Formal Fridays

Apologies for the lack of posting and delay in getting around to all of your wonderful blogs and emails. My first week back at University has been rather hectic, if only with having to adjust to the fact that I may actually have to work (shock! horror!). Further evidence of me falling behind is an outfit post which is actually from this Friday as opposed to today. However in truth it is probably a touch more interesting by comparison, so I hope you can forgive me the lapse of time.

My University friends will know of a little tradition I have by the name of Formal Fridays. The student stereotype is one of lazy youth strolling into morning lectures to doze off in a hungover stupor whilst dressed comfortably in sweats and an old t-shirt. Whilst that is a perfectly understandable style, my own preferences are somewhat dichotomous to that particular image. With the prevalent trend being one of under-dressing, I personally like to switch it up a little with an extra effort to present myself. In truth I am actually curiously comfortable in a suit and tie. I suppose it is the inevitable result of having worn school uniform from the age of five and years of trying to create an individual style under the daily constraints of a suit and school tie.

Having thankfully been removed from the chore of a school uniform, an outfit based around a suit now offers me a beautifully wide array of choices and possibilities. For my first Formal Friday I decided to keep it reasonably understated, but relying on smaller details to really express my concept. I wore a fine woolen pinpoint grey suit, the texture of which, although only really appreciated upon close inspection, I find particularly fascinating. Being fine wool it works well for the Autumn months, being temperate enough for both warmer and cooler spells. It actually has surgeon's cuffs, which I have always been rather tempted to roll, although perhaps only really suited for a more summery look.

I have always felt that a crisp white shirt makes the best first impression, so I decided to wear one for that slightly cleaner look. Indeed in order to create that more clean and understated look I kept to a plain white cotton pocket square, simply folded so as not to overpower. I paired my shirt with a woven navy tie, feeling that the texture worked well with my suit, as well as being seasonally appropriate. I believe that one's choice of tie should always be influenced by both suit and shirt. Indeed in this case it was more a decision based upon my suit, what with it being a wool, requiring a similarly woolen or textured tie. Given the spread of my collar, I went for a classic Half-Windsor knot, which I feel to be that touch smarter than the basic Four-In-Hand.

My love for tie bars actually stems from having watched the amazing James Stewart on-screen. The gentleman always accessorised his suits with a tie bar, even during holiday and weekend scenes. Perhaps an overlooked touch for most, but it creates a distinctive style that seems far too rare these days. I personally prefer a smaller length bar, for the larger clips tend to be somewhat harder to pull off. I matched the plain silver with that of my belt buckle in order to create a better visual cohesion. Out of shot I was wearing a pair of black leather brogues. And for that slight flash of colour I went for a pair of red socks, which I thought would contrast nicely with my navy tie.

I always feel good in a suit, and there is nothing better than an outfit which makes you feel good.

Currently playing: Still Dre ft. Snoop Dogg - Dr Dre

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