HERE’S WHAT TO WEAR TO WEDDINGS, WORK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

First things first; if you’re a wedding guest, it’s a good idea to check what the dress code is (if there is one). It’s normally written on the invite and will give you a bit of direction for your outfit. The second thing to check is what the wedding party are wearing. While it’s not the worst thing in the world if you’re in a similar colour to the groomsmen, you might want to skip any confusion.

With a wedding, a 2-piece suit is usually a safe choice when the dress code is more casual, or a 3-piece suit for when it’s more formal. If you want to keep it classic, go for neutral colours like stone and beige or brown and add some colour with a patterned tie and pocket square. Smart shoes are the way forward at a wedding too – remember those photos stick around for a long time! A double Monk or Oxford shoe are a classic choice, while a chunky loafer is a more contemporary option.

Heading to a summer wedding? A linen lounge suit is great for staying cool and smart. Style yours with a tonal knitted tie or lose it completely for a more relaxed feel. You can also try a lightweight flannel, or a tweed in a summery shade to add some texture. Weddings are a great opportunity to try a style you wouldn’t normally wear, like a pastel colour or a more out-there print. It’s important to feel confident, whatever you’re wearing and wherever you’re going.

Our wedding dress code guide goes into even more detail about what you need to wear to a wedding.

What to wear to an interview

The way we dress for work has changed. While a few offices are still going for a full suit and tie look, most places have really relaxed their dress code. Despite this, it’s usually best for an interview to err on the (smarter) side of caution. You might not plan on wearing a suit or formal trousers every day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the right impression at your interview by dressing up a little.

An unstructured jacket, such as our Italian-made light grey pinstripe, combined with contrasting trousers or a more relaxed suit shape can help take the formal edge off your interview outfit. For somewhere a bit more corporate, try a neutral toned wool suit with added stretch such as our blue check performance suit, with a smart open-collar shirt.

Make sure to do a bit of research into the company culture and dress code before you head to your interview. Think about the type of role you’re interviewing for too – it’s not always the case, but the more senior the role the more you might be expected to dress smartly. Get more info on what to wear to nail that interview in our four interviews, four looks guide.

What to wear for work?

As mentioned, the working wardrobe has changed over the last few years. Though there’s been a clear move to hybrid working and working from home, many people are still heading out for meetings, events and office days. So what should you wear for work now?

Like an interview, it’ll depend on the workplace and their dress code, but you can take your lead from your colleagues and the type of work you do. It might mean for days that you’re in the office with meetings and clients, you’re dressed more formally in a two-piece suit with a shirt and tie, or maybe styled down a touch with a zip knit.

But when you’re heading in for an informal meeting you can wear what you want. We suggest an tee paired with a shacket or overshirt, like our tobacco cord overshirt – both add a smart touch to a casual look. Then, add some chinos and a chunky sole shoe or a smart trainer. When it’s hot, try a relaxed but tailored linen twin-set with a white t-shirt.

Want some tips on wearing a suit at work? Here’s what you need to know about business suits.

What to wear for a black tie event?

So, you’ve been invited to a black tie event but you’re not sure what to wear. First off, don’t stress – it’s actually easier than dressing for some other types of events as the dress code is really clear. For men, black tie usually means a black tuxedo or dinner jacket and trousers worn with a dress shirt, cufflinks, bow tie and patent leather shoes. It’s really that simple.

However, you can still get more creative with black tie too. Adding a bit of colour, like a midnight blue suit or a colourful velvet jacket like our burgundy take, is one way to show some of your personality so you don’t blend in with the crowd. You can also go a bit more relaxed with a double-breasted tuxedo jacket in a more casual fabric, or by adding a normal tie or shoes that work better for your style. While this isn’t black tie, strictly speaking, you can judge if it’ll be appropriate by what kind of event it is and what other people will be wearing.

What to wear on holiday

The world is (quite literally) your oyster when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Of course, it all depends on where you’re going, who you’re going with and how long you’re going for. You also need to consider what you’re planning to do when you get there; in general, if you’re heading somewhere hot you can’t go wrong with a selection of T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, trainers, some short sleeve shirts and linen trousers. Having different weights of t-shirt won’t hurt either – depending on your destination, a heavyweight tee like our taupe crew neck can be worn on its own or layered under overshirts if it’s a little cooler.

For easy summer style, layer a cuban over a t-shirt or vest and add some relaxed linen shorts. Or try a co-ord set for a look that you can mix and match or wear together, for a simple fit that looks anything but. Another way to lift your holiday look is by trying out different textures and fabrics – towelling, pique, and linen all look amazing for summer. A linen suit or a linen shirt with white chinos make smart summer evening looks, and look all the better a little bit crumpled which makes them suitcase friendly too.

Want more tips on what to take and how to pack? Here’s how to travel in style.

What to wear on a date

Whether it’s a first date or date night with your partner, what you wear should be led by where you’re heading and what you’re doing. For a dinner date, try a double-breasted jacket over a light knit with tailored trousers and chunky loafers. For a more casual date, denim always works – try a straight-leg pair with a skipper-collar jumper or a printed shirt. Or go for a layered look by pairing an overshirt , like our light grey knitted overshirt, with a good quality T-shirt and a pair of chinos.

If you’re doing something more active (mini golf, perhaps?), you want to feel comfy but still look put together. This is where smart joggers come into it. The key is how you wear them and what you wear them with. Choosing smarter pieces or more structured tops to go with drawstring trousers takes it from sports day to date night. An unstructured jacket, rollneck jumper or t-shirt-and-open-shirt combo all look great with this relaxed fit.

Stuck for ideas with an in-between venue in mind? You can always layer an overshirt or blazer with your outfit if you’re not sure of the vibe.

If you need some date ideas and some style tips for each date, then read our guide.

What to wear for a night out?

A night out can be a ton of different things, so first of all check out where you’re going and if there’s a dress code. You don’t want to be the only one in trainers, watching your mates get ushered through the entrance while you wait outside. A smarter jacket over a shirt with a good pair of trousers usually works pretty well if you’re heading somewhere smarter.

If you want to add some colour to your outfit, a night out’s the good time to try out some prints. Paisley, stripes and checks all look good for a night out. A printed shirt, like our black and white abstract shirt, looks great with a heavier-weight pair of trousers when it’s cooler, or with linen shorts in summer. Throw an unstructured jacket on top if you need to elevate the look a bit.

Clubs or bars have slightly less formal dress codes (depending on where it is of course), so you can get away with a premium t-shirt or a short sleeve shirt and trousers. An Oxford shirt is also a great smart-casual hybrid and is easy to style with a pair of chinos or denim. In colder weather, layering is your friend. Think knitwear, classic coats, trousers and boots.

Our party style guide has some more ideas for when you’re heading out.

What is smart casual?

Ah, the dreaded smart casual. What does it actually mean? It used to mean a more casual suit, so a blend of formal and (slightly more) laid back, though that’s changed a bit now. Essentially,  you can wear what you want as long as it isn’t fully relaxed (think joggers and hoodies) or too buttoned up like a suit and tie.

Dig a little deeper into smart casual right here: What is smart casual anyway?