Chris Edwards, Oscar Hunt’s incredibly well-turned out GM, gives us the inside leg on what makes for a properly suited and booted man.
Chris, how does life change in a properly tailored suit?
The moment you take the step to a tailored suit, it all changes. The suit will fit correctly, which means it’ll feel more comfortable – it’ll always look sharp and it’ll last longer, because it won’t rub in the wrong places. People will notice for the right reasons. However, the main change is the level of confidence: no more second-guessing about whether you’ve underdressed or are lacking in style.
Where does someone who’s less sharp in the wardrobe department start with putting together a corporate wardrobe? What’s the bare minimum upon which a lad can get by?
A well-cut, single-breasted, two-button suit in a traditional French navy is the answer, in my opinion. Pair this with a crisp white shirt, dark brown shoes and you’ve got a strong entry point to the world of sartorial success.
On your blog, you’ve suggested that the key suit colours for success are black, charcoal and navy – that’s kinda restrictive. In your view, is there ever a time where something a bit more flamboyant colour-wise is a goer?
Traditionally, powerful execs have worn key ‘power colours’ – indeed, they are restrictive, but our role as tailors is to inform and educate our clients about such matters. We don’t want to send a young guy into a conservative boardroom wearing a large windowpane check suit with suspenders and cuffed trousers. He’d be crucified. However, there are plenty of times where guys in the corporate world can be a little more flamboyant – it just depends on the workplace. We see many of our clients, wearing beautiful pins and brighter colours. We’re also starting to see a more adventurous side in smaller businesses – smart dressing can be seen as a point of difference over larger firms.
What are the non-negotiables when it comes to menswear?
A suit must be clean and pressed – and don’t wear crocs with a suit.
Best dressed blokes – past and present
Winston Churchill was the best-dressed politician of all time. He was almost always in a three-piece suit with bold pins and well-chosen accessories. His suits were well tailored, which, given his shape, explains why he looked so great.
Fred Astaire – it must have been tough to dance so well in a suit, but he always looked so cool. Fred often wore tails, which were apparently tailored by Savile Row tailoring house Anderson & Sheppard, cut with high armholes to allow for better movement.
From sartorial conservatism to the psychedelic, Bowie is a style master and continually pushes boundaries with his own inimitable style.
And our very own Jared Acquaro, who heads up product innovation at Oscar Hunt, as well as [writing] men’s fashion blog ‘A poor man’s millions’ – because he’s innovative and yet respects the classics. Jared proves that you don’t need a big bank to look the millions (I stole that line from him).
Head to our competition for your chance to win your own Oscar Hunt suit and shirt tailoring experience and start reaping the rewards of sartorial splendour.