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Love it or hate it, the winter weather will soon be upon us and now is the perfect time to start considering what needs updating in your winter wardrobe. It’s so easy to dig out last year’s woolly jumper and overcoat but why not treat yourself and give your wardrobe a stylish new revamp? The trick to keeping warm and fashionable this winter is to layer. Adding stylish layers to your attire can help you go from the coldness of outdoors to the inside warmth of a social gathering with ease.

A winter coat is the most obvious and essential piece of clothing for the season. A decent quality material along with versatility will help you achieve a long-lasting overcoat that will see you through this winter and hopefully many more. In addition to your main coat, a rain jacket or lightweight coat can be added to your wardrobe for those ‘not so chilly’ days,

Trying to choose your main coat can be daunting, so remember to pick one that complements your business wear and your casual wear. You don’t want to turn up to work in a smart suit with a bright yellow puffa jacket and lose that professional business image you’ve been busy cultivating! Longer, more streamlined coats give off a more elegant look, and choosing them in neutral, subdued colours keeps them easy to blend in and complement a range of formal and smart casual outfits.

A luxury cashmere jumper is also a great addition to your wardrobe. For business wear opt for neutral colours, navy, grey, black – this will keep the respected professional look and will blend well with different suit colours without having to spend too much time in the morning colour co-ordinating.

For casual wear, bolder colours can be introduced – burgundy and tan are great colours that work well with many trouser colours without going overboard.

Winter footwear also needs to be considered. A trusty pair of warm and sturdy shoes or boots will ensure you get through the winter months. Leather boots are the most obvious choice as they keep in the warmth and are very durable. Concentrate on the sole of the shoes or boots that you opt for – a good rubber sole will ensure you don’t have an eventful walk on the icy pavements.

And it’s not just the main garments that need to be considered – don’t forget your trusty scarf and leather gloves, a reliable umbrella or a modern hat to keep the chilly breeze and rain under control. These basic essentials can really add a smart and trendy look to a wide variety of outfits.

Take a look at your current winter wardrobe and see if it passes muster. If it doesn’t, it might be time to treat yourself to some gentleman’s winter tailoring.

Summer weddings, festivals, garden parties – with so many occasions on the horizon, opting for outfits that are stylish and cool will help you feel comfortable and at ease. Creating that summer-fresh look this season can be easily achieved if the right fabrics are chosen. Selecting fabrics that allow air to circulate will help you stay away from the awkward beads of sweat you are trying so hard to avoid!

For a Summer wedding abroad, choosing a white linen shirt and cotton tailored trousers will really help with the summer heat (and it’s probably the only time you will get away with wearing linen to a wedding!). If a suit is required, a lightweight wool or Fresco wool can offer a lighter, more breathable fabric. Wool suits have a reputation for being worn in winter months but with different weights and weaves available, wool is also suitable for warmer weather. Finer threads, looser weaves, and more porous materials all help add to a textile’s breathability. With regards to footwear, a dress shoe is recommended for weddings but you can sometimes get away with a smart pair of moccasins – as they are classed as a casual shoe, don’t wear them with a neck tie.

For a more informal garden party or festival, a finely tailored pair of chino trousers and a polo shirt can give you a perfectly fitting outfit that brings a casual tone. A perfectly tailored pair of trousers can lift your outfit to a new level and portray a clean-cut image. Boat shoes or moccasins are perfect shoes for summer weather. They complement many summer outfits and can be worn day or night, offering versatility.

When choosing your summer fabrics, the lighter the threads and the looser the weave, the more comfortable the fabric will be. Densely-woven cotton like oxford and broadcloth quickly become stifling in the summer, holding both sweat and body- warmed air close to the skin, so always try to avoid these types during the summer months.

And never forget that the British weather is prone to changing at a moment’s notice! A lightweight blazer in a neutral colour will go with any outfit and still give you that smart casual look. An unlined blazer will work well or choosing a lining that will allow breathability will be fine. Gentlemen – the rise in temperature is no excuse to let down your sartorial standards so looking cool in every respect should be your chief aim!

