacket over a shirt with a good pair of trousers usually works pretty well if you’re heading somewhere smarter.

If you want to add some colour to your outfit, a night out’s the good time to try out some prints. Paisley, stripes and checks all look good for a night out. A printed shirt, like our black and white abstract shirt, looks great with a heavier-weight pair of trousers when it’s cooler, or with linen shorts in summer. Throw an unstructured jacket on top if you need to elevate the look a bit.

Clubs or bars have slightly less formal dress codes (depending on where it is of course), so you can get away with a premium t-shirt or a short sleeve shirt and trousers. An Oxford shirt is also a great smart-casual hybrid and is easy to style with a pair of chinos or denim. In colder weather, layering is your friend. Think knitwear, classic coats, trousers and boots.

Our party style guide has some more ideas for when you’re heading out.

What is smart casual?

Ah, the dreaded smart casual. What does it actually mean? It used to mean a more casual suit, so a blend of formal and (slightly more) laid back, though that’s changed a bit now. Essentially,  you can wear what you want as long as it isn’t fully relaxed (think joggers and hoodies) or too buttoned up like a suit and tie.

Dig a little deeper into smart casual right here: What is smart casual anyway?

WHAT SHORTS GO WITH WHICH SHIRT?

When it comes to the perfect casual summer uniform, shirts and shorts are the obvious choice. But, not all shirts and shorts combos are created equal. And, depending on how casual the occasion is, they might not all be appropriate for where you’re headed.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite shorts for summer and paired them with the shirts that we think work best. As always, and particularly with a casual combo like this, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice. But let this be a guide if you’re not sure where to start.

A LINEN SHIRT WITH LINEN SHORTS

 We love linen for summer because it’s lightweight and breathable. For those super hot days, go head-to-toe with the fabric and wear your linen shorts with a linen shirt. These shorts are pleated, which makes them slightly more formal than your average, and the shirt’s grandad collar gives it a slightly more trendy look than a typical button down. This look is perfect for a smart-casual look if it’s going to be super hot, or for a dinner out on holiday.

 

 

PIN-STRIPE SHORTS AND A POLO

 Another classic summer combo is shorts and a relaxed polo. It’s almost as casual as shorts and a T-shirt, but a bit tidier thanks to the polo’s collar and merino-blend fabric. Our pin-stripe shorts have a pleated front and a turned-up hem, which adds a bit of extra style. Wear this outfit pretty much anywhere this summer, from a garden party to a pub lunch to a park picnic.

 

 

RELAXED LINEN SHORTS AND A CUBAN COLLAR

 Again, linen is our favourite for the hotter summer months. Here, you get more neutral-toned linen shorts, which pair perfectly with a Cuban-collar polo. It’s a lot like a standard polo, but with a retro feel thanks to the open, almost lapel-like collar. If you’re going for darker shorts, choose a more neutral polo to keep it light and summery. Wear this pairing while on a city break, either during the day or to dinner.

 

 

 A LINEN-BLEND T-SHIRT AND PRINTED SHORTS

We all love neutral shorts we can wear with anything in the warmer months. But this year, why not try something a little different, like our retro printed shorts (which have a matching shirt, if you’re keen on a set)? If you want to let the shorts speak for themselves, pair them with a navy T-shirt, and you’ve got yourself a perfect daytime holiday outfit.

 

 A WHITE T-SHIRT AND TOWELLING SHORTS

Super-soft terry towelling is one of the most comfortable fabrics out there, and this summer, we’ve got a great pair of sage green towelling shorts. Think of them like elevated sweat shorts, perfect for a long day wandering around the city. This punchy green makes a statement on its own, so we recommend opting for a classic white T-shirt, or any solid colour that works with the green.

No matter what short-shirt combo you go with this summer, make sure each piece fits well and you’re comfortable. Apart from nailing the pairing, both of those things will help you feel most like yourself and maximise your confidence.

HERE’S WHEN YOU SHOULD HIRE A SUIT

Whether it’s a formal occasion, a corporate event, or a special celebration, the right suit can make sure you’re feeling confident and ready to go for your next event. But what if you don’t have a suit ready and waiting in your wardrobe?

That’s where suit hire steps forward. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common events and times you might choose to hire a suit, rather than buy one.

Black tie events

Black tie events are usually big on a formal dress code. Whether it’s a high-glamour gala, a prestigious awards ceremony or a lavish wedding, sticking to the dress code you’ve been given is essential. Hiring a suit for black tie events makes sure you’ll have a perfectly fitted tuxedo or dinner suit that helps you feel comfy and confident while still hitting the dress code.

Moss Hire gives you a choice of of classic and contemporary styles, so you can get one that’s the right fit for the occasion. If your black tie event is something that only happens every now and again, hiring rather than buying just makes sense.

Weddings

Whatever your role in a wedding, you might not plan on wearing your suit for a while once the big day passes by you, especially if you’re not a frequent suit wearer. If you’re the groom, best man or a guest, hiring a suit can be a good idea.

We even do group hire if you need something that matches for the wedding party. It’s one less thing to worry about and can make sure you look your best. For events like weddings, family events and formal fits, co-ordinating your suit can be key. Not only does group hire take the hassle out of the process, it means you’re not stuck with a suit that you won’t ever wear again.

