In praise of the snazzy shirt

For impact and comfort keep it festive on top and casual on the bottom, says Alyson

One of my friends is throwing a garden party to celebrate her 65th birthday this weekend and I’m expecting a plethora of middleaged men in snazzy shirts. Obviously, this is a massive assumption – shaped by casting my mind back to the years before super-spreader events, when a party in a pub meant a bunch of fellas peacocking around in Liberty print or souped-up Ben Sherman’s.

“It’s an excuse to try something a bit far out,” explains my partner, who is no Harry Styles but does like to rock a statement shirt given the occasion. “But it’s got to be a standout, not a generic dad shirt.” Point taken. I love a versatile shirt, and am fond of a chic, geometric pattern. Maybe I have been too quick to judge. Perhaps blokes of a certain age are on the money when it comes to laid-back party dressing?

For a relaxed occasion, why not keep it casual on the bottom half and festive on the top? After all, this is how many of us have spent the past year. Sprucing up on top for on-screen meetings while remaining quietly comfy below. And I’m still not convinced that we’re going to see wall-towall sequins and the Roaring Twenties revisited. Whatever the occasion, I am a huge advocate of Casual Glamour. Seamlessly blending day and evening wear to ensure just the right amount of impact and maximum comfort.

Here, the fancy track pant in an outstanding colour marries beautifully with the statement silk top; an ideal combination for pub gardens, park gatherings and partying on a friend’s lawn. Alternatively, white jeans and elegant flats would be equally fitting.

Of course, it doesn’t require a shindig to dress in a celebratory fashion… The snazzy, pull-on-and-go top is a year-round favourite, ideal with palazzo pants for a business meeting or holiday evening. As we’ll all be holidaying at home again, dressing in cheerful colours and sumptuous fabrics might bring a spot of sunshine to the suburbs. Silk is good for adding slink and keeping cool. Boden regularly has a fine selection of eye-catching shirts – most are now 50 per cent off in the sale – or turn up the volume with a top from Essentiel Antwerp, La

Double J or Lisou London. Embellished cotton is another option and the khaki shirt with sequin-embroidered sleeves from Essentiel Antwerp (see This Weekend’s Picks) keeps twinkling at me.

After a year of lockdowns, what matters is feeling good and time with friends and family. Turns out the party shirt (and matching face mask) could be the answer to low-key, summer events. Glamour on the top and casual on the bottom leaves only one other important decision – whether to tuck in the snazzy shirt or hang loose?