Start the new year in style
It’s JANUARY; the time of year where we all make New Years resolutions that we won’t stick to and convince ourselves that this will be the year that we finally get rid of those extra pounds that we’ve been ignoring for longer than we’d care to admit. But January isn’t just a time for examining life. It’s also a great excuse to rethink your office wardrobe. After all, what better time is there to give your look a new lease of life in a considered way before getting back into the thick of it all?
In the City, old rules on work attire remain but that doesn’t mean that your sartorial sensibilities are purely the preserve of the weekend. Over the past few seasons designers have focused on City men in a big way. Whether that’s in recognition of the reality that they are amongst the few that can still spend considerable sums on luxury items right now is unclear, but what we do know is that brands are focusing on City men like never before. The days where formal business attire equated to a badly cut, lumpy pin stripe suit teamed with clunky brogues that have seen better days are long gone. Now, the businessman is spoilt for choice.
Here we round up the key items that will make a difference in your office wardrobe this year…
THE SLIM FIT SUIT
Think of this as the anchor of your work wardrobe. As they say, the suit maketh the man so fit is key. This wool suit from Gucci won’t let you down. The slim fit blazer and tapered leg creates a sharp and well-balanced silhouette. Think of it as a modern take on a classic, a safe but reliable choice. Available in black, its versatility gives you flexibility with your choice of shirt and tie.
£895, gucci.com/uk
THE CLASSIC SHIRT
You can never have too many white shirts. While it might seem on the boring side, it avoids any possibility of unexpected clashes with your tie on those busy mornings when you’re rushing out the door. Bold, garish shirts should be limited to off-duty time or, even better, not at all. Thomas Pink is the name to know when it comes to styles with longevity. The label’s formal White Lions slim fit shirt is comfortable but is cut closer to the body for a slick and polished finish. It features a strong semi-cutaway collar and double cuffs.
£89, thomaspink.com
THE GOES-WITH-EVERYTHING TIE
Burberry may be known for its outerwear but men’s accessories are its other strength. Crafted in England from hand woven tweed and silk, this tie is understated and refined but exudes quality. Coming in mid grey melange, its paired down nature means it will work just as well with a black or grey suit as it would a navy style so will definitely help on those busy mornings when you’re on the run.
£125, uk.burberry.com
THE FAIL-SAFE SMART SHOES
Every work wardrobe needs at least one pair of slim black lace up shoes. They work with everything and are the perfect finish to a crisp suit.
This plain toe Sawley Polo style from Church’s is a keeper and you can be rest assured that they will hold you in good stead for years to come.
The style works well with a day suit but is smart enough to accompany a tuxedo for a formal function, allowing you to move seamlessly from the boardroom to an event.
£320, church-footwear.com
THE MODERN MAN’S WORK BAG
Your briefcase needn’t look like a relic from the past. Salvatore Ferragamo has created elegant options that come with compartments for your laptop, tablet and phones. Its brown leather style oozes quality and will definitely turn heads. It’s slick with a masculine sturdy shape and comes equipped with Palladio combination closure and hardware along with cotton canvas lining.
£1,989, ferragamo.com
THE EXECUTIVE PEN
Despite the presence of gadgets limiting the occasions that we write by hand, you can’t underestimate the impact of a quality pen. Pulling out an old biro just isn’t going to cut it and if you’re going to make a big investment, William & Son have a great selection on offer. Its Caran d’Ache Leman black pen is ideal. As it’s a ballpoint style, you don’t need to worry about ink and the design is incredibly stylish with silver plating and a rhodium coated trim.
£230, williamandson.com
THE INVESTMENT ORGANISER
Get organised for the New Year in style with help from Thomas Lyte. Its grained leather diary comes in A5 size so is easily portable when you’re on the go and the removable cover allows it to be used year on year by enabling you to buy new inserts. Inside, each day is given a full page to make sure that you can fit in all of your appointments and it also contains sections for personal notes, addresses and a slot for credit cards.
£65, thomaslyte.com
HAPPY FEET
Treat your feet to Pantherella socks this year. The British brand, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, is known for creating quality styles in just about every colour combination imaginable, loved by the likes of Johnny Depp and Hugh Grant. This bright red pair adds a pop of colour to a muted suit. Crafted from silk-blend with hand linked toe seams, they perfectly balance style and comfort.
£30, mrporter.com