You can dress for the occasion, wedding theme and your role in it without having to worry about your budget, storage or sustainability. Just three reasons why you should hire a suit for a wedding or celebration event.

Job interviews

First impressions matter, especially during job interviews. Dressing professionally demonstrates your commitment and respect for the opportunity. It can make the difference in whether you get hired or not, so putting in the effort can be well worth it.

Dressing to impress for a job interview is a good idea, but if your actual role calls for something a bit more casual, you might not want to buy a suit. That’s when hiring a suit can be a smart move; choose something like a lounge suit or a more relaxed tweed suit to make the right impact at your interview. Try and get a feel for the dress code before you go – we’re all for dressing well, but you don’t want to give off an impression that you won’t fit in. Try some less formal fits and fabrics like flannel, or pair a relaxed suit with smart trainers for a more casual feel that’s still interview-ready.

Race day

Race days are the perfect opportunity to dress up and look the part. But again, it’s a day or two in the calendar year, so if you’re not wearing a suit for other events, hiring a suit can mean you turn heads without blowing the budget – you can look a million bucks without spending it.

From impeccable tailoring to superfine fabrics, we’ve got it all. So why settle for anything less than extraordinary when you hit the races? Choose Moss Hire and for a race look that’s confident, comfy and fitted for you. Want to learn more about dressing for race day? We’ve got you with our race day guide on what to wear.

Graduations and proms

Graduation ceremonies and prom nights mark big milestones in life. These events usually call for formal fits that reflect the importance of the occasion. However, they’re usually one-offs so your bank balance might feel better if you look at hiring a suit rather than buying one. Plus, you can pick up on the latest suit trends. It also means that if your height or size changes a little, you don’t end up with a suit in your wardrobe that you can’t actually wear again.

Hiring a suit for prom or graduation lets you celebrate in style, while still feeling confident and dressed your best.

Corporate events and conferences

Got a work event coming up where you need to dress to impress? Corporate events, conferences and seminars often need a smart and professional look, whether you’re presenting or attending. Hiring a suit means you can choose a stylish outfit to suit the occasion – no last minute panic or wearing something that you don’t feel good in.

If you’re not at events every week, or you want to make an impression for these special events, our hire collection helps you to hit the mark. You can look great, feel confident and feel stylish.

Thinking about hiring a suit for your next event? Here’s a rundown on how to hire a suit, or head straight to our suit collection to see the styles and choices you can hire.

HERE ARE THE MOST STYLISH CELEBRITIES IN MANCHESTER

With men in Manchester being crowned the most stylish in the UK, we dug even deeper into the data to find out who the most stylish Mancunian celebrity is ahead of their second-biggest store opening in Manchester Arndale.

We looked at search data, popularity on social media, and fashion news stories to decide who the most fashionable man in Manchester is. From Marcus Rashford to Karl Pilkington, Aitch and Amir Khan, we did the research to find out which male celebrities are showing off their Manchester style.

Who’s Manchester’s most stylish male celebrity?

Based on the data, the most stylish celebrity from Manchester is none other than actor Ryan Thomas. Known for his iconic role on Coronation Street, stretching over 16 years, and his stint on Neighbours, Ryan’s no stranger to staying in style, regularly showcasing his looks to his one million Instagram followers.

Whether he’s keeping it casual in summer suiting, layering linens, or sporting a stylish Moss top hat and tails at Royal Ascot, Ryan’s top of the list in the style stakes. His brothers Adam and Scott are also on Manchester’s best-dressed list, coming in at number 13 and 14.

 

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Top 10 most stylish Manchester celebrities

Manchester’s best-dressed celebrities includes actors, musicians, directors and sportsmen, showing the immense talent the city has to offer.

In second place is Liam Gallagher from Oasis and Beady Eye, who’s synonymous with Manchester’s ‘90s grunge style, along with Ian Brown, who tied for third place on the list with footballer Marcus Rashford.

And the Thomas brothers aren’t the only famous siblings on the list either. Noel Gallagher’s at joint fourth place along with director Danny Boyle. Tommy Fury and Tyson Fury also made the top 10.

Top 10 most stylish Manchester celebrities

1. Ryan Thomas
2. Liam Gallagher
3. Marcus Rashford / Ian Brown (joint)
4. Danny Boyle / Noel Gallagher (joint)
5. Max George
6. Tommy Fury
7. Jason Orange
8. Tyson Fury
9. The Blossoms
10. Aitch

 

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The best of the rest of Manchester’s stylish celebrities

Manchester’s actors, sportsmen, reality stars, presenters and musicians make up the rest of the most stylish from the city:

11. Amir Khan
12. Danny Jones
13. Scott Thomas
14. Adam Thomas
15. Callum Jones/Bugzy Malone (joint)
16. Dom Lever
17. Christopher Ecclestone/Ian Mackellen (joint)
18. Luke Baines
19. Ravel Morrison/Jamie Lomas/Danny Welbeck (joint)
20. Jordan Hames
21. Karl Pilkington
22. Zeki Fryers

Ready to add a little Manchester style to your wardrobe? Visit the brand new Moss Manchester store or make an appointment to speak to our menswear experts. With everything from style advice to suit hire, casualwear and Custom Made, you’ll find what you need at Moss Manchester and you’ll fit right in with the city’s most stylish.