STRIPETASTIC

Stripes are having a rapid "comeback" and are everywhere at the moment but when have stripes ever not been in style? I think everyone has had a stripe in their wardrobe at least once in their life, purely because they are stripetastic!

Blazer, Shirt, pants & sunglasses: Oxford

I adore a good stripe. There is something about the nautical/Parisian chic elegance that makes me feel fresh and youthful. Revisiting the stripe for Spring/Summer is like visiting the beach house every summer. A MUST.

Suit: Briggins

Shirt: Iuter

There is an abundance of stripe activity on the market with block-stripe knitwear or a wide-striped t-shirt showing up in almost every store I have been in. Predominantly sticking with the safe blue and white and red and white it is great to see the fresh new ways that stripes are returning to the shelves and my wardrobe.

Blazer, Shirt, pants & sunglasses: Oxford

Fast track your way to the top of stylish pack with this easy pattern by teaming it with easy neutrals or spring/summer staples. You cannot go wrong unless you pick the wrong stripe for your body shape. Too fine will get lost in translation if you are wearing with a dominant colour or if you are of a larger build. Stripes horizontally will make you appear taller whilst horizontal, wider. The key to a good stripe is ensuring it fits well across your chest (both ladies and gents pay attention).

Blazer: Briggins

T-Shirt: Oxford

Shorts: Vintage

Shoes: Florsheim

Bag & Sunglasses: Gucci

The classic stripe is often not season-specific which means more bang for your buck whilst effortlessly keeping you ahead of the style pack. If you pick a lightweight knit you will be able to wear in winter when layering, giving you more options for your wardrobe.

Separate yourself from the crowd by trying individual bold pieces, such as blazers and strong coloured shirts and for the super brave, double up! You will be surprised at how clashing different stripes is on the forefront of men's style in Europe.

Will you be adding statement stripes to your spring/summer wardrobe this year?

3 WAYS, 3 DAYS

A blazer is a great fill-in for any occasion and every man has at least one in his wardrobe. They are perfect for situations in which a suit is too formal and you want to have a little sprinkling of your personality and individuality.

You all know how much I adore colours and fortunately this James Harper blazer has arrived just in time for Spring/Summer with its vibrant colour. The blazer is the perfect transitional wardrobe piece moving seasons from Winter to Spring. It is time to hang up those winter coats, wave goodbye to winter and don a blazer in a bright colour. This colour is sure to catch more than a few eyes on the streets, and it’s flattering shape works with just about anything I can throw at it.

 I am super excited about this colourful blazer, and it’s refreshing style that within 3 days, I wore it 3 different ways! It is perfect for summer with its slim lapel, double vents and the spot print lining is super fun when unbuttoned. Men like to purchase pieces that ensure versatility and value for money and this blazer works just as well outside the office as it does inside.

Day 1 – Blazer and Jeans

This great blazer and a humble pair of jeans created a great combination. The cut of the bright coloured blazer paired with the casual style of jeans created a sharp and chic yet relaxed vibe. Obviously the simplest of my 3 days, 3 ways, this look is totally easy for any man to achieve. By pairing the blazer with a plain shirt you will make the look more casual (remember to unbutton your top button) and your trusty white canvas kicks will make this a failsafe style that you can repeatedly rely on. If you don’t feel like being neither casual or dressy but quite neutral , opt for a polo shirt. It is another failsafe item that every gent has in their wardrobe. The great thing about this look is it is so versatile and can take you from afternoon meetings to drinks and spontaneous dancing with friends. Throw on this blazer during the day and it will keep you looking sharp through to when happy hour starts and beyond.

Day 2- Blazer Short Combo

On day 2 the sun begun to poke out of the clouds and I paired the blazer with a pair of shorts, also by James Harper, a white tee and some simple white canvas shoes, perfect look for sunnie afternoons.I opted to have the koi fish embroidery added to the jacket to customise it and make it a little special. The embroidery pattern is custom made (lovely touch) and hand stitched to the blazer. Embroidery has popped up everywhere thanks to the big fashion houses embracing embellishments and embroidery. I adore it’s unique eclectic vibe and it is wonderful to see menswear is getting in on the trend. Obviously you do not need to opt for the embroidery and the great thing is if you do, you can always remove it so you will have the blazer for seasons to come.

Day 3- Blazer for work

By day 3 I was totally mad for this blazer! The great thing about a statement blazer is you really do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe to match it. Dress to impress at the office by combining the blazer with pieces in your existing corporate wardrobe. You will be surprised how this great colour matches what you gents would already have in your wardrobe, such as navy’s and grey. The trick is to make a statement without being too over-the-top and keeping your ensemble work-friendly. When in doubt start with a light or dark base and work from there to create outfit harmony. To create a polished look for work I combined the blazer with a plain shirt with minimal details and pair of suit pants, topping it off with a pocket square. The pocket square helps break up the solidity of the blazer. If you do not know how to wear a pocket square, please revert to WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKET.

Stand out in the crowd by styling the blazer with a pair of shorts, a navy shirt and some white kicks. Totally on-point for afternoons out with friends. You could always combine them with some brown suede shoes that would convert this to a classic look for a more formal occasion, such as the polo, or nine-to-five.

My friends at James Harper have kindly offered you 10% off at their online store by using the code GFASH10.

Whether you need a blazer for work or just a fancy occasion, I hope I have inspired you to think outside the grey, navy or black box.