Style -- 11 hours ago
These are the suavest overshirts for autumn
From sophisticated suede to overshirts cut from cashmere, these versatile mid-layers offer a stylish solution to the smart-casual conundrum
Words: Jonathan Wells
When’s the last time you wore a suit? Too tricky? Okay, let’s start off a little easier. When’s the last time you wore a blazer? No? Still too tough? We know the feeling. As we approach a year of locked-down life, our formal threads are crying out to be touched, worn and loved. You can almost hear the wailing through the wardrobe doors.
Unfortunately, work-from-home is all about comfort and casual wear. And that means waistcoats going to waste, ties taking a back seat and our once beloved brogues realising that the shoe is now, sadly, on the other slippered foot. But you shouldn’t let your comfortable, casual clothing have all the fun. Instead, we’ve found the perfect intersection between office and loungewear; the often overlooked overshirt.
Practical and versatile, the overshirt is your new suave work-from-home essential. Yes, you can lounge around the house in it, and throw it on with jeans and a T-shirt. But, if the Zoom meeting calls for it, it’ll also make a mean blazer when paired with a shirt and tie. Here are the best of the bunch…
Go for suede (if you want suaveness AND swagger)
It’s still spring — so you need to bundle up against the cold. Thankfully, a suede overshirt falls somewhere between a button-down and a light jacket. With that brushed leather edge, it’s the ideal option for transitional dressing — and will add considerable swagger to any get-up.
We’d recommend keeping the colour classic. Something supple, subtle and blue — like dunhill’s long-collared design, or the Western-inspired ‘Barron’ overshirt from Ralph Lauren. Alternatively, go for natural tones, such as this handcrafted tan offering from leather artisans Valstar; with a partially concealed buttoned placket and unlined inner for layering.
A cashmere overshirt is the perfect mix of couture and comfort
Of course, sophistication and style doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. We are working-from-home, after all — and if you overshirt can pass muster on a webcam call, then it doesn’t really matter what it’s made from. Enter cashmere; everyone’s favourite, softest wool. Invest in an overshirt crafted from cashmere, and you’ll not only look the business, but you’ll feel swaddled and safe from 9 til 5.
This workwear-meets-luxury option from Loro Piana is a great choice. It’s got a price tag befitting CEOs, but is designed with practical pockets and a neutral tone for a ‘man of the people’ vibe. A Day’s March have a more affordable option; a deluxe anniversary edition in a super-soft cashmere-wool from Albano Morgado. Or, if you still want to splash out, Brioni’s beige overshirt features horn buttons, leather side gussets — and another big price tag.
There’s nothing wrong with patterns (as long as you keep things subtle)
Another benefit of an overshirt? That is isn’t a suit. Rather than pulling on matching trousers, you can wear whatever you want on your bottom half (especially on a Zoom call). And this means you can experiment a little; push the boundaries of style and design — and introduce some subtle patterning into your outfit.
Nothing too bold, obviously. Oliver Spencer’s ‘Ellington’ overshirt is ideal — navy enough to be versatile, but with a little more interest woven into its 100% cotton construction. Even Percival’s hound check workshirt, cut from seasonal flannel, is understated enough to transcend dress codes. It’s got a similar feel to Wax London’s ‘Whiting’ design, with its ecru stripe, cotton blend and mid-tailored fit.
Looking for more modern spins on traditional tailoring? These are the best Savile Row tailored face masks for gentlemen…
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