Casual Suiting | Men's Outfit of the Day

Today I'm going to talk about this pin stripe suit I was gifted from River Island and casual suiting in general. This is the perfect place to start if you're just dipping your toes into casual suiting. 

The garment is 100% poly-blend which is not normally my scene, but it's not always convenient to wear your best suit, or even your off-the-peg Hawkins and Shepherd suits. (I can't believe I'm talking you out of buying my garments now!) 

If you're going to be running around London all day, scooting from stop to stop, meeting to meeting, then you'll need something durable. And one redeeming feature of polyester is that it can take a kicking. It can still pass off as a look that is smart and respectable. 

Personally I’m normally a traditionalist when it comes to suit style, with a beautifully tailored handmade shirt (from Hawkins & Shepherd of course!) and tie. However simple layering with a t-shirt was comfortable and felt like I’ve just shaved 10 years off my age! 

By wearing a T-Shirt underneath and my Nubikk sneakers, I'm letting you know that I'm not taking this look seriously. It's just a smart way for me to look professional and well presented, without downgrading my overall style. 

The suit is very accessibly priced for £90 and available to buy on the River Island website and in stores. 

Fit details: 

It's a skinny fit and fully lined with a pinstripe print. It says this is dry clean only but I'll be honest, I've always washed polyester and it's never come back to bite me. 

Best places to wear Casual Suiting? 

If you're going to wear a t-shirt underneath like I have, make sure that it concurs with the dress code of the venue. Most restaurants are fine but some are funny, as are members pavilions. Just because you're wearing a suit, don't get over confident. 

I'd be fine wearing this day to day, pub lunches, first dates, even walking Charlie round Clapham Common. If I were having business lunches and professional meetings I would certainly wear a shirt and shoes.