“Layer a gilet over jersey for added warmth, or choose a linen set for maximum breathability. It’s all about pairing things that work to your temperature regulated when the weather can’t make up its mind.”

– Fred

A gilet makes sense for transitional weather, because it offers a medium amount of warmth thanks to the lack of sleeves. But, if you can’t bring yourself to wear a full-on nylon gilet, enter our brand-new linen version. The lightweight fabric offers up a perfect spring twist on a cold-weather staple. Layer your gilet over a knit hoodie, or even over a T-shirt for warmer days, and you’ll be both warm and seasonally appropriate. Also, the neutral oatmeal shade will go with everything in your wardrobe.

Two for one

Hybrid dressing

Suit up

“Style a sharp three-piece with a shirt and tie, or a pastel suit with a cashmere polo. It’s about putting it all together in whatever way makes you feel on top of the world.”

– Fred

For a wedding abroad, or even a laid-back city setting, you can keep it a bit more casual. But the secret is it to get the fit just right and dress head-to-toe tonal. With Fred’s pick here, our slim fit neutral suit, leaving the waistcoat out of the equation and subbing in a T-shirt and tonal brown loafers makes it feel relaxed and ready for a party.

This is a similar approach to Fred’s pick above, but this time, the suit offers up some detail in its neutral, still subtle check, a look that’s trending this season. Along with that, the performance suit is crafted in a harder wearing wool blend that’s stain resistant and so easy to wear. With a merino knit T-shirt underneath, the overall outfit looks slightly more put together than a basic white tee. And the texture of the merino is matches the matte suede of the loafers.

Fred’s pick of our tailored fit black and white check suit is a classic move. But, it’s a classic with a twist. This new take on tweed, with a small-scale check that’s easy to wear, is a straightforward way to work a bit of pattern into your line up. Paired with a shirt that brings out the pale blue in the suit, you can’t go wrong with this outfit – one that could even work for the groomsmen or best men.

When in doubt, go with a full three-piece, particularly if you’re attending a wedding at a countryside estate. Both of Fred’s picks here take this formal look and add an element of personality. With the darker herringbone tweed, you get an unexpected colour in the olive, and pairing it with a knitted tie also makes it more modern. The lighter herringbone tweed is an easy way to wear a trending pastel shade, and with the textured grenadine tie, you’re again getting a pairing you wouldn’t normally see with this traditional material. Either way, both three-piece looks feel current and fresh.

“These are the styles that’ll help you take on winter. Because, you know, the weather should never get in the way of a good time.”

– Fred

On these comfort-dressing days, you can still look like you’ve made an effort. Fred’s pick of the casual two-piece matches a trending shacket with comfy trousers for a look that needs next-to-no styling but is still pulled together. And it’ll work hard to keep you warm all winter too as it’s made from a blend of wool – an all-natural, renewable fibre that regulates your body heat – and durable recycled polyester.

A slouchy set for home is all well and good, but when you need to leave the house you need joggers that’ll work that bit harder for you. Sitting comfy somewhere between sporty sweats and smarter trousers, we’ve cut ours in a relaxed fit from thick jersey fabric and finished with an elasticated waistband, tapered legs and front creases so they’ll style up or down a treat.

Any knitted jumper will come into its own in winter, but one in extra-nice yarns will put in an all-out performance. Take Fred’s pick of a chunky cable rollneck – it looks great, yes, but its lambswool-rich construction manages to be both more insulating and less itchy than wool. Or how about a chunky crew-neck knit rich in incredibly warm yak that’s 30% warmer than sheep’s wool, or a featherweight super-100 merino sweater that packs a heat-regulating punch?

Fred’s pick of our Putney shoes sets double-monk uppers on a sporty white rubber outsole. The result? A hybrid shoe-meets-trainer that gives the on-form feel of monk shoes a winter-ready edge. And when suede’s not going to cut it, some outdoorsy leather hiker boots set on durable rubber soles will win out on wet days.

When the weather doesn’t know what it’s doing, an overshirt is an easy pick to layer up. The version in Fred’s edit updates this essential style with trending Western-inspired details that’ll make any look that bit more put together. We’ve cut it from pure cotton so it’s breathable, absorbent and strong, while its mid-weight gives it maximum styling potential – it’ll layer nicely over a t-shirt or knitted jumper but it’s still neat enough in profile to fit under a coat too.

