Dressing like a gentleman means many things...mixing a tailored suit, with a crisp cotton shirt and a silk tie or a pair of jeans, T-Shirt and a sports jacket is just as stylish for a weekend outfit.



But the definition of a suit is actually a set of clothing consisting of trousers and jacket made from the same fabric. Until the end of the 19th Century however, a gentleman wore a tailcoat, frock coat or morning coat with a vest of a different fabric and trousers in another material.

At first, the combination of matching jacket, vest and trousers- a man's suit, was worn on informal occasions. Then in 1930, mens suits became the accepted uniform for all office attire.

Today, a suit generally comes as a two piece suit consisting of jacket and trousers.

Smart Casual

In the late nineteenth century, the sporting jacket came in to fashion. It was most often made from tweed, herringbone or houndstooch as a three button jacket or four button jacket. Flannel trousers were regarded as the most appropriate trouser when wearing a sports jacket, however these days we tend to wear this item of clothing as part of a suit or as leisurewear with jeans or black trousers.

For the colder months, men often choose to wear their sports jackets and jeans with a wool jumper which offers comfort, style and sophistication. For a smarter occasion, they may also wish to add a shirt and tie underneath.

Overcoats & Jackets

The prime function of an overcoat is to protect its wearer from the cold, winter and rain. Men choose an overcoat which harmonizes with their personal style and best matches their range of suits.

Formal Wear

In this day and age, you would probably look overdressed if you wore a tuxedo to go to a restaurant, the cinema or a bar. But opportunities to wear black tie do still occur and their frequency depends on the circles you move within.

Accessories

Style does not live off clothes alone. It is the small minor details such as accessories which round off the 'finishing touches'. Whether it be a tie, bow tie, belt or cuff links. Accessories are a strong indication of somebody's personality because they express different regional and national preferences that have been nurtured by historical connects.

A wardrobe must grow in good time. It is a highly individual process which should lead every man to his individual style. Men's suits, ties, shirts, jumpers, jeans, coats, belts and shoes take time to acquire, wear in and inevitably form a hierarchy of favourites.

As we all know, this is a costly process and tends to have a snowball affect. If a gentleman buys a new pair of beautiful leather shoes, he will instinctively notice when he tries them on with his 12 month old suit, that he no doubt requires a new one of those too!