Part Six: Of Timeless Design

Anderson & Sheppard
Savile Row Tailors

Peuple du Vent
Hermès

White Cotton Shirt
Gieves & Hawke
Savile Row

Vintage Red Cross Watch

Vintage WW2 Pilot's Omega Watch

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life what would it be?

I have actually often pondered the answer to this question. Admittedly not in the sense of being my only outfit, however more in terms of my potential general uniform. My father has always taught me the importance of looking presentable and smart at all times. Regardless of what I may choose to wear, he taught me to make sure I put thought and effort into my look. And indeed we as humans are primarily visual creatures, so the way in which we choose to present ourselves to the world is very important.

If I were to only wear one outfit, it would have to be an outfit that was presentable for both more formal events, as well as for events such as weekend luncheons with the family. I would say I have definitely been inspired by photography, film and illustrations of traditional menswear from the first half of the twentieth century. As such, I suppose the outfit would have to be a classic suit. A man will always feel his best in a well cut suit, and as such it is the perfect singular outfit.

Having been born and raised in London, no other tailoring compares, in my eyes, to the bespoke tailoring of Savile Row. If money were no object, I would book myself into one of the well established tailoring establishments on the Row, such as Anderson & Sheppard. I would be measured and fitted for a fine woolen, light grey, two-buttoned suit. I would ask for a slightly stronger shoulder, with a slim cut waist and trousers falling just onto my shoes. The suit would be finished with tortoiseshell buttons and subtle navy blue threading for an interesting visual detail. My initials would also be embroidered onto the tailor's label, hidden on the inside of the left breast pocket.

In order to allow for the expression of my more colourful tastes, I would ask for the suit jacket to be lined with red Peuple du Vent silk Hermès scarves. Having the surprise of the colourful lining, with the wonderful print only being shown in flashes when walking, or subtly displayed when I were seated with the my buttons undone, would allow for that extra special finish. The reds, blues and purples would compliment the light grey wool, and contrast nicely against the navy threading of the suit.

Under the suit I would wear a bespoke white cotton shirt, with a classic collar and single barrel cuff. I would again have my initials monogrammed onto the the bottom corner of the shirt's breast pocket, just to make it that little bit more individual. In order to keep the collar nicely positioned, rather than using collar stays, I would use a sterling silver collar pin, the holes for which would have been subtly cut into the collar.

To wear with the white shirt, I would opt for a knitted silk, square ended, navy blue tie. The tie would be worn with a smallish half Windsor knot, positioned upon the collar pin, and held together with a plain sterling silver tie bar. The navy tie would play nicely against the reds of the jacket lining, whilst also complimenting the navy threading of the suit. The knitted silk would allow for a more casual feel, whilst still maintaining a smart appearance. Indeed the more casual feel of the tie would work well against the fine wool fabric of the suit.

Given that the tie would be subtly complimenting the threading of the suit, I would not choose to match my tie to my pocket square. Rather I would use a plain white cotton pocket square, with white initials set in the corner, for my suit. It would usually be worn, simply folded and straight across, however for more formal events, a three peaked display, or singular point would work too.

For my trousers, rather than wearing buttoned suspenders, which risk being a tad too formal for many occasions where I would not be wearing a jacket, I would wear a woven canvas and brown leather belt. The leather fronting would allow me to look smart when wearing a jacket, however if I chose to take it off on the weekends or under the sun, the woven canvas would be on display, providing a more casual and easy finish.

To compliment the lining of my suit, I would wear red socks. The flash of unexpected colour would allow for that little bit more of visual intrigue and expression of creative thought. Although not as rich as a patterned sock, I would rather allow the suit lining to be the main area of visual depth and complexity. And indeed I would not want to have different patterns vying for attention in my outfit.

For my footwear, given that I would have a brown leather and woven canvas belt, I would also have to opt for brown leather shoes. For smarter events I would wear deep brown Cordovan lace up shoes, however for more casual affairs, I would opt for brown loafers. Keeping in line with the brown leather, I would also opt to wear a brown leather strapped watch. Rather than having gold which would compete with the tie bar and collar pin, I would wear a silver watch. And given that I have rather slim wrists, the watch face would be rather low key. Indeed I am also not really one to wear complex watches such as chronographs, and as such, a plain numerical face would be my choice. I would definitely opt for a more classic design, preferably a vintage watch with a rich and interesting history.

Indeed an outfit with a story to tell would be my aim, yet it would have to be one with potentially unlimited versatility. I would be able to look smart and presentable, yet have enough subtle detailing to provide for an interesting visual experience.

Are you as stylish in your dreams as you are in reality?

Style is not simply the visual expression of our minds, rather it is the character of our minds. As such I do not believe one could ever be more stylish, in the sense of having a better style, in their dreams. I think the difference between reality and imagining is that in our imaginings, our garments are always well fitted and finished. If money were no object, than one could indeed indulge in the benefit of having more choice in terms of fashion. However imagining and money does not make up for a lack of style to begin with.

We all imagine ourselves in beautifully cut and finished garments, however unfortunately the means for achieving those goals may not always be available. That is not to say that money creates style, or opportunity creates better style, but rather it allows for more choice and variety of potential expression.

I can only ever be as stylish as I allow myself to be.

Currently playing: Lucky ft. Colbie Caillat - Jason Mraz

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