That Dapper Chap: dapper

Tuesday 27 October 2015

What I Wore Today #38 - The H&M Camel Suit

Craig Shows us what he wore today, sporting his latest suit and a dapper bow tie from General Knot

So, Date Night has come around again, do you just go with jeans and a T-Shirt? After all it's been years and s/he doesn't really care what you wear right? Wrong! They care, and they care a lot, even if they say they don't, they do, trust me!

If you're going to make an effort to keep date night a 'thing' you also need to make an effort to make him/her feel special and that means taking the time to dress appropriately to show her that she's still worth making an effort for. It matters, don't ever think that it doesn't!

So, that said I chose a new 100% cotton suit from H&M. The material is a heavier weight and feels substantial and of a higher quality that you may think. It also doesn't crease like you think a cotton suit may.

Letting the suit be the center of attention, I kept things simple with a plain white slim fit shirt. To elevate the look so something a bit more special I added a new bow tie from General Knot & Co who are a US based brand specialising in unique ties and accessories made from vintage fabrics. This tie is the 'Pendleton' Tobacco Shadow Plaid & 1950s Wheat Grass Reversible tie, priced at $78.00. I have checked online to see if it is still available for you but it looks to have sold out. So, if you do see anything online that you like, I recommend that you snap it up before it's gone for good as they are all limited edition!

The pocket square and beaded trouser chain maintained the colour scheme and told an Autumnal story, which is compounded by the richly coloured leather gloves, briefcase socks and shoes.

Overall this is a classic and very vintage style look which is obviously enhanced by the bow tie and the other accessories, such as the pedal bike lapel pin. The over sized glasses also help to keep this look cohesive.

Our date night was a success. We ate as ASK Italian and shared an Antipasto starter before digging in to meatballs and a seafood risotto. After a chocolate Lava Mountain we made our way to the cinema to see Solace, a thriller staring the talented Anthony Hopkins. We had a great night, I'm not saying that this suit made that happen but it most definitely contributed.

WHERE IT'S ALL FROM

Brown Cotton Suit: H&M £85.00

Slim Fit White Shirt: H&M £9.99

Vintage fabric Bow Tie: General Knot & Co $39.00

Leather Gloves: Zara £25.99

Pocket Square: Ebay

Watch: AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane £280

Glasses: London Retro 'Goldsmiths' from Glasses Direct £90.00

Shoes: Bordo 'Brooksby Grain' Leather Apron Toe Shoe £69.99

Briefcase: RJR By John Rocha at Debenhams £55.00

Dark Red Ribbed Socks: Uniqlo £2.60

Bicycle Lapel Pin: River Island £5.00

Beaded Trouser Chain: Home Made

Belt: Primark £3.00

THANKS FOR READING!

The Navy Wool Suit by Farrell at Primark

Craig from That Dapper Chap shows us his Farrell navy wool suit, available from Primark

Farrell At Primark

The Farrell brand, founded by international pop star Robbie Williams was named after Robbies Grandfather and the brands values and style, are based on this. Robbie explains "Jack Farrell was my granddad, he fought in the Second World War and he worked down the pit all of his life, after being a soldier. He had a tough life, but he always dressed well and his attire was always spiffy. That’s what I remember about him the most"

He goes on to say "This season for Farrell I wanted to explore good old British history and heritage…. tweed / wool suiting and checked shirts, like my grandfather would have worn. Then pieces like the Harrington Jacket to the Mod-inspired parka’ are more iconic shapes that, for me, define looks from the 60’s"

This seasons collection is very British, and the suits on offer are of great quality but still very affordable. Wool and tweed are used in the new range of suiting, and other great quality fabrics are utilised, such as suede and leather. Primark have turned a corner here and they are really not holding back this season, making their mark with this quality collection.

The Farrell Range is only available in selected Primark stores so check which ones stock the range HERE. If you do manage to get hold of some pieces just make sure you post a picture on Instagram and Twitter and #Farrell

Styling My Suit

This suit has a great slim fit. It is well cut and well made. The trousers were a little long for me so I had them tailored. There's nothing worse than bunching at the ankles. If you want to make yourself look shorter, that's one sure way to do it! I'm not a tall bloke so I make sure my trousers finish nicely at the shoe (or just above as is the trend right now)

This is a heavier weight winter suit and with the wool content at 41% it's guaranteed to keep you warm. There is also a matching waistcoat available at just £18 for an additional layer.

Going for a 'dapper' look (and why wouldn't I?) I kept the look clean with a slim fit white shirt which has a very subtle pattern. This adds some interest and depth.

The chambray diamond point bow tie adds that element of chic and the grey hopsack flower lapel adds some personality and an accent of fun. The black buttons on this shirt help keep this look very formal.

With polka dot socks and pocket square, some sun glasses to keep out the low autumn sun and some classic loafers I was suitably attired.

All photography by Ian Clark of PhotoByIan.

Where it's all from

Black Leather Loafers: Next £48.00

Polka dot socks: Primark pack of 4 £5.00

Farrell Navy Wool Suit: Farrell At Primark £40/£20

Belt: Primark £3.00

Trouser Chain: Home Made

Bow Tie: Primark £3.00

Lapel Pin: Dapper Lapel

100% Cotton Premium Slim Fit Shirt: Primark £10.00

Sunglasses: Primark £2.00

Polka Dot Pocket Square: Primark £1.00

Aquapro Watch: Harding Watches £360.00

Bracelets: Our Saints £25.00 each

THANKS FOR READING!

The Farrell Tweed Suit Available from Primark

Craig from That Dapper Chap shows off his new tweed Farrell suit, available from Primark

Heritage style in a grey suit by Farrell

Farrell Menswear is a result of the collaboration between Primark and the international record-breaking musician, Robbie Williams. The line was originally created as a tribute to his grandfather, a notable dresser in his hometown in the north of England, Stoke on Trent.

The range now includes many very affordable items from sweaters to boots and shirts to suits. And with this wool suit coming in at £60.00 the quality and style you're getting for that price is incredible. Where else can you find a well fitted, heritage style suit with a high wool content for that amount?

A look at the black high top boots

A full look at this wool suit

Keeping with the heritage theme I chose some black high top boots and a vintage style paisley bow tie. The classic white shirt keeps the look clean and simple, and the burgundy accents in the lapel flower and pocket square lift the otherwise monochrome palette.

A closer look at today's watch

The silver watch fits the colour scheme and the grey cable knit scarf came along to keep out the Autumn chill, however it was an unexpectedly warm day so I didn't actually need it at all.

Good style can be achieved at an affordable price

This grey herringbone wool suit is a great buy. It's warm and comfortable and fits really well. Yes, the high wool content could make it a bit itchy for those gents with more sensitive skin, but the jacket is fully lined and the trousers are half lