Fashion: Look sharp in a suit

Menswear is set for a bit of a tidy up this season, with styles looking suitably sharper than they have done for years. There have been nods to traditional tailoring in menswear collections for a while now, but this autumn/winter sees the return of some real style relics.

Think Savile Row and you won’t put a foot wrong.

Simply put, every man needs a three-piece suit. It is the most versatile investment you can make. Teamed together it makes a superb statement for a formal occasion. Trim back the waist coat and it will turn into a timeless two-piece. Then there’s a third option of discarding the jacket to leave the vest and trousers flying solo.

The resurgence of traditional fabrics from tweed to tartan have been visible from designer labels to high-street outlets. Suits and sports coats have sprung up in an array of patterns from classic checked plaid to wider windowpane. There is a whiff of vintage about the design but done for a younger wearer. Think 1920s dapper dandy for 
inspiration.

The cut is a little closer to the waist and chest, so don’t be tempted to buy the bigger size up. This is what keeps traditional fabrics feeling fresh, rather than resembling your grandfather after raiding his wardrobe.

Without a shadow of doubt, this is the season for the return of the top coat. Fashion week from New York, Paris to Milan saw them feature heavily on the catwalk. They have trickled their way down to the high street, meaning there is a large choice to pick through. With all winter coats, invest at the top end of your budget, whatever that may be. This is something that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe when chosen wisely, and if purchased properly will last you a lifetime.

Again fit is crucial. Avoid baggy overcoats, this look is supposed to be clean, crisp and tailored. When the fit is right you will have versatility to wear it with formal threads or dressed down slung over jeans and a jumper.

Dinner suits were another big hit on the runways, giving the nod to much more formal dressing than we’ve been used to seeing. You can’t go wrong with a classic black two-piece, the difference here is in fabric texture. A satin lapel yells dinner suit, differentiating from the dreich work wear that is around. The use of accessories with this one will give you mileage, as mixing up different shirt and tie combinations guarantee that it stays with you for the long haul.