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Racing fashion: for him
Metallic ... Grey jacket, $449, and pants, $249, Trenery, 1800 801 911; Silver tie, $129, Farage, (02) 9212 4509; Black belt, $169, Ralph Lauren, 1800 501 201; White shirt, $119.95, Geoffrey Beene, (03) 9340 5200; Black shoes, $160, ZU, 1800 199 662. Photo: Marco Del Grande
There are few occasions where men get the chance to dress to the nines and show some personality through their suits. So fellas, with spring racing season in sight, we thought we'd let you in on the latest looks.
The key thing to remember when choosing a new suit is that fit is everything. As for the cut, skinny is in. Quality fabrics like lightweight wool, silk or cashmere are also king and leather shoes are a must. When it comes to the style, one- or two-button suits in core shades like navy and charcoal are classic. Snappy dressers, however, might like to embrace modern metallics or tan (so Italian).
A three-piece suit will always be dapper and the perfect choice for those who like to stand out from the crowd. A pop of bold colour via your shirt or tie will also get you noticed. The other important style advice to adhere to when donning a suit is to ensure it's immaculate that means crisply pressed, including shirt, shoes shined, with precision grooming and a subtle waft of scent.
Look 1: Metallic
With warm weather upon us, don't be afraid to break the mould and opt for a suit in a pale colour. A silver suit with a slight metallic sheen, worn with a crisp, white shirt and pale tie, is elegant and informal. Note: with light-coloured suiting, it's best to go for a one-button slim cut. To keep the overall look classic, black shoes and belt are a must.
Look 2: Italiano
When it comes to suiting, a summery shade of tan or beige has long been the predilection of those fashion-obsessed Italians. And this season just about every international men's wear designer featured it in their collections. Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani showcased it with either all-white or all-black accessories. To give it a modern twist, go for a hint of colour a pale-lilac shirt and striped tie is fresh and sleek.
Look 3: Tone-on-tone
You'll never put a foot wrong in a striking steel-blue suit. A dark suit with a shirt and tie in the same tone (blue suits all complexions) is always a winner. If you've got the confidence, go for brown or tan shoes and belt. Otherwise, stick to classic black patent leather will inject some edge.
Look 4: Get striped
Who says the pinstripe suit is purely the preserve of the English aristocrat? Today the pinstripe has broken out of the banking and finance industries and reclaimed its title as a dashing fashion statement. Go for the pinstripe which looks even more striking in a three-piece if you love to dress up. Avoid overload by pairing back with a block-colour tie and simple shirt. Or if you've got a keen eye for detail, try the trickier trend and go for a striped shirt and striped tie combination it's a hot look right now. The trick to pulling off multiple stripes is to ensure the size and spacing is different.
