Archive for the ‘Style’ Category

How to nail ‘90s fashion for men

Here’s how to take on this nostalgic trend.
epsom coat

HOW TO TAKE ON ALL THE LOOKS BACK FROM THE ’90s

Words: L. Thorpe

If you love a little nostalgia, you’ll love the ‘90s fashion trends that are back around. But, want to wear them without feeling like you’re stuck in the past? Here’s our guide for what to wear and what to skip this time around.

What ‘90s fashion trends are back?

The ‘90s were known for grunge, rave wear and hip hop fashion. Think a heady mix of biker jackets, combat boots, bright colours and oversized streetwear (though probably not all at once).

Ready to take your wardrobe back to the 90s in 2023? Here are the styles to add into your collection.

Denim on denim: This trend, which involves pairing a denim jacket with denim jeans, was a staple of ‘90s men’s fashion and is now back in a big way. While you don’t need to go full double denim, pairing a casual shirt with some black jeans can give a nod to the trend without feeling like it’s too much.

Graphic tees and printed shirts: ‘90s fashion trends all about bold, eye-catching graphics on T-shirts and shirts, and this is back in full force. Go for patterned overshirts over a plain top or match a graphic tee with a scaled back outfit for a touch of ‘90s style.

Baggy jeans: In the ‘90s, men’s jeans were often oversized and baggy, with a relaxed, slouchy fit. This style is now back in fashion, with many men opting for looser fitting jeans or even flared silhouettes. Go for wide-leg styles or size up if this is what you’ve been waiting for. But maybe throw on a belt this time around.

Bomber jackets: This iconic ‘90s bomber jacket, which features a ribbed collar and cuffs, is now a must-have for any fashion-conscious man. Get playful with styles, colourways and enhancements for a more modern twist on this classic style.

Tracksuits: In the ‘90s, tracksuits were a popular choice for both casual and athletic wear. This trend is now back in style, especially for casual wear. If you’re not feeling a full shiny tracksuit, then a shacket and joggers coord combo will do the trick.

Oversized sportswear, shirts and tees: Bigger was better when it came to hiphop-style clothing and streetwear. It couldn’t be easier to get the look either: just size up from your usual style. But be careful with your pairings and make sure it doesn’t just look like you picked the wrong size.

epsom coat

The ’90s trends to skip

It definitely wasn’t all better in the ‘90s, and some trends probably don’t need to come back just yet, unless you’re feeling like they’re the ones for you.

We’ve already mentioned polyester tracksuits, but these shiny, flammable outfits were synonymous with ‘80s and ‘90s style. You’ll probably have at least one photo of you at home rocking a crunchy tracksuit as a kid.

In terms of accessories, shell necklaces and velcro wallets were big ‘90s style, but we don’t have a particular urge to see them come back. The same with some of the plastic rave wear jewellery and neon lycra sportswear that were still in place in the ’90s.

How to style ’90s fashion for men

If you want to give a nod to ’90s fashion trends without looking like you got lost on the way to a fancy dress party, or like you time-travelled from 1995, it’s important to remember that sometimes less is more. Focus on one ’90s trend at a time, whether it’s an oversized top, sportswear, baggy jeans or a bomber jacket. Pick one statement piece and build the rest of your outfit with more modern fits and pieces. Head-to-toe anything isn’t usually the best indication of style.

Adding in accessories or experimenting with a scaled-back ‘90s style can help you feel more confident in your fit. A denim overshirt or a bold T-shirt can be a great ‘90s nod without going too far. You can also look for updated silhouettes and fits.

Ready to try out a laid-back ‘90s-inspired look? Shop casualwear at Moss for a ‘90s vibe with a modern update.

How to bring your outfit from day to night

Here’s how to take your favourite daytime look and switch it up for an evening out.
autumn colour

 

HOW TO TAKE YOUR DAYTIME LOOK AND READY IT FOR AN EVENING OUT

Words: T. MacInnis

‘Tis the season… for being super busy. And sometimes, being busy means you don’t have time to run home after work or your daytime plans to change before your night out. What you need to make your life easier is an outfit you can easily transition from day to night with one simple switch.

Whether you wear joggers during the day, a roll neck or a printed shirt, you can dress up pretty much anything with a velvet jacket. And this season at Moss, we have several colours and silhouettes to suit your style. Read on for outfit ideas.

christmas gifts for partner jumper
christmas gifts for partner jumper

A velvet jacket for your favourite worker joggers

If you work in a more casual setting or you just fancy more pared-back trousers, you might be looking to dress up worker joggers. Adding a velvet jacket, like this taupe one, will provide a nice textural contrast to your flannel joggers. Choose a contrasting shade as we’ve done above, or go with something tonal for a twist on a classic suit.

christmas gifts for partner jumper
christmas gifts for partner jumper

A velvet jacket for your favourite roll neck

Especially with the recent freezing temperatures, roll necks might be your go-to jumper this season. Lucky for you, a fitted roll neck in a lighter fabric, like our merino one, will look sharp under a velvet blazer. If you’ve opted for a black roll neck, try our brown velvet blazer with black satin lapels.

christmas gifts for partner jumper
christmas gifts for partner jumper

A velvet blazer for your favourite printed shirt

If you love to show off your personality with statement casualwear, and that means a shirt in a fun, retro pattern, you might want to soften it a bit for a more formal occasion. To achieve that, choose a velvet blazer in a shade that matches your shirt’s pattern, and go with slightly darker trousers.

What we love about velvet blazers is their ability to instantly make an outfit feel festive. They can also be worn as part of a full black-tie outfit throughout the whole year, so it’s well worth adding one to your wardrobe.

What coat to wear for what occasion

Not sure which coat is right for where you’re headed? We can help.
autumn colour

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COAT FOR WHEREVER YOU’RE GOING

Words: T. MacInnis

When it comes to coats, the same one doesn’t always work for every occasion. For instance, a rain mac might look a bit out of place at a wedding, and a double-faced Epsom might be a bit too fancy for the dog park. So, we’ve taken our range of coats for the season and highlighted where you might want to wear each them. Read on for all our suggestions.

autumn colour

A trench coat for your workday commute

A classic trench coat is a must-have in your coat wardrobe. You can wear it across seasons because it’s lightweight and easy to layer, qualities that make it great for travel, too. Our trench coat, in its unexpected navy tone, is ideal for throwing over your suit or more casual workwear for your morning commute. It won’t weigh you down, an it’s easy to pop off if it gets too warm on public transit. And, with the polished hardware and classic construction, you’ll always look smart.

autumn colour

A houndstooth slouch coat for date night

When you’re going on a date, it’s always important to show off your personal style. The best way to do that is in something that’s both statement-making and comfortable, like this houndstooth slouch coat. It strikes the right balance between form and function, which means it’ll work over both a lounge suit and a jumper and joggers just as well.

autumn colour

A double-faced Epsom for a winter wedding

A double-faced Epsom is built like an overcoat, but with a slightly longer silhouette. That’s what makes it perfect for wearing over a suit to a formal occasion, like a winter wedding. This one’s camel tone will also create a nice contrast if you’re wearing a darker blue or brown suit.

autumn colour

A mac coat for a rainy weekend

Especially living in the UK, you always need a reliable rain coat. Our light grey raincoat is both water and wind-proof, so you’ll stay warm and dry on those dreary weekends running errands or heading to the pub. Because it’s lightweight, you can also add a heavier layer or two underneath for extra warmth.

autumn colour

A blazer-style jacket for warmer days

In the same way UK winter weather can switch from sun to rain in minutes, it can switch back to warm. That’s when you need a lighter jacket that still feels winter-appropriate, like this checked one. Thanks to its bouclé texture and warm tones, it’ll work with all your autumn and winter outfits, and if you want to wear it on cooler days, you can layer a gilet underneath or a roomier coat overtop.

autumn colour

A gilet for a weekend walk

Speaking of gilets, they’re essential if you love layering come colder weather. But, they also look great as a top layer, worn with a contrasting piece of knitwear underneath. Our camel gilet brings unexpected texture with its flannel fabric, and it’ll offer nice contrast against darker pieces in your autumn wardrobe.

autumn colour

A bomber for a city break

If you’re travelling this winter, a versatile piece to wear on the flight and then wear everywhere is a bomber jacket. Our fig bomber is a standout in this season’s collection with its warm, wearable tone and removable fur collar to dress it down. Pair it with joggers for a more casual day out, and then with checked trousers for a dinner date.

No matter what jacket you reach for as you head out this winter, versatility and comfort are always key. And, if you want to get creative with layering some of these suggestions together, that’s always encouraged.

Take back your mornings

When we say zero iron, we mean it.

WHEN WE SAY NON IRON, WE MEAN IT.
SIMPLY WASH, HANG AND WEAR.

