Dine in style with the new dress codes for a modern man
A feast of fashion, take a look over our tasting menu of the best in dining style
Words: Jonathan Wells
It’s time to dust off the dress codes of old. After all, as the food on our plates is increasingly reinvented, deconstructed and afforded new flavours, why shouldn’t our dining duds follow suit?
In the most recent issue of Gentleman’s Journal, we poured over our wardrobe to decide which threads paired well with which occasions. So, whether you’re heading out for a business lunch or popping down to your local for Sunday lunch, these are the new dress codes — and what you need to get them right…
Your business lunch look is all about accessories
We’ve all been there: Heading out to an incredibly important business lunch and worrying about what to wear. Overdress and you could look too keen. Underdress and, even before you sit down, the deal will be off the immaculately-set table. We’d recommend keeping things simple, and elevating your look with accessories.
That means stick with a chic suit, like this pinstripe offering from Gieves & Hawkes. But then show some personality with accessories from Mulberry, Cubitts, Emma Willis and Crockett & Jones. And ensure you get there on time with Breguet’s Classique 5157. It’ll say ‘I’m professional, but individual’ — a real deal-breaker.
Keep things casual for your Sunday lunch
You really, really want a roast — but just can’t bring yourself to fire up the oven yourself. Don’t fret — for your local makes a mean Yorkshire pudding. But, like your sleepy Sunday, you shouldn’t put too much effort into your outfit when popping to the pub. Instead, knitwear is the way to go.
Anchor your outfit with a big, chunky cardigan from Drake’s. Pair this with some Gant chinos and an AMI shirt — both in inoffensive colours. Finish with a pair of stonking, stomping boots from Crockett & Jones and a pair of devil-may-couldn’t-care-less aviators from Cubitts. On the wrist? Baume et Mercier’s Clifton Baumatic.
Dress up your jeans for a quick morning coffee
Never underestimate the power of a good pair jeans — or a double espresso, for that matter. If you’re looking to get a quick caffeine fix, style won’t be the top of your agenda. Instead, go for simple, chic ease. And that all starts with a good pair of jeans, in this case from Drake’s.
Couple this with a jumper from Gant, cool suede overshirt from Reiss and blue woven belt such as this one from Tod’s. And, for the ultimate sophisticated sneaker, lace up a pair of Common Projects. To keep time? The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, of course.
Add a touch of velvet to your fine dining get-up
It’s time we blew the cobwebs away from the classic black-tie look. Sir Plus, of course, are the people to do it — anchoring this new look with their navy velvet jacket and navy houndstooth wool trousers. It’s a fresh spin on classic style, and just as smart.
With finishing touches from Emma Willis with a pocket square, Lewis Fredericks with some black thick-framed glasses and Patek Philippe with their stunning 5207G, you’ll be the talk of the table. Oh, and don’t forget to lace up some fine black leather Gant shoes to finish the look off.
To explore more of our Sep/Oct Wine and Fine Dining Special, subscribe to Gentleman’s Journal here…
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Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
