• Men's Fashion Basics

Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 75 – The Posh Do

Ah, the posh do. No, I’m not talking about that fancy new side parting you just got your hairdresser to give you. I’m talking about the kind of party that only comes around once summer rears it’s beautiful golden mane. The kind of party that involves Marquees and a large amount of ribbon. The kind of party where people like to pretend they actually know what the hell is going on when it comes to tennis, rowing or lacrosse. The kind of party where £12 for a cup of Pimms (a.k.a. as fruit juice) makes perfect sense. Yes, that kind of posh do.

When attending such an event it’s important to bear in mind two things: dress code and weather. When it comes to any party taking place in the summer sun, be it beer garden or Buckingham Palace, I would say the latter takes precedent.

General Tips

Having a seasonal wardrobe is something I tend to go on about a bit. But it is for a good reason. In the summer, you want to be wearing pieces that are lightweight and breathable so as to minimize body odor and discomfort. So forget about your wools, flannels and heavyweight cottons. You want to start sticking to thinner cottons like madras, linen, seersucker or blends of material. This way, even if you are wearing a few layers, you won’t hate every minute of it. My personal favorite is a wool/linen blend on a 30/70 split because, especially with tailored items, the linen keeps them light and breathable while the wool helps the material keep its shape and fight wrinkles.

Next comes the dress code. At this point, you are going to have to man up… and wear a jacket. If you automatically turn your nose up at the thought of this, then I suggest you re-think your attendance. Formal wear will play a heavy part in everyone’s wardrobe going, so look to do the same – even if it’s as simple as a waistcoat. However, with that said, there is nearly always a Dandy element to these events too. And this is where you have a chance to get creative and even embrace a few trends. Wearing color is pretty much expected, so why not go with some pastel pink, green or yellow in your outfit? Interesting shoes will also be on display, so you could even try some unique colored footwear, or perhaps even this season’s essential – camouflage? Either way, putting a twist on whatever tailoring you are wearing, is pretty much a must.

• Topman Lilac Oxford Skinny Blazer
• Richard James Slim-fit Linen Blazer
• Polo Ralph Lauren Plain Oxford Slim Fit Shirt
• Norse Projects Anton Oxford Yellow Shirt
• Velour Green Sand Chinos
• Etro Lambretto Straight-leg Seersucker Trousers
• B Store Navy New Mario 4 Tassel Loafers
• Folk Finlay Red Suede Shoes
• Nick Wooster + Leffot Camo Wingtip

The Posh Do Dress Code

So with all that in mind, why don’t I give you a rundown of three outfits that you could wear to three possible events? OK, great:

1. Ascot

For a very formal event, such as place where the ladies must wear hats and the men suits, it’s best to stick to the classics: A navy or grey suit. Keep it in lightweight cotton and maybe even go with a three piece so that even if the jacket comes off you’re still looking put together.

Accessories are really where you have the room to have a bit of fun. So why not try out some brogues in an olive green or maybe a floral pocket square? Or you could simply go with an interesting shirt and tie combo like a blue striped shirt with a brown plaid tie.

You could even take a little inspiration from the Italians and mix your suit up – try going with navy up top and grey below or vica versa. However, if you do happen to be in the Royal Ascot enclosure, then remember you will have to wear black shoes and a top hat, so don’t forget those!

• Austin Reed Slim Fit Navy Suit Jacket
• Topman Two Piece Navy Sharp Shoulder Skinny Suit
• Asos Skinny Fit Suit Jacket
• Drakes Slim Check Melange Woven Tie
• Reiss Doulton Floral Print Pocket Square Sand
• Topman Arthur Brogue Shoe
• Bass Weejuns Burgundy Leather Larson Loafers
• Metal Eyelet Hole Pins Collar Bars Shirt Pin Screws On
• Royal London Pocket Pocket Watch

2. Henley Regatta

The classic look for most events like this are a navy blazer, white shirt and khaki chinos. But why not flip that look around and go with navy chinos and a khaki blazer instead?

Better yet, with navy chinos and a white shirt as your base, go big in the blazer department and try some colour. Pastel pinks, greens, blues and yellows will all look great and very appropriate. Unless you’re in the Steward’s enclosure, you can skip out on the tie, undo a few buttons and just go with a great pocket square instead.

If you do go with a tie keep it simple, neutral and preppy (striped or plaid). But what about shoes? Well, it’s by the river so what better than a classic leather boat shoe to see you through the day.

• Reiss Irving B Fashion Two Button Notch Lapel Jacket Pink
• Topman Blue Oxford Skinny Blazer
• Uniqlo Men Stretch Jacket
• J.crew Slim Cotton And Linen-blend Tie
• Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Tie
• Silk Pocket Square ´pocket Square 33 X 33 Cm By Boss Black
• Polo Ralph Lauren Bienne Boat Shoes
• Sperry Top-sider Amaretto Leather Top-sider Deck Shoes
• Sebago Black Brown Leather Preppy Docksides

3. Wimbledon

At a place where there is no real dress code but still an expectation of dressing smart you have a bit more room to be casual. Why not go with a piece that is part of the tradition and opt for a polo shirt? Either keep it simple in white or blue and pair with a navy or grey linen suit, or highlight this season’s key trend and go with a printed version under an unlined khaki blazer and neutral chinos.

For the more brave amongst you, why not pair your cotton suit with a neutral t-shirt and some crisp white trainers?

• J.crew Washed Cotton-piqué Polo Shirt
• Topman Blue Smart Tipped Polo T-shirt
• Fred Perry Fine Stripe Knitted Polo Shirt
• Asos Slim Fit Linen Suit Jacket
• Dolce & Gabbana Washed Slim-fit Cotton Blazer
• Allsaints Faculty Blazer
• Dockers Alpha Tapered Chino
• Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low Top Sneakers
• Reiss Havelock Suede Tassel Loafer Mid Brown

Final Word

So there you have it guys, a few ideas on what to wear to one of the endless posh do’s available for attendance this summer. Do you agree with the looks I’ve provided? What events are you attending and what will you be wearing? Let me know.

Matt Allinson.

Matt Allinson

Matt graduated from Leeds University in 2009 and is currently studying for an MA in Multi-media Journalism at Bournemouth University. He is in charge of the Men’s Fashion Basics section which provides you with a step by step guide to becoming a stylish individual in any situation.