Did you know Twitter founder Jack Dorsey starts his day with 30 minutes of meditation? Or that billionaire Richard Branson fits in a kite-surfing session before he even opens his emails? The morning routines of the successful and powerful are all over the internet – and you know what none of them are doing with their mornings? Ironing their shirts.

Admittedly, the richest in this world probably have someone to do their ironing for them, but for the less-staffed among us, it’s time to take back our mornings. Because you’ve got better things to be doing.

Our non-iron shirts are crafted from 100% pure cotton in finest two-ply yarn so they’re soft, smooth and strong. Added moisture management wicks moisture away from your skin to the outside of the fabric where it evaporates, keeping you cool, dry and comfortable all day long.

We press our shirts before baking them in an environmentally-friendly process to lock in that just-ironed look, no matter how many times you wash them. And taped seams stay flat even after washing for reliable, all-over smoothness.

What’s more, our non-iron technology puts in a 24-hour performance, responding to your body heat to actively smooth out wrinkles on your shirt as long as you’re wearing it.

Because our non-iron technology is absorbed into our shirt, rather than coated onto the fabric’s surface, it retains a luxuriously soft, smooth handle. It also means the whole shirt stays wrinkle-free so you won’t lose precious time ironing crease-prone plackets and collars.

In short? It’s truly non iron – all over.

NEVER IRON AGAIN

Most iconic facial hair

The UK’s favourite facial hair styles, revealed.

 

THE UK’S FAVOURITE FACIAL HAIR STYLES, REVEALED

Words: L. Thorpe

Last month, we commissioned research on the UK’s favourite facial hair to find out what’s top of the ‘staches in 2022.

Combining search trends and social media insights, we found the most loved, most popular and most impressive facial hair styles, perfect if you’re in need of some style ideas for your moustache now that Movember is over.

Most loved facial hair styles

The classic handlebar moustache, a long style with curved ends, named after its resemblance to the handlebars of a bike, comes out on top with 85% of people saying they loved this style.

A soul patch, a tuft of facial hair below the lower lip, was the second most loved, followed by the walrus, a thick, bushy moustache style that drops over the mouth. You’ll have spotted the walrus on celebs like Tom Selleck, Henry Cavill and Joaquin Phoenix.

The style with the least love was the Shenandoah, a longer style of beard that sits under the chin with no other facial hair or moustache.

Most popular facial hair

The most searched-for facial hair is the Ned Kelly. This style of beard is named after 19th-century Australian bushranger and outlaw, Ned Kelly. It’s a full, luxuriant beard that’s accompanied by a moustache.

In second place is designer stubble, one of the most-seen celebrity facial hair styles. You’ll have spotted this on everyone from Brad Pitt to 50 Cent. The classic handlebar is sitting in third place when it comes to online searches.

The soul patch was the least searched-for style, despite it being one of the most loved facial hair styles around.

Most impressive facial hair

The most impressive facial hair, based on social media, is the Ned Kelly. This is followed by the toothbrush and the horseshoe. All three of these styles require dedication to growth, shaping and grooming to create a look that’s either fuller and longer than your average beard, or considerably more styled.

The horseshoe is a moustache/beard shaving combo that extends to the chin, you might have seen it on classic celebrities like wrestler Hulk Hogan. The toothbrush is a little more prim and proper. It’s tight, trimmed and with vertical (or almost vertical) styles. Think classic Charlie Chaplin.

Again, the Shenandoah came in last place for the most impressive facial hair style with just 3% of people deciding that it had the wow factor.

Best overall facial hair style

Based on popularity and what people are saying about them online, it’s joint first place when it comes to the best facial style overall.

The Ned Kelly and the walrus tie for first place as the facial hair of choice for most men. These iconic styles are full, fluffy and make an impact, so it’s no wonder they’re some of the most popular and most-loved styles.

Moss carried out this research in support of Movember, which took place last month. It’s an annual event where men grow moustaches throughout the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

A Christmas jumper that’s not just for Christmas

Choose a festive jumper you can wear for the whole season.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A CHRISTMAS JUMPER YOU’LL WEAR AGAIN

Words: T. MacInnis

Every year, when the festive season comes around, we get inundated with Christmas cheer. There are decorations everywhere, festive food everywhere, and Christmas-themed clothes everywhere. To get into the spirit, you might be tempted to buy an overtly-festive jumper. But, buying something so specific means you’ll wear it just once this year, and maybe again next year if you still like it.

So, to help you avoid doing that, we’ve rounded up all our latest and greatest jumpers that feel festive, but don’t overdo it. That means they’ll look great on December 25, and any other day that calls for something cosy. A much more sustainable and smarter buy, if you ask us.

 

 

 

First up, our merino zip-neck jumper. This is probably the most subtly festive of the bunch, but it’s the perfect neutral shade for wearing with more overtly Christmas-y tones like green or red. For instance, pair it with our fig jogger and you’ll be all set for Christmas lunch.

 

 

This chunky rollneck is by far our most festive jumper. With its cable knit and soft lambswool blend, it’s ideal if you’re headed somewhere snowy for the season. Equally, it’ll look great further into winter when temperatures keep on dropping. Wear this one with a tonal pair of chinos to let the jumper be the focus.

 

 

Colour blocking is a huge trend, and there’s no reason why you can’t apply it to your festive wardrobe. This jumper, with its varying tonal shades and lambswool blend, is an unexpected choice for the season, but one that’ll make you stand out amongst the sea of green and red. Wear it with our winter white corduroy jogger to keep it tonal and extra festive, and after Christmas, wear it with jeans.

 

 

This one’s for you if you like to be more literal with your Christmas look, but not too on-the-nose. Rather than a bright, fire-engine red jumper, go with something more more wearable like this wine zip-neck. Maintain that subtle look and wear it under a grey-brown suit, or with just the trousers if your event’s a little less formal.

 

 

 

Pretty much everyone looks good in blue, and it’s a trans-seasonal colour, which makes a blue jumper the perfect addition to your knitwear wardrobe. This one, with its lightweight feel and slightly greyed shade of blue, is perfect for Christmas. Wear it with checked trousers on December 25, then switch to a camel jogger to bring it into spring.

If you’re looking for a new Christmas jumper, before you buy, think about how it’ll work into your wardrobe and what you’ll wear it with. If you really love the texture, the fit and the versatility of it, you’ll know it’s a good buy. Then, you’ll wear it next season, next year, and hopefully for many more years after that.

Get ready for the festive season with Fred’s party picks

Not sure what to wear for the incoming party season? Fred Sirieix can help.

 

NOT SURE WHAT TO WEAR THIS PARTY SEASON? FRED SIRIEIX CAN HELP

Words: T. MacInnis

It’s party time! Well, it’s almost party time. And before you know it, your diary will be packed with loads of events, from Christmas jumper parties to office ‘dos to family dinners.

If you don’t think your wardrobe can keep up with all that socialising, we can help. Whether it’s a formal occasion you need a dinner jacket for, or you just need a new shirt to freshen up pieces you already have, our autumn/winter collection has your perfect party season outfit. Read on to see Fred Sirieix in our best partywear, and get a little inspiration for your own looks.

Go bold with a print

Sometimes, you just need one super special piece to go with stuff you’ve already got. That could be something as simple as an accessory, or it could be something punchy like a bold, printed shirt.

A floral shirt might seem out of place in autumn/winter, but this one with its muted black-and-grey is just right for the colder months. This look is ideal for a laid-back office party, a casual family affair or even a date during the festive season. You can also layer it under a suit if you want to dress it up and bring it on holiday for evenings out.

 

Keep it casual

Partywear doesn’t have to mean black tie or even a full suit. Think about the event you’re headed to, the venue or location and the people you know who will be there when you’re picking your outfit.

If the evening is super casual, a chunky white knit might be the right choice. Try pairing it with checked trousers for a bit of contrast. If it’s a city wedding and the couple is laid back, you might not need to wear the whole suit. A nice alternative to just removing your tie is opting to wear your waistcoat on its own. Whatever you choose for a more casual event, just make sure you look tidy and you’re comfortable.

A suit, with a twist

Does the occasion call for a suit? Again, think about the people hosting, the venue and the event itself, and consider whether you can put your own unique spin on your look.

If it’s black tie, make it extra festive and go for a plum velvet jacket with a matching velvet bow tie. If it’s more casual, instead of reaching for a grey or navy suit, why not try a teal suit? It’s not quite green, so you won’t feel to Christmas-y, but it’s still a fun colour that’s perfect for a party. It can also be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and a tie, or down with a knitted roll neck.

No matter the occasion or what you choose to wear, we hope you have a safe and happy festive season this year with friends and family. And we hope we’re able to help you look your very best as you celebrate the year.

