THE JOURNAL
“What does luxury mean today?” is a question we’ve asked ourselves often over the past few years. As the menswear market continues to open up, encouraging new avenues of self-expression, the big “L” word no longer sounds so austere. Instead, it’s revealing itself as something that can be fun, light-hearted and free from the rigid and traditional sartorial codes that had come to be associated with its lofty appellative.
This shift has been informed by a couple of things. In part, it is due to having been confined to the perimeter of our homes for months at a time. But it is also down to the work of a host of labels – from TOM FORD, Fear of God and The Row to Italian style masters such as Zegna, Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli – offering a fresh take on modern luxury, proposing new, forward-thinking ways to incorporate it in your everyday style. Unsure where to start? Just read on.
01.
Soft tailoring
Suiting has relaxed considerably in recent years. Are ties still a thing? And what about padded shoulders? Are unstructured jackets and drawstring trousers here to stay? The secret to cracking this look is wearing your blazer over anything but a dress shirt. Try a zip-up cardigan, such as TOM FORD’s ribbed style, or opt for layers – a fine knit and The Row’s muted overshirt, for instance. In the trousers department, keep things loose and unstructured. Drawstring waistbands and rolled cuffs are details to look for. They’ll give your ensemble a laid-back appeal without creating too much contrast with your footwear, for which we’d choose minimalist sneakers or simple loafers – Loro Piana’s Summer Walk style are our favourites.
02.
Cowboy cool
The western trend will always have a place in menswear and, as such, it’s often an object of reinvention. But making it look stylish and luxurious is a process of trial and error. Fabrics are the main element to consider – the more tactile, the better. Suede is your safest bet, whether it’s in the form of a TOM FORD blazer or a Loro Piana bomber jacket. You can’t forget a good pair of jeans, either, such as The Row’s straight-leg, heavily washed pair. Throw in a hat and a belt with a statement buckle if you’re feeling adventurous.
03.
Spring pastels
Zegna Camp-Collar Linen-Cotton-Silk Short-Sleeved Shirt coming soon
TOM FORD Austin Viscose DB6 Suit Jacket, Silk Bomber Jacket, Mesh Vest and Austin Viscose Suit Trousers coming soon. Zegna Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Twill Trousers coming soon
The slightest sign of warmer weather has us shifting our focus towards a softer palette. And while it may be a little early to embrace full-on colour, pastels are an excellent place to start. Getting the tones right can be tricky, so we’d advise turning to Zegna and TOM FORD for help. A light sandy-hued suit will nicely complement other neutral shades, such as champagne, stone or off-white. The powdery pink of TOM FORD’s suit is a pastel favourite, too – pair that with tonal shades or go a touch lighter with your base layer.
04.
Get your game on
From varsity jackets to loafers and letterman sweats, the preppy, Ivy League-inspired style is having something of a resurgence in recent months. A piped V-neck sweater, such as Brunello Cucinelli’s, calls for low-top sneakers and sports socks. If your sartorial choices sit on the smarter side, try something a little more thought out. Consider a rugby polo shirt, for instance, over a pair of corduroy trousers, and a pair of Weejuns from G.H. Bass & Co. to finish off your fit.
05.
Down to business
We firmly believe that you don’t need a three-piece suit to show you mean business – a full monochrome look will suffice. Keep it smart with clean-lined trousers, a masterfully tailored shirt (such as The Row’s) and a classic outer layer, like Stòffa’s belted trench coat. Or go for a sweater over wide-leg trousers – Miles Leon’s, exclusively available at MR PORTER, have deep plates for a little added shape. Opting for casual? Consider luxurious leathers – break up a Fear of God jacket and trousers with a sweater from the brand’s Eternal line.