Because the photos will last forever.

BECAUSE THE PHOTOS WILL LAST FOREVER

Words: K. Chubb

Make sure your graduation outfit gets top marks this year with our answers to some frequently asked questions.

SHOP MEN’S GRADUATION SUITS

Tailored fit olive herringbone suit // Slim fit charcoal stretch suit

WHAT DO MEN WEAR TO GRADUATION?

Your graduation photo will probably be front and centre on the mantelpiece for years to come, so we recommend going for something classic and then adding some personality with your accessories. A well-fitted charcoal or navy suit will always be considered smart. It’ll be appropriate for the ceremony and also look great for any celebrations that may take place after. Team your suit with a plain shirt for a look that is timeless.

If you want to take it up a notch, choose a three-piece suit that will make you feel extra put together. A classic colour such as olive or charcoal, as above, is a sleek and sophisticated option that you can re-wear to interviews, weddings and other events later down the line.

Slim fit green puppytooth linen suit // Slim fit light grey marl seersucker suit

WHAT TO GRADUATION IF IT’S GOING TO BE HOT?

Depending on your university, graduation often happens in the summertime which means the weather should be pretty good (though be prepared for the worst, we do live in the UK after all). Because you’ll be in your get-up all day, it’s best to choose something that is comfortable and lightweight so you don’t feel too heavy with your gown draped over the top. In comes linen, summer’s favourite fabric, and all of it’s wonderful properties. Whether you choose a slim or tailored fit, the light, slightly textured fabric will wick away any moisture and help you cool.

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO WEAR A SUIT FOR GRADUATION?

Your graduation is a celebration of your achievements so even if you don’t feel comfortable wearing a suit, we advise still going for something smart. Why not style some tailored separates together for a more relaxed look?

A darker colour is best for your bottom half as it’s the bit that can be seen beneath your gown. Choose a pair of trousers that suit your shape and style – from slim to tailored, there’s a fit to suit everyone. As for shoes, they’ll be seen too, so choose a pair of well-polished leather derbies – they’re smart but feel a bit more casual than Oxfords.

Relaxed fit port flannel suit // Slim fit quartz pink suit

CAN I WEAR JEANS TO GRADUATION?

In short, no. It’s a ceremonial event and formal dress is normally customary. Jeans, T-shirts, trainers and other casual clothes are not considered appropriate and some universities might not let you into your graduation ceremony wearing them.

That said, if your university is less traditional, you might be able to get away with a laid-back look, like a printed shirt and a more colourful suit, like above. Before you make any decisions about your outfit, it’s always best to find out what the dress code is and stick to it.

Burgundy silk semi-plain tie // John White Lucan tan brogue shoes

WHAT KIND OF ACCESSORIES DO YOU WEAR FOR GRADUATION?

You’ll spend a lot of the day standing, so make sure you choose a pair that are comfortable, smart and polished. Your shoes will be seen out of the bottom of your gown, so go for a smart, classic Oxford with a rounded toe or a brogue in a tone to match your suit. Alternatively, go for a formal pair of loafers or brogues if you’d like a more fashion-led look.

As for accessories, the world is your oyster. If you want to keep things formal, choose a tie that contrasts your suit like this burgundy silk tie. It comes in an array of colours and has a matching pocket square if you really want to up the ante. Alternatively, lose the tie and choose an open collar shirt for a more casual feel.

HOW DO I GET MY GRADUATION CAP TO STAY ON?

First things first, make sure your cap fits the way it’s supposed to. Use a tape measure and check your size with the measurements given by the supplier. Your cap should fit snugly but not be too tight. Wait until you have everything else on, then use some spray before fitting your cap to avoid hat hair. If you’re still having trouble getting your cap to stay in place, you can use a few hair grips to secure the cap to your head.

Here’s an interesting fact: tassels are usually worn on the right side and shifted to the left when you receive your scroll.

SHOP MEN’S GRADUATION SUITS

Here’s everything you need to know to choose a beach wedding suit.

GUEST – copper linen pleated trousers // linen grandad collar shirt // Lewisham brown suede casual loafer

Planning to attend a beach wedding

GROOM – tailored fit white seersucker suit // tailored fit off white linen shirt // Lewisham taupe suede casual loafer

What to wear to a beach wedding

Confused? Don’t be, answers this way.

What’s a shacket, then?

Great gifts for the father figure in your life.

Easy sets to match the energy of laid-back summer living.

For a season of well-dressed spectating.

Workday kit to keep you cool when temperatures rise.

WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK WHEN IT’S HOT OUT THERE

Words: C. Saramowicz

 

Summer is great, but workwear can be tricky during the warmer months. With crisp mornings, sweaty commutes and dodgy aircon, how do you ensure you’re well prepared for the working week? Enter our fundamentals for the workplace, pieces that will get you through the summer and beyond. It’s all about looking put together, keeping cool and combatting the heat wave without feeling flustered.