Get the Peaky look with our ’20s-inspired accessories

All the accessories you need to fit right in to the Shelby family.

 

FINISH OFF YOUR PEAKY LOOK WITH THESE ACCESSORIES

Words: T. MacInnis

As tailoring experts with 171 years’ experience, we know a thing or two about suiting through the decades. That’s why we were chosen as the official outfitters for the brand new immersive experience, Peaky Blinders: The Rise. And along with suiting up the cast of the show, we’re also the perfect place to find an audience-ready outfit. Guests are encouraged to dress up while they take part in the Shelby family’s attempted take over of London, after all.

The essential flat cap

There is no more famous accessory from the Peaky world than the flat cap. It’s where the Birmingham gang gets their name, it’s where they keep their signature blades, and it’s the cornerstone of their iconic outfits. If you’re attending the show (or if you’re just looking to build out your hat wardrobe) you need one of these caps. We’ve got several colours and fabrications, so no matter your style or the suit you’re wearing, you’ll be able to find the perfect one.

The right shoes

Lucky for us in this rainy season, the gang tends to stomp around in boots. Whether you go black or brown, you’ll look Peaky-ready. If you’d rather a more classic brogue shoe, that’ll call on the Peaky look, too. Go with either tan, brown or black, depending on how much your want your shoes to stand out against your tweed suit.

1920s-ready ties

Are you channeling Tommy Shelby and Arthur, or are you going for more of an Italian look? Pick your favourite character, then nail those finishing touches with a tie style they’d reach for in a vintage-inspired fabric. Take it to the next level and complete your outfit with a tie bar.

 

Now that you’ve got your Peaky look sorted, get your tickets for Peaky Blinders: The Rise right here.

Best foot forward: men’s winter boots

Ready to put your best foot forward? You need our guide to men’s winter boots and how to take care of them.
mens winter boots

 

YOUR GUIDE TO MEN’S WINTER BOOTS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM

Words: L. Thorpe

The weather’s getting colder and wetter with every passing day, which must mean winter’s on the way. Here’s our guide to putting your best foot forward and choosing the right type of men’s winter boots.

mens winter boots

Types of men’s boots

Not sure what to look for when it comes to men’s winter boots? Here’s a rundown of some of the most common styles of men’s boots to choose from:

Chelsea boots are usually made of leather or suede with elasticated sides for a better fit and more comfort. They’ve been around since the early ‘60s and sometimes get called Beatle boots, thanks to their rise in popularity around the time when the band became famous. This style of boot sits somewhere between casual and dressy, so you can wear them almost anywhere.

A chukka boot is an ankle-high leather or suede boot that has a leather or rubber sole, laces and eyelets. It’s usually more of a casual style, so it’s better to wear them when you’re feeling a little more relaxed. They’re better with jeans or chinos than a suit. Sometimes chukka boots are called desert boots, but desert boots have a crepe sole rather than a leather or rubber one.

Hiking boots are pretty much what they sound like – they’re built with hiking in mind so tend to be supportive, waterproof and durable. They usually lace up for comfort and they aren’t always made with style in mind. Needless to say, they’re a more casual style that’s usually worn for more casual pursuits.

Cowboy boots probably don’t need too much of an explanation. You’ll have seen them – at least on film, if not in person. These are a pretty big style statement or are more commonly used as a working boot so if either of these are the look you’re going for.

Combat boots started out in the military but were quickly adopted by the punk movement. They’re heavy, chunky and totally stand out. They’re probably better suited as a work boot or something to wear in a casual setting, though your personal style is obviously totally up to you.

Which winter boots should you choose?

The type of men’s winter boots that you choose is totally up to you, your personal style and what you feel most comfortable in. It also depends on your lifestyle and where you live, work and travel. However, when it comes to keeping it practical, you’re probably best going for something waterproof, warm and durable in winter.

Leather or faux leather is a good choice for winter as it tends to keep the water out while still looking stylish and put-together. Suede styles look great too, but make sure you use suede protector before you head out into the rain or snow as they can get stained or water damaged.

It totally depends on where you’re headed, too. The type of boots you wear for a night out in November are probably different to what you’d wear on a winter walk the following week, so think about where you’d need to wear your boots and choose your favourite style to suit.

mens winter boots

How to take care of your men’s winter boots

Want to keep your boots looking good for longer? There are some easy steps (see what we did there) that you can take to keep your boots protected and staying their stylish best.