We couldn’t talk about winter champions without including a good coat. Like Fred’s choice of a long puffer in our best-selling flannel fabric. We developed our brushed flannel for suits but turns out its heat-locking properties perform even better matched with insulating padding. Or how about the original performance coat, the peacoat? First made in thick wool to help sailors withstand harsh conditions, ours comes in a lightweight but warming wool blend and a tailored fit that’ll sit nicely with chinos and knits on smarter days.

And finally, a statement suit for when the occasion demands a knock-out look. Our bold windowpane check suit brings the properties of wool (insulating, breathable, dirt-resistant) together with hard-wearing polyester and viscose for extra flex. And while it might be a strong look, it’s also really adaptable as you can wear its parts together with its coordinating horseshoe waistcoat for a wedding, or separate its trousers out to wear with a refined merino-wool polo to smarten up casual looks. Either way, it’s a winner.

My first experience of delving into my personal style was a few years ago when I had just finished my fourth collection of poetry, DALÍ: In Verse, and I was thinking about the clothes I would wear for the launch event.

I was inspired by Dalí for his art, but I was also inspired by the man. I love how he looked – always sharply dressed with a tie, a cane, a jacket/coat – so I thought I would try it. This is when I wore my first bow tie.

This look made me feel comfortable and confident; it was the perfect match. And it ignited the spark in clothes and style in me.

However, during the pandemic, I realised that I had only scratched the surface. Lockdown gave me time to reflect. I discovered and embraced being non-binary, which was extremely freeing.

Prior to lockdown I had walked past the Moss Bros. store in Milton Keynes and had always been drawn to their window displays – the clothes looked amazing.

Then we were told to stay inside. Instead of sitting and waiting, I wanted to continue the pursuit of my style, so I carried on researching the types of clothes that I think look good – in this case, suits and smart-wear.

As my research progressed I came across several videos that spoke of specific rules to follow in regards to style etiquette, which were fascinating. For example, you should only have the top button done up on a jacket – and only when your standing up; or you should match the colour of your belt to your shoes, but your tie/bow tie and pocket square should not match; or finally, the general formality of a black-tie event. I made a note to bear these in mind when I could do my first shopping trip.

Once restrictions eased and the shops and high streets reopened I already had a list of places I wanted to visit and the types of clothes I wanted to look at. The only thing I hadn’t researched was sizing and how garments are sized and measured.

On my first trip out I paid a visit to my local Moss store. I was nervous queuing to get in and the stylist at the door seemed surprised that I wanted to come in, but as soon as I was inside I was in awe of all of the clothes in front of me.

I spent a while looking at them but I realised I didn’t know what size I am and how they should fit. I asked a stylist close by about how the clothes are sized. They were very knowledgeable and gave me so much insightful information. Unfortunately, they ended the interaction with “if you get him to come in we can tailor the fit for his needs.”

This shocked me – I was so embarrassed. I left the store soon after and felt the need to tell Moss’ head office about my experience. Their response was amazing. They assured me that they want to be as inclusive as possible and are taking measures to educate and inform staff so they don’t just make assumptions about people in the future.

I was asked to come down to their flagship store in Oxford Street, which is incredible. There, I got some very in-depth and useful information about the collection and what would work for my body type. It was such a liberating experience to try clothes on and feel great in them. I was even getting compliments from other customers!

At first I wanted to stick firmly to the rules I had learned online, but then my partner made me see that they should be interpreted to fit with the style that I was developing. In other words, rules are meant to be broken… or adapted.

I left the store feeling so much more confident in my look and the types of clothes I want to wear; either in the office, out for a night out and even at home relaxing. It was so refreshing for a company to turn a negative experience into such a positive one. For the first time in my life, I had confidence in how I look and what I wear.

I came away with some lovely clothes that I had never worn before, like some shackets and some very soft jumpers. I have worn these with jeans casually, but can also smarten them up with more formal trousers and accessories.

My style has developed significantly since then – I seem drawn to tweed. It’s something about the weight of the material that’s so comforting; it’s like having a blanket wrapped around you while you’re going about your day.

Knitted ties are definitely a must for my new look and wardrobe, and have inspired me to started knitting my own ties. Accessorising is definitely an area I want to continue to explore and develop – there’s so much out there.

My advice to you if you’re looking to find your own style is to go out to the high street and take a look at stores you may not have gone in before – go outside your comfort zone and get inspired.

If you could take one thing from this article, it’s don’t be afraid to embrace your authentic and true self. Ultimately, this will lead to you being more confident and self-assured. The world is your oyster. You’ve got this!

 

Sarah’s picks

Below are a few items that strike a chord with me from the new collection.

