Real prep-school style

SIR: As a recently retired prep-school master (Classics), I can assure you that Christopher Matthew’s clothes (Getting Dressed, November issue) do not cut the mustard.

As an ensemble, they are pleasantly ill-fitting but, to be specific, the shirt is far too loud, as is the tie, which should be either knitted or striped (with gravy stains, regimental or club).

The jacket should be brown corduroy or shapeless Harris Tweed with elbow patches. A handkerchief in the top pocket is permissible but a fountain pen is preferable. The trousers should be baggy grey flannel, not charcoal.

However, his worst sartorial indiscretion is the shoes. Loafers? Never! Scuffed brown-leather lace-ups (Stead & Simpson) or worn-suede chukka boots, please. I hope these observations will help Mr Matthew to smarten down. Christopher Beharrell, Heytesbury, Wiltshire