  • Protect your boots – invest in a protective spray to waterproof and repel dirt, liquids and stains. Make sure you follow the instructions and reapply regularly to keep your boots in check – it isn’t a ‘one and done’ job. This is especially important if you’re rocking a pair of suede, nubuck or fabric boots.
  • Moisturise your leather – if your boots are made from leather, you’d be surprised how much of a difference conditioning your boots regularly can actually make. It keeps the leather looking good and your boots looking shiny and polished, as well as helping them to last longer.
  • Keep them repaired – if you spot any damage or stains on your boots, especially on the soles or the heels, look to fix them up straight away to keep your boots in great condition for as long as you can. Damage will just carry on getting worse.
  • Store your boots properly – don’t just kick them off under the stairs if you can help it. Take a little time to wipe them down, clean them up and store them upright so that the leather or material doesn’t fold or crease.

Looking for your next pair of men’s boots? Browse our collection now.

The party style guide: Christmas party outfits

This is how you bring the party.

THIS IS HOW YOU BRING THE PARTY

It’s that time again: party season is here. And with it, the best excuse you’ll have all year to dress up. Don’t wait until the formal ball invitation arrives though – get in the festive spirit and make any time party time.

Pre-Christmas catch-up with friends? Add velvet! The in-laws’ annual festive gathering? Go bold! The much-anticipated office party? You get the idea.

Whatever you’ve got planned this going-out season, use our handy scale to make sure you always bring the party.

christmas party outfit

A FESTIVE ROUND WITH FRIENDS

Picture this: you’re heading to the pub to meet your friends after work. So far, so normal. But it’s party season, so why not dress like it? Even if you’re just going to your local, it takes very little effort to top corduroy trousers and a cable knit jumper with a velvet jacket. And make it one in a festive colour – not just because you can but because you should. Add a casually ruffled pocket square in a contrast colour and you’ve successfully made a few friendly pints feel like the party it should be at this time of year.

christmas party outfit

AFTER-WORK DRINKS

Your party piece this going-out season? A really good party jacket that’ll take your look from the day job to a night out with impressive ease. This one’s combination of luxe velvet and a neutral hue means it does a great job of dressing up semi-casual kit – like this white rollneck and side-stripe trousers that you could easily wear to work. Come 6 p.m., throw on the jacket, pull out the coordinating pocket square lining and you’ve effortlessly transitioned into party mode. Now that’s a good trick to have up your sleeve.

christmas party outfit

THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY OUTFIT

When the office Christmas party comes around, it’s time to take it up a notch. Depending on where you work, you’ll have varying degrees of dress code to work to. If the dress code is more relaxed, don’t take that as a reason to make less effort – if anything, this is your opportunity to go bold! If you can’t wear a velvet jacket with satin lapels at Christmas, then when can you? A suit this bold does all the talking for you (metaphorically, we mean – you’ll still have to practise your small talk), so keep everything else pared-back with a white t-shirt and suede trainers.

christmas party outfit

THE IMPRESS-YOUR-BOSS PARTY

Office do likely to be a more restrained affair? You can still bring the party without shocking senior leadership with your blatant disregard for the dress code. A festive green jacket adds touchable texture (lucky you) and will show up beautifully under soft lighting. Style it with head-to-toe black so the look’s refined rather than flashy. Skip the tie and instead keep a couple of your collar buttons undone – this is the one time of year you’ve got your boss’s permission to literally loosen your collar, so use it.

christmas party outfit

THE BLACK TIE INVITATION

The invitation says ‘black tie’ so you need to step it up. A tuxedo is non-negotiable. But nobody said it had to be black. Navy is actually the tradition (it came about when electric lights went mainstream, looking better as it does under artificial light) but you’ll still stand out in a crowd of more common penguin suits. A brighter hue, like the dusty pink above, is party-ready (like you), so all you need is a crisp white shirt, black satin bow tie and patent dress shoes.

christmas party outfit

THE FULL WORKS

And finally, we reach all-out black tie. This is off-the-scale dressing up. If you’ve got this invitation – the Elton-John’s-Christmas-party-level invitation – you need the full works. It’s rare as men we get the chance to go for glamour, but that’s what you’re aiming for here. Start with a pin-sharp tuxedo, a formal shirt and smart shoes, like patent Oxfords. Then dial up the drama. An oversized floppy bow tie feels straight out of golden-age Hollywood, while a double-breasted overcoat with peak lapels is unapologetically high-impact.