L CIA SPE N’S ME
Essentials
The Blazer The Bespoke Club.
All men should own a navy blazer. Why? One word: versatility. Blazers are a must because they can be paired with numerous items already in your closet. Casual or formal, single- or double-breasted, a blazer can be the perfect way to pull almost any look together. Double-breasted jackets should have peaked lapels. While a classic design will feature flapped pockets, patch pockets have become rather popular lately. For single-breasted jackets, we always recommend side vents, and either two or three buttons. Single-breasted blazers also look better with a notched lapel. Remember the strict rule: a blazer is not a substitute for a suit jacket. A navy blazer will not look good with navy blue or black trousers. Instead, match it with grey trousers, a crisp white shirt and black Oxfords for a formal look; or tan trousers, a sky-blue shirt and brown brogues for a more classic, casual one. — Charles Hix, author of Looking Good: a guide for men
The White Shirt
A white shirt is another essential, and reigns supreme as the most formal colour for a shirt. It should be slimfitting, but not tight, with high armholes and sleeves that skim your arms, shoulders and chest. White and navy are a fantastic combination for the modern gentleman. You can’t go wrong!
The Pale-blue Dress Shirt
When choosing a dress shirt, a shade of blue is a good bet; it’s a change from the classic white, but is still conservative and formal. This colour looks great against a more tanned complexion, but also com complements a range of skin tones and hair colours. Wh What’s more, it works well with different tie colours and patterns.
GreyGr Trousers
Grey pants are the staple of a well-dressed man, and are a welcome change from the standard black. Mid-grey is the most neutral of colours, and matches pretty much anything you pair it with – be it a sports jacket, a blazer or just a shirt. Either black or brown shoes will work with grey pants.
Tan or Khaki Chinos
Building a new wardrobe or refreshing an old one can get pretty difficult with the array of options out there, especially when it comes to trousers in seasonal fabrics. Chinos in a neutral shade are a good bet. As with any garment, a good fit is essential. Since chinos work for both casual or dressier situations, look for a trim fit – not rock-star tight!
Black Oxfords
Men’s dress shoes come me in many styles. Traditionally, nally, Oxfords are leather shoes hoes with a relatively low instep nstep and closed lacing. Modern Oxfords, however, may be constructed from suede uede or synthetic materials, butt no matter what material is used, they are usually quite plain, with few – if any – embellishments. Black Oxfords are a good all-round dress shoe appropriate for a variety of occasions. If you own one pair of dress shoes, we recommend black Balmoral Oxfords.
Brown Brogues
A brown brogue can be worn almost everywhere, and goes with virtually any colour of suit. Super-versatile, they are perfect paired with a navy blazer and grey or tan trousers.
Create a brand new bespoke wardrobe!
For $2,299, the team at The Bespoke Club will guide you through a personalised fitting and styling session for one blazer, two shirts, two pairs of trousers and two shirts – all bespoke, of course, with your choice of lapels, stitching, pleats, lining and buttons. To find out more, contact 6734 4167. #01-484 Suntec City Mall Tower 1, thebespokeclub.sg.
“Looking good isn’t selfimportance; it’s self-respect”