I was instantly drawn to the olive herringbone suit – everything about its colour, structure and texture tells me it will be pure comfort and style. Since the start of embracing my new style, there’s been something about rollnecks that just make sense to me. This black merino one will make my formal outfits feel more casual, but I’ll still look smart and sleek. And the neutral check overshirt’s caught my attention now it’s winter – it looks so warm. I’d wear it with a long sleeve t-shirt or shirt when out and about over the colder months.

Velvet jackets will always work a treat, especially in this year’s trending colours as demonstrated by stylish father-and-son trio Paul, Harrison and Travis Leigh, while Fred and his boxer guest Jonathan Kumuteo both showed a good check suit can look just as sharp in the evening.

Love Island’s Aaron Francis and Radio 1’s Jordan North let their suits (pink-flecked windowpane and textured Donegal respectively) do the talking with easygoing styling, while friend of Moss, Seye Adelekan, made a solid case for light tailoring at night and the outfit-making power of personal accessories.

When you’re front of house meeting customers every day, there are some things that are really important. The first thing, of course, is to smile. But you also have to be well turned out – it shows your guests that you care; it’s a way of showing respect.

And I think the same goes for all of us heading back out into the world.

Recently, I’ve been wearing t-shirts and jeans or even shorts and flip-flops at home, but now I’m more than ready to dress well again and get back out there.

So, I’m really pleased to have joined forces with Moss – they’ve been helping people look and feel their best for 170 years. Together, we’re on a mission to make great style something everyone can enjoy.

I especially love the new collection because it bridges that gap between formal and casual. For me, that’s the balance of the very formal style of my days managing a Michelin-starred restaurant and the more relaxed look I can have when I’m filming.

For you, that might be finding a new look that’s somewhere between working from home and the office or easing back into a suit styled more casually for a dinner out.

The knits, overshirts and beautiful jackets in my edit are so adaptable – I can dress up or dress down, depending on the circumstances. But there are some great suits in there too, and a statement velvet jacket that fits perfectly.

Life should be fun, don’t you think? And you should wear what makes you feel great. Moss understands the unbeatable confidence a really great outfit can give you. And I couldn’t agree more.

Our working days look different now. Office-bound, WFH or out and about – and probably some combination of the lot. Suffice to say, your old suit isn’t going to cut it.

Recode your weekday wardrobe with easy-wear separates and relaxed tailoring you can style up or down depending on what’s in the diary.

Great style isn’t found in the rules. Style outside the lines with traditional tweeds and flannels made modern in bold, bright shades worn with a tonal roll-neck or knitted shirt.

The days of restrictive rules that exclude are over. We want you to feel great on your own terms.

Maybe the new take on the two-piece feels right for today? Same coordinated effect, but far more relaxed with drawstring waistbands and easy-wear jackets.

Big day coming up? Make new traditions in scaled-up windowpane checks and style with a pair of suede boots. Going as a guest? A modern flannel suit with a lambswool knit will strike the just-right-for-now balance between relaxed and refined.

Dress up, dress down. Wear joggers to work or a suit on the weekend. Clash patterns, mix formal with casual, do things your own way.

Your best looks exist beyond the dress code.

Tell us about your style. Do you have any signature looks or ways you put an outfit together?
My style has changed a lot over the years. It has always been on the flamboyant side of things though. Of late, as I am in a calmer point in my life, I have a nice range of things from the more everyday and casual to the Pyramid Stage-ready ‘rock star’. Having a good leather jacket in the wardrobe is a must, though. And I am a sucker for a big hat

Who influences your style?
As a musician, I get the chance to hang out with lots of interesting people from lots of interesting places in a wide range of fields and occupations, so there is no end to inspiration for me. I just channel my experiences into how I’m feeling and then put that into what I’m wearing. How I dress in Mexico when I’m feeling good about myself after a gig, good meal, and trip to an art gallery is going to be way different to how I dress in Tokyo or Paris or Bromley!

Tell us about what you’re wearing in this shoot? What bit felt most ‘you’?
They all felt like me really. That’s an important thing to learn when it comes to thinking about fashion. You can make anything work. It’s a choice. Clothes are meant to fit YOU and not the other way around. If you decide not to wear something, I hope it’s not because you don’t think it suits you but it’s because you just don’t feel like it.

Any advice for anyone who needs encouragement to express themselves with their style?
Yes. You are creative. Every human being is. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. That doesn’t have to look like anyone else and also it could end up looking similar to someone else. It’s all good. They are just clothes. Feel good. Feel yourself. One Love.