When creating that special outfit or stylish look, many people overlook the little added extras that really make their attire come to life. We’re not saying go over board and have a jazzy tie, a huge watch, a colourful handkerchief and a pair of the ultimate cuff links all on one outfit. Simply by using little colour-coded extras, it will add subtle perfections to your outfit and bring the whole ensemble together.

A tie will always complement your suit and there are numerous design types to choose from. For summer months you can afford to be more adventurous with the colours, opting for pale or bright colours (depending on the occasion). For Autumn/Winter months, tone down the bright colours and choose a different texture which complements your suit. When deciding on a standard or skinny tie, as a general rule, your tie should be as close to the width of your suit lapel as possible.

Handkerchiefs/pocket squares can provide fine colour to your suit. In line with the tie selection, colours can be more vibrant in Summer and more textured in the Winter.

Tie pins are a great accessory that can work well for the business executive to create a professional look. For outdoor occasions they will keep control of your tie and avoid leaving it flapping in the breeze! Make sure you select a pin size that suits your tie, having a pin that overhangs your tie will completely kill the look.

Cufflinks are subtle extras that can be bold and adventurous without being too ‘in- your-face’. There are many designs out there that can reflect the occasion you are attending. Specific colours can be chosen to match other suit accessories. For black tie, it’s best to opt for clean-cut and elegant styles, in silver, gold or onyx.

A watch is a timeless classic that can be worn for any occasion and for any season. They can be worn for formal occasions but also for that casual weekend away. Any design can be worn with a suit but for a smart, formal style, opt for a thin, discreet gold dress watch.

Just remember that when purchasing your suit, it is not the finished product – little added extras will give you a stylish appearance that will enhance the overall impact you make!

Summer is one of the most popular times of year to hold a wedding so if your big day is fast approaching and you’ve got so many important decisions to make, let’s hope choosing your suit is one that is pleasurable and simple! Working with a professional tailor will help take away all the stresses and will work alongside you, your bride, your groomsmen (and even your wedding planner) to ensure a smooth service.

Choosing a suit that will complement your theme, the location, your bride’s dress and the weather may seem impossible but there are lots of options available to ensure you both have a fabulous wedding that guests will never forget!

The most familiar wedding outfit is a more formal look. This range may include a full morning suit, tails, tuxedo, stroller jacket, dinner jacket or dark suit. A morning suit is the most formal of them all and can provide a traditional design suitable for dark colours. A three piece is recommended with this style so the heavy coat can be removed during the reception and still provide a stylish and smart look.

A Tuxedo sits between a morning suit and lounge suit. Black is the most classic choice but this type of suit can also work well in midnight blue. Opting for a unique style on the lapels can make this outfit more appealing and distinctive.

For something a little less formal, a lounge suit can be a great alternative, especially if it’s a tailored suit. A slim-fit, single-breasted two-piece is a slick and contemporary choice for the groom who wants to keep things simple, but still look exceptionally sharp. Classic-fitting double-breasted or three-piece suits are also worth considering especially if you’re looking for something that makes a statement but is still a timeless classic.

Wool, Cotton, Linen and a blended fabric are all great options. Although wool usually conjures up images of a heavy suit, wool can in fact be a lightweight, year-round fabric. A good lightweight wool has features that promote airflow whilst year round wool still allows for breathability and movement. For a more opulent suit, opt for a silk/wool blend.

Whatever design and colour you choose, remember the little added extras that can bring your whole theme together – the pocket handkerchief, the tie or cravat, the shoes. All aspects of a tailored suit can be matched to your wedding theme from the lining of your jacket to the colour of your waistcoat – all these little features can bring the outfit to life.

And don’t forget – Fine Tailoring is all about creating a suit that makes you feel confident and distinctive. It’s about choosing the correct fit, cut and style that produce the perfect attire not to mention unveiling your character. To cope with what may be a rather warm day there are many fabric options that will ensure that you keep cool, calm and collected during your big day and any good tailor will be able to talk you through the choices available.

You can’t beat a summer wedding and you can’t beat a finely tailored suit to mark the occasion.

Champagne, strawberries, sunshine – what a great way to spend a summer’s day relaxing at Wimbledon! It is the most prestigious tennis event on the calendar and has been held in the London suburb of Wimbledon since 1877.

With the event taking place from 27th June to 10th July wherever your ticket takes you; Centre Court, the three main courts or a relaxing picnic on ‘Henman Hill’ – here are some tips for what to wear to this wonderfully British occasion.

Your outfit needs to be ready for the British climate so making sure you are prepared for all weathers is a must. One minute you may be relaxing in the summer sun, the next covering up to avoid the torrential downpour! A trilby hat is a great way to avoid the summer heat; it’s stylish, lightweight and matches whatever outfit you choose. An umbrella is an accessory that will no doubt prove very useful. And as far as your attire goes, choosing a breathable fabric, like cotton or linen is a good option for providing a comfortable outfit.

The Royal Box

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to The Royal Box, then you need to make sure that your dressed for the occasion. The Royal Box, in Centre Court is a very respectable seating area which requires all visitors to dress up. A well-tailored suit and tie will help you feel comfortable in your surroundings. Try and avoid wearing an all-black suit and opt for a royal blue or grey. Match this perfectly with a classic shirt in pale hues. Wear with some stylish Derby shoes in black or brown to complete the look.

Center Court (& Courts 1,2 & 3)

Over recent years, the dress code for Centre Court has been relaxed. This means that you may wear ‘smart’ shorts. Tailored shorts with a shirt and sports jacket would be a more comfortable option. If you would prefer, a pair of chinos can be replaced for the shorts. Again opting for a classic pale shirt will be beneficial if the weather is kind to us. Teamed with a dapper blazer, you will look elegant for after match drinks and cocktails. Smart suede loafers will compliment your shorts or chinos stylishly.

Wimbledon Hill

Known as ‘Henman Hill’ or ‘Murray Mound’, this is a more relaxed, casual grassy area which shows all the action on the large screen. As no seating is provided, a comfortable attire is recommended. There is no dress code for Henman Hill but as you may be perched on a blanket on the grass, an outfit that fits nicely and is at ease with your body can help you enjoy your day. Tailored shorts, teamed with a smart polo shirt and classic lace ups in suede or leather will keep your look sharp and admired.

Remember, the weather is known for its unpredictable nature at Wimbledon, so don’t forget your little added extras to make sure the day runs smoothly. And talking of added extras.. enjoy the strawberries and Pimms…..and of course, the tennis!

Royal Ascot is a major event in the British social calendar, attracting the rich and famous from all over the world and generating over 6 million pounds in prize money. It attracts many of the world’s finest racehorses and is visited by the Royal Family year after year. The Royal Procession is always an iconic moment to herald the start of every race day. Located in Berkshire, the event held on Tuesday 14th June to Saturday 18th June offers a truly memorable occasion. Anticipated and revered, these five days are made for socialising. Press coverage of the attendees and what they are wearing often exceeds coverage of the actual racing, so dressing for this unforgettable occasion is an important part of the day.

There are three enclosures visited by guests on Royal Ascot week:

Royal enclosure

The most prestigious enclosure of them all, this is an invite or membership only area. The dress code is extremely strict and gentlemen are reminded to wear either black or grey morning dress. This consists of a double or single breasted waistcoat, tie, matching top hat and black dress shoes. The morning coat has curved front edges sloping back at the sides into long tails. It is single-breasted with peaked lapels. Choosing a pale coloured shirt will sit well with the black-clad crowd.

Queen Anne enclosure (formerly Grandstand enclosure)

A more relaxed theme for this enclosure; gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie. A perfectly tailored suit would allow you to be more confident with the colours. Opting for light colours grey, beige or even light blue will bring the summer feeling to your outfit. Choosing a lightweight wool or linen will ensure the suit provides a cool attire. The ground will be uneasy so opting for brogue boots will compliment your look.

Windsor enclosure (formerly The Silver Ring)

Although no formal dress code applies in the Windsor Enclosure, no sportswear is allowed and smart casual is recommended.

Light coloured tapered trousers and relaxed neutral shirt will work well together. To avoid the chilly breeze, a casual blazer is recommended to really set this outfit off. Choosing a dark colour blazer will tone down your attire to provide a stylish and smart image. Again the ground will be uneasy so choosing sturdy footwear is crucial; rubber soled shoes will help you keep your footing and opting for darker colours will keep the grass stains at bay!

Wherever you get to view the most iconic races, you will have a fantastic day, topped off by feeling confident in your stylish outfit!

The Bespoke Tailor Picks Up Two Top Wedding Industry Expert Awards for the Third Year Running

For the third successive year, Adrian Barrows, aka The Bespoke Tailor, has been voted Most Popular Men’s Designer, both in the UK and Worldwide, by Wedding Industry Experts. These prestigious awards recognise top wedding professionals from all over the globe, celebrating excellence in terms of quality, service and professionalism.

Of his third consecutive double-win, Adrian Barrows said, “To have won such prestigious awards for three years running is pretty special. I couldn’t be happier. I’m really lucky because I love what I do – I live, eat and breathe tailoring. It’s virtually all I’ve ever done and all I want to do. I’m also lucky because over the past 20 years I have worked with some of the top names in the industry and the skills and knowledge I have gained permeate through the work that I do.”

The Wedding Industry Experts awards are different to most industry gongs as winners are chosen according to votes cast on social media and on the awards website. In order to win, The Bespoke Tailor had to beat off stiff competition from all around the world.

Adrian Barrows was also commended recently by The Wedding Industry Awards, another prestigious prize, this one based on votes cast by previous clients. Winners for this award are chosen from wedding suppliers across 26 categories in 11 regions of the UK. Of his commendation, Adrian said: ‘Once again, it is very pleasing that my clients have taken the time to cast their votes and I would like to thank everybody who has voted for me. It is greatly appreciated.’

About The Bespoke Tailor: Adrian Barrows has been providing world class tailoring and exceptional service as The Bespoke Tailor for more than 20 years. In that time, he has worked at every level of the tailoring industry, from the shop floor all the way through to creating bespoke garments for high end corporate accounts and celebrities.

Contact:
Adrian Barrows
07968 438 717
adrian@thebespoketailor.co.uk

From 24 th to 28 th May 2016, the joyous Chelsea Flower Show returns for a spectacular display of amazing plants and garden designs. The Royal Hospital Chelsea will be transformed into the world’s greatest flower show including a floral arch to celebrate HM the Queens 90 th birthday and the memorable poppies tribute.

With the arrival of this event, it can only mean one thing – we are entering our Spring and Summer wardrobe and stepping away from our winter woollies. It’s time to put away our thick jumpers and heavy coats and enter into lighter and cooler fabrics.

There are quite a few parallels that you can draw between garden design and tailoring. From the use of colour and the meticulous attention to detail to obviously wanting to be the best in show!

Your attire for this impressive day should be cool, comfortable and stylish – you don’t want to be blending in with the various flower displays, so opting for subtle,
plain colours will work well. Although there is no formal dress code, going for smart casual is best.

Choosing a classic plain relaxed shirt and casual light trousers or chinos will help give you a comfortable and relaxed feel. We are not yet in the midst of full summer sun and so a jacket or blazer will provide you with a welcoming warmth from the breeze. Opting for a cotton or linen jacket or a combination of the two will give you a practical and stylish outfit. Don’t be afraid to explore pastel colours when choosing your shirt – light pinks, blues and greens will work well with your surroundings without over doing it.

The flower show involves a lot of walking and so pairing this outfit with sensible (but stylish) shoes is a must. If you’re suffering from ill-fitting or painful shoes then you won’t enjoy the floral ambience and miss some of the amazing garden designs the event has to offer. Due to the nature of the show, there will be a lot of grass and mud so choosing darker colour shoes will make sure you’re not left with unforgiving shoes.

Our British weather can be slightly unpredictable and by having a waterproof lightweight jacket, umbrella or panama hat to hand you can easily roll with the season and be prepared.

