For those that follow my column for How to Spend It magazine (part of the Financial Times), there have been two articles in the past month – on Barbour and on Begg.
We’ve stuck with this format for almost 18 months now, as response has been so good among HTSI readers. It generally involves a first-person narrative, based off the kind of trips or craftsman interviews I tend to do, and gives a behind-the-scenes view of a new or growing brand.
The past serious for HTSI, a series of practical guides called ‘How to Buy’ can still be seen here on the site. For those that want a basic guide to purchasing a suit, a bag or a fountain pen, it remains a handy resource.
Dear Simon:
First off, a sincere note of thanks for the work you have put into your website. I read it daily and find the information enjoyable and invaluable.
My question is this: is there ever a social occasion where a dark (either charcoal or navy blue) three piece suit can be worn? I have commissioned four bespoke suits over the past few years, three of them 2pc SB everyday business suits, and one 3pc dinner suit. I like the powerful look of a dark 3pc suit however (particularly one with peak labels and pinstripes), but fear that I will never have the occasion to wear it. For the office, such a suit would be too “memorable,” for lack of a better word, so I am left wondering whether there is any social occasion where such a suit can be suitably worn. A winter wedding, perhaps?
Regards,
K.
A dark three-piece suit can certainly be worn on social occasions, most notably any evening event. Where it with a white shirt, satin navy tie and black lace-ups, and it will be as elegant as almost any black tie. Less formal shirt/tie combinations make it more suited to other, less formal evening events.
The only thing you’ll struggle with is the pinstripes, which tend to suggest business rather than social occasion.
Many thanks Simon, I will try that combination!