Separates: Don't Mess with Mr. In-Between

Just like Johnny Mercer said guys.

So many trends in menswear can be attributed to revivals of popular notions that have been and gone, they are re-invented and reworked with changes to small details that make them more suited to today's market. As far as tailoring is concerned in the last decade or so we've seen slim fitting 1960's style suits re-introduced to the market by brands such as Topman, We've seen peak lapels come back into preferred styles of suiting with the likes of Reiss and companies such as Suit Supply have breathed life in to the double breasted jacket, among others.

We're now in the midst of another previously established staple returning to our wardrobes. This time it's the turn of separates. Mixing and matching trousers and jackets from different suits or pairing differing fabrics and textures to make the most of what we've got hanging on the rails.

If you're unsure and don't want to go for anything too different first at bat try switching with a navy and grey suit. Either a grey jacket and navy strides or vice versa will typically pair well together plug for a deep navy suit ideally although almost all shades of grey will work in partnership as long as it's not too dark.

Once you're happy in these sorts of combo's you can cast the line a little futher, mix different shades of the same colour, a lighter grey jacket and slate grey slack or a royal blue top and navy bottoms. Brown compliments grey extremely well as will beige and neutral tones.

To give you a few ideas me and Tee have done a bit of mixing and matching ourselves. Enjoy.

Set 1:
Jacket - Suit Supply
Shirt - Suit Supply
Tie - Missoni (Vintage)
Pocket Square - Marks & Spencer
Chino's - Massimo Dutti
Shoes - Jones Bootmaker
Folio - Holdall & Co.

Set 2:
Jacket - Suit Supply
Shirt - Suit Supply
Tie - TM Lewin
Pocket Square - Marks & Spencer
Trousers - Austin Reed
Shoes - Crockett & Jones
Folio - Holdall & Co.

Set 3:
Jacket - Suit Supply
Shirt - Charles Tyrwhitt
Tie - Knit (Vintage)
Pocket Square - Esteewhyele (Shop Coming Soon)
Trousers - Marks & Spencer
Shoes - Loake
Folio - Holdall & Co.

We'll have a bit more about Holdall & Co. coming soon so keep an eye out for that over the coming weeks.

Hanky Folds: Preview

I've been thinking about the direction of the blog more recently as I often find myself leaning towards a more relaxed 1950/60's aesthetic in my spare time, although I have to adopt a formal dress for work. I know the suited look is not to everyone's taste but in one situation or another you will be called upon to wear one or at very least a jacket, and in this instance a hanky is a must.

It will probably seem an obvious idea and lead you to believe me of little imagination but I something that I see all too much of is people making a hash of an adornment which should be subtle or complimentary and merely accentuate the bolder details of an outfit.

I wanted to offer something by way of advice, a guide or tips, something with continuity that would be consistent every week or two in addition to all the usual bits and bobs, and I'm hoping that this can act as a barometer for inspiration and help to aid decisions when picking accessories.

Since the introduction of programs like Mad Men (I think that is its first mention on the blog, which for 9 month's work is pretty good, no? sorry it was gonna crop up somewhere) and The Hour the pocket square or handkerchief ,or pochette as the #menswear mob like to call it, has found its way back in to the fabric of our formal attire.

Traditionally handkerchiefs would be fashioned from left over material when having a shirt made. Now they have become a statement and one at which companies such as Drakes excel, offering beautiful intricate patterns and printed designs.

Starting with a basic flat fold and for as long as I can think of varied techniques I will post guides to getting a good lie and how to get the best from your square.

If you have any requests or specific folds that you'd like me to cover please get in touch, we're more than happy to lend a hand.

Sockers!

At the start of April the weather seemed to be headed in the right direction and a few sun soaked days clearly went to my swede. I'd written a piece for Menswear Style on going sock-less seeing as the temperatures were on the up, and suddenly realised what a contentious point this seemed to be for so many.

It turns out a generous proportion of you gents have a problem with the idea of not cocooning your feet, and I can understand that for the hygiene conscious among you it may not be appealing. Ever the problem solver, hoping to please all and sundry I set out to find you chaps a resolve.

I remember a few years ago The Satorialist ('ALL HAIL SCOTT SCHUMAN!') was in a similar quandary trying to find a solution to the problems that arise from donning your shoes sans socks when things really do start to heat up. If or when your feet start sweating you can soon find yourself in all sorts of pickles and a leather shoe can make for a pretty torturing incumbency when you add some chafing to the mix.

Schuman was dissatisfied with the 'trainer sock' and didn't feel it worked for a shoe as the fitting was finished just below the ankle.

Well wouldn't you just know it! Uniqlo have the answer. I've never noticed them before, and I'm pretty sure they're new to the product line, the solution to the socks/no socks debate, a very low rise sock that you can wear with loafers and still bear your ankles.

Unfortunately these lifesavers aren't available online so you'll need to visit a store to make a purchase. Get ready for summer!