The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the nation’s best-loved horticultural shows and you will want to feel smart and comfortable whilst attracting attention for being a charming and stylish individual instead of being a sartorial wallflower!

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most prestigious event in the Formula 1 calendar. From the racing enthusiasts to the super rich and famous, Monaco can offer a truly memorable weekend. Since 1929, the streets of Monte Carlo have hosted some amazing races in history, with its famous harbour attracting the wealthy client base it is has become accustomed too. Monaco is all about glamour! An event where everyone wants to dress to impress. Smart casual and stylish is how men should dress for this momentous occasion.

With the event happening in late May, the sun will almost definitely be making an appearance and so a cool and clean cut attire is recommended. If you’re lucky enough to be chartering a yacht for the day, then shorts and t shirt are fine as it offers a more relaxed atmosphere – lightly coloured chino shorts and a cotton polo t shirt are beneficial for relaxing in the sun. If you plan to explore the streets and have lunch in a finer establishment, then a more, smarter look is required whereby trousers are preferred. Sandals can be worn on the yachts and the local streets but again for finer establishments, shoes are necessary.

Smart tailored trousers are best and these can be paired with a light t shirt or cotton shirt to keep you cool. A cotton or linen blazer or sports jacket is recommended to create a sleek, modern look. As Monaco is all about glamour, little accessories can make a bold statement – the smart watch, cufflinks, and sunglasses will really help bring your outfit together.

Smart tailored trousers are best and these can be paired with a light t shirt or cotton shirt to keep you cool. A cotton or linen blazer or sports jacket is recommended to create a sleek, modern look. As Monaco is all about glamour, little accessories can make a bold statement – the smart watch, cufflinks, and sunglasses will really help bring your outfit together.

The daytime dress code can differ greatly to the night time which can be more stringent depending on your location. For most places, trousers, shirt and blazer are expected; if not a suit! Shorts and flip flops are not acceptable for evening attire in many settings. Choosing a light coloured suit would be best for the evening ambience.

The Monaco atmosphere is one you will never forget and being able to relax and enjoy the occasion will be made even more easier by creating an outfit that suits you perfectly and displays a confident, smart and stylish individual. And don’t forget to pack your sun cream and sun hat – a lobster red face will clash with your well thought out attire!

With a welcoming two bank holidays during May, have you decided on what delightful venture you will embark on?

Whatever your plans, make sure you are dressed for the occasion!

The country fair is a fine British tradition and if this event takes your fancy then tweed and pure new wool, waterproof jackets and corduroy trousers are all part of the country atmosphere. We would like to hope that the weather will be kind to us and bring a bit of sunshine – if this is the case, then a smart wool-linen blend maybe more beneficial.  Lighter suit colours (browns & tans) and a checked shirt, with a smart lightweight jacket complete the look.

If it’s a city break that you have planned, then something lightweight and easy to pack will be the best answer. Smart tapered cotton trousers with a casual shirt and blazer can be worn day or night. If you’re feeling confident, a fine knit scarf can compliment a plain casual suit and keep the chill at bay. Going for a nautical feel (blues, whites, light greys) can help you evolve from your dark winter clothing to the spring/summer season effortlessly. Being able to mix and match is key for lighter travel. A classic crew neck jumper with your cotton trousers for the day can easily be upgraded to an Oxford shirt and jacket for an evening out. Smart loafers with pale socks really work well with the tapered trousers.

If your occasion entails going for a meal and a theatre show, then a formal navy coloured suit is recommended. You can gain a more casual, relaxing look by not opting for a tie, but if you would prefer, then a thin tie is suggested. Brown shoes really complete this style.

For casual drinks with friends, slim fitted trousers or chinos, with an informal shirt is a great choice.  A blazer or sports jacket can really give you a fashionable and stylish edge – a textured wool in light blue is a versatile option. Loafers are a great addition in aiming for the smart casual attire. Accessories will really compliment this look, a belt that colour matches your shoes and a smart watch all bring this outfit together.

No matter what your plans are for the upcoming bank holidays, having the right wardrobe and feeling confident in your outfits will definitely help you make a great impression on those around you.