 

Short sleeve shirts

Short sleeve shirts are a summer staple. Light and versatile, they can easily be styled down or up depending on the formality of your work place. Worn buttoned up to the top under a linen suit and you’ve got a corporate look worthy of any board room (tie optional). As for more relaxed settings, add chinos and a white pair of trainers and you’re ready for a smart-casual office environment. Our takes are crafted from cotton, linen, or a combination of the two.

The great thing about these is they can be worn outside of the workplace, too. Combine with pleated shorts and loafers for weekend plans in the sun.

From loafers to brogues to trainers, here are all the shoes you need for spring.

EVERY SHOE YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPRING/SUMMER WARDROBE

Words: T. MacInnis

 

One of the easiest ways to shake up your wardrobe for a new season is with accessories. The cornerstone accessory of any outfit? A great shoe. Whether you’re wearing a suit to work, a smart-casual look to a wedding or a laid-back look at the weekend, the right shoe can be the perfect finishing touch.

From sandals to loafers to double monk-strap shoes, we’ve got everything you need for the warmer months. Read on to see them all and get outfit inspiration.

SHOP CASUAL SHOES

 

White trainers

You can’t go wrong with a solid pair of white trainers; they pretty much go with everything, and they’re lightweight enough to see you through spring and into summer with ease. Ours are crafted from a combination of suede and leather and pair well with anything from denim to chinos, all the way to light-coloured casual suiting.

 

Colour-blocked trainers

As seen above, trainers are essential year-round shoes, but you can switch up your trainer choice when warmer weather hits. Our Brighton neutral trainers offer up that more summer-y feel thanks to their lighter colour palette and on-trend chunky sole. They’ll also go with just about anything you’d like, be it shorts on a really warm day or a suit in a smart-casual setting.

 

Leather loafers

Leather loafers with chunky soles are a massive trend right now, and we’ve got two pairs this season: one in black and one in warm brown. Use the black ones to ground a lighter-coloured outfit, or pair them with a suit to add some personality. The brown ones are ideal for more casual outfits, or if you want to make a summer suit a bit less formal.

 

Suede loafers

While still on-trend like their leather counterparts, these suede loafers are a more classic take on the shoe. Straddling the line between loafer and deck shoe, they’ll work well with a pleat-front short for a preppy look, or with a suit for a garden party. They’re also ideal for smartening up a pair of jeans—just be sure to balance the look with a polo or a casual collared shirt.

 

Espadrilles

A classic summer shoe, our take on the espadrille is a lightweight, casual alternative to the loafer. With a traditional woven jute sole and a soft Italian suede upper, they’re slightly more elevated than a classic espadrille,  looking just as good with loose beach trousers as they would with pleated shorts.

Whatever shoes you choose to add to your wardrobe this season, make sure you’re focused on versatility both in their silhouette and their colour. Consider how often you’ll wear them and make sure there’s more than one occasion they’re appropriate for. That way, you’ll get the most out of them, and for your money.

 

Don’t forget the socks…

Socks are just as important as the shoe, especially if they’ll be on show. If you’re heading to a wedding, match them up with your tie (or buttonhole if you’re a groomsman) for a cohesive, intentional look that will turn heads.

SHOP CASUAL SHOES

It’s not all about gym shorts and sweatbands.

The basics of men’s tennis style

Successful tennis core hinges on getting the basics right. For a sport and style steeped in tradition and fuelled by affluent spectators, this is where well-tailored garments really come into play.

A polo shirt is the quintessential staple in men’s tennis style, and wearing one will never go amiss in conjuring up a sense of luxury and refined sporty style. Take it up a notch by choosing a knitted version of the classic polo for a bit of texture and refinement.

However, if there’s one thing that Challengers and the likes of Rafa and Djokovic have taught us, it’s that tennis core has room for T-shirts, too. If nothing else, a beautifully proportioned, high-quality T-shirt is all you need on top this summer.

Whichever side of the court you’re on – team tee or team polo – tuck either of them into a pair of smart or pleated trousers, and you’ve got tennis core. Add a blazer or casual jacket to the mix, and you’re ready to hit the stands at Wimbledon.

Embrace shorter shorts this summer

Challengers embraced shorter shorts, and we’re doing the same. If you haven’t already, there’s no better time go for a slightly shorter short than you’d usually wear. This isn’t to say you should wear a size down. Quite the contrary, a neatly tailored short will take a couple of inches off your usual knee-height profile without sacrificing comfort. Pair them with a casual button-down and a pair of laid-back loafers, and you have a look elevated yet versatile enough to take you from drinks by the pool to a Wimbledon after-party.

 

Accessorise with versatile footwear

If you want to go full Challengers-style tennis core, it’s worth having two pairs of shoes in your rotation: a match-ready pair of white trainers and a pair of smart loafers for an off-the-court look.

These two styles will keep you prepared for whatever comes your way –whether you’re being served a tennis ball, another spreadsheet, or a drink instead.

When in doubt, keep it simple

As volatile and outrageous as tennis players can be (we’re looking at you, Nick Kyrgios), the style is anything but. Men’s tennis style is about restraint and simplicity, so don’t overthink it. Stick to well-made, thoughtfully designed staples, and this fashion trend couldn’t be easier to pull off.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR DAYS IN THE SUN

Words: L. Thorpe

Not sure which men’s holiday outfits you need this season? We want to make packing your suitcase as easy as possible so you don’t need to overthink your holiday outfits.

If you’re heading somewhere hotter than the UK, think sunshine, shorts and casual shirts. It’s all about layering, keeping cool and wearing fabrics that’ll keep you looking and feeling good.

Think about how long you’re going to be away for, where you’re going to and look at where you can mix and match to save some much-needed case space. Don’t forget that airport outfit either, sometimes you can’t beat a pair of joggers for long-haul. Want more travel outfit tips? Read how to travel in style.

THE HOLIDAY SHOP

Planning your outfits based on the type of holiday you’re having and the events you’re attending is important too. There’s no point packing a case full of beachwear if you’re going to be heading for sophisticated dinners and sightseeing, or putting together a ton of date-night outfits if you’re going away with your friends.

Here’s what we’d recommend as must-have men’s holiday clothes this summer:

Classic lightweight t-shirts
Smart shorts
Casual shorts
Casual/short sleeve shirts
Linen shirts
Trainers
Polo shirts
Chinos (or a pair of chino shorts)
Linen trousers
Overshirts
Smart-casual shoes

Wondering whether the weather’s going to change or going out somewhere a bit cooler? An overshirt or a shacket can help you to stay warm without being too bulky. Depending on where you’re going to be hanging out and what you’ll be doing while you’re away, you might want to take your favourite suit or smart shirt and trousers with you too. If you’re heading abroad for a friend or family’s nuptials this year, read how to pack for a destination wedding.

If you’re in need of some more event-specific styling tips for your summer travel plans, let’s take a closer look at the hottest styles to wear for every holiday eventuality. A linen suit would be our best recommendation for dressing up in warmer weather, as it’s lighter and more breathable than heavier suit fabrics. You can learn more about this summer-ready fabric in the lowdown on linen.

What to wear for a holiday night out

We love chino shorts for something that manages to sit between smart and laidback, while helping you to keep cool. They’re ready to wear straight from your case and look just as good with a white short sleeve shirt as with a T-shirt or a polo shirt for a more relaxed look. Style according to your venue.

Heading for a meal for two

Going for a romantic meal for two? Co-ords are a great choice for this one, whether you’re going for a beachfront dinner or somewhere more upmarket. Check the dress code of the restaurant before you head out as sometimes there’s an expectation that you wear trousers and smart shoes rather than shorts and trainers.

Choose relaxed fabrics like linen and cotton to stay cool, and play around with textures and fits to balance out a date night outfit. A Cuban collar or a linen shirt with shorts can really work together well if you’re not sure where to pitch your outfit.

Hitting the beach

The obvious answer when it comes to hitting the beach is swimwear. Our swim shorts are perfect for beach to bar – with side adjusters for a better fit, they’re an elevated version of a classic swim short and look just as good by the pool as they do with a linen shirt and loafers.

Depending where you’re heading though, the beach can be less about sunbathing and more about making an impact. Try a short sleeve Oxford or a coloured Cuban collar shirt by the sea, and wear it open if you get really warm. If you want to match (and stand out from the crowd), choose a co-ord like this geo print set.

Days out

What you wear for a day out will hugely depend on where you’re actually going. But for a straightforward sightseeing day, try out the Belfast trainer so you can stay comfortable while you check out the sights on offer. A simple set of casual shorts and a laid-back t-shirt are all you need to head out on your travels. You can always add an overshirt if you want to stay out of the sun or have the option to add another layer to your outfit.

Shopping

You don’t need to overthink your outfit if you’re heading out to grab a souvenir or two. A simple shorts and polo shirt combo will work, whether you’re heading to a rustic market or a huge shopping centre. This is the time to think about casual fits and comfort – you’re probably going to be doing some walking and trying things on, so you want to make it as easy as possible.

How to pack for travel

If you find packing for your holiday a struggle, you’re definitely not alone. Start by thinking about where you’re heading, how long for and what you’ll be doing when you’re out there. You also need to have that all-important luggage limit in mind – you don’t want to be re-packing in the middle of the airport.

Think about where you can mix and match your summer clothes. You probably don’t need a pair of trousers for every single night you’re away, but for t-shirts and tops that can change your whole outfit then you can pack a little more. Plus they’re lightweight and shouldn’t take up too much space in your case.

Ideally, you want to pack fabrics and outfits that are pretty low maintenance. Ironing and steaming clothes in a hotter climate is no fun at all, especially if you don’t have the space to stop them from getting crumpled up again. Choose non-iron shirts, linen fabrics and materials that look their best a little more lived-in.

Need more casual outfit ideas for your summer holiday plans? Check out our casualwear for relaxed fits that make up the perfect summer clothes for men, wherever you’re heading.

THE HOLIDAY SHOP