Features
City goes "Casually Formal!"
By James Hibbert, Managing Director Dress2kill Ltd.
"Casually Formal" is definitely the new look, especially in these hot sweaty summers we are having. So what is "Casually Formal?"
Well its quite simple really, just omit the tie. Wear a single breasted suit without the tie and please remember to undo your top button. This is the new look and with a tie neatly wrapped in your pocket, you have the perfect recovery plan in place in case an important meeting springs up. Stick with the cutaway Jermyn street shirt and of course nothing but a double cuff will do! This way you will find you can still breath and you look smart but not uncomfortable. Also when you take your jacket off you are almost back to feeling casual again so you can work in comfort but know your only a stones throw from being formal again!
Lighten up!
As for materials, it doesn't take a genius to work out that with this humid weather around us, lightweight fabrics are a must, but beware, unlike a medium weight, they tend to crease more, so make sure you hang your "whistle" up each night! For those of us who like to indulge and give the appearance of being short and round, steer clear of the cheques, they will only serve to enlarge you even more. You should go for plains or stripes, these will elongate you and make you look taller and thinner!
Those who are up in the clouds and spend time with crooked neck talking down to others, then the check is definitely an option, making you look more in proportion!
A question of style
As for styles, away with the turn -up and in with the plain bottoms. We seem to be in a transition between a bootleg cut and a tapered military cut. Go for what you feel happy with, personally the more tailored the look , the better so I prefer the tapered style of bottoms. Any one who opts for belt loops should be shot! How low budget, the side adjuster is a must whether it be strap and buckle or button. Throw that belt away and belt up! Jacket wise, single breasted 3 button is the most popular, but we are seeing a large increase in the 2 button. Perhaps Sean Connerys' 60s look is coming back in, or did it ever go out? Button 4 single breasted is very Media darling with that high lapel, but hey, each to their own! Remember that Double breasted is definitely for the Barrister or more mature. As for the fit of the jacket, lets make sure the body waist on the jacket is tapered, none of this flapping in the wind or enough room to pile on the pounds. We are talking British Tailoring not camping, so lets show off about it.
Summer smart
Last but not least, I have been asked frequently about linens or cottons for those semi-formal affairs. What's best? Well linen is very light and feels great, it comes in great colours and is definitely in at the moment! The only down side is that it creases more than Joan Collins face before she had the many alledged face lifts! Cotton, although heavier, creases less and can still give that relaxed but smart look. It also tends to hang better! For this reason I recommend a lightweight cotton over a linen!
Please feel free to email me your thoughts or any questions you may have. jameshibbert@dress2kill.com
