Formal Styles for Men Who Don't Follow the Rules

Popular styles can fade out of fashion over time, but they often have a way of coming back around. One of our favourite examples of this is the casual suit. It’s a style that originated way back in the 18th century but has recently been revived as a modern alternative to formal tailoring.

Whilst we love the luxurious fabrics and fitted shape of a formal suit, if you're the kind of gentleman who likes to challenge the status quo, casual tailoring will keep you looking just as dapper without compromising on personality- plus you can wear your (in)formal outfit anytime and anywhere!

However, if you’re used to the world of fancy three-pieces, or if you’ve never made the foray into formal wear, you might be wondering where to begin.

So, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you master the art of men’s casual tailoring- and just in time for Christmas too! 

Casual tailoring is all about finding the balance between comfort and style. It takes the sharpness of traditional tailoring and blends it with the laid-back structure and relaxed fabrics of casualwear.

Airy materials like linen, cotton, or unstructured wool are cornerstones of casual tailoring, and they’re also great choices for autumn formalwear! 

The keys to mastering this carefree style are playing with structure, mixing and matching pieces, and- most importantly- wearing your outfit with confidence, so that you’ll feel just as dapper as you look.

Choosing a classic blazer is the easiest place to begin when it comes to smart casual tailoring. Remember to look for those softer fabrics to achieve that easy-going feel and unstructured fit.

Like our Everyday Blazer, your tailored jacket should be either unlined or half-lined, without padding, to create a comfortable and effortless style that can be mixed and matched with anything from chinos to denim jeans.

To keep your outfit looking luxurious, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Buttons, badges, and pocket linings that give off an industrial workwear feel are ideal for the casual tailoring look. Whilst they bring a sense of sophistication to your outfit, these vintage details have a rustic charm that keeps things casual. 

The colour of your blazer will set the tone for the rest of your ensemble. Unlike with a traditional suit, your palette doesn’t have to be meticulously co-ordinated, but the shades you choose should still complement one another. If you’re taking inspiration from classic casual tailored suits, you’ll want to stick to neutral tones like navy, olive, and sand.

However, as casual tailoring is often worn for more informal occasions, it’s an opportunity to express your creativity when it comes to colour. You can feel free to experiment with different coloured fabrics- like deep purples or warm autumn tones.

Once you’ve got your blazer sorted, it’s time to pick some trousers to match. Mastering the casual tailoring style is all about balancing the sophistication of a suit with the laid-back style of everyday wear. 

So, if you’ve gone for a more structured blazer, try dressing down the look with some loose-fitting chinos in an earthy tone, like navy or beige. Chino trousers go with most blazers, and can be worn with both trainers and brogues, making them a versatile choice.

If you’re sporting your casual tailoring look for an informal occasion; for example, to the bar or a barbecue, you could opt for a pair of slim jeans, with a dark or mid-wash.

Jeans can add a modern twist to your tailored look, whilst creating a streamlined silhouette that complements the blazers shape. A more casual blazer, like a lightweight suede style, can be paired with traditional suit trousers. Stick to relaxed or tapered cuts to avoid looking too formal.

With formal attire, it’s the shirts that complete the outfit, but casual tailoring is all about the layers. The right layers can add depth, texture, and personality, but the trick is to make sure they complement your tailored pieces without falling too far into either the formal or sloppy territories. 

Knitwear is a natural addition to casual tailoring, easily softening the look and bringing texture. Opt for crew neck jumpers, that are both fitted and lightweight, or try a light, cable-knit cardigan that’ll sit comfortably under a blazer.

When styled correctly, a waistcoat can add a cool vintage-inspired edge to your casual tailoring. The secret here is to downplay the formality by playing with colours and patterns, and by choosing relaxed fabrics like tweed, cotton, linen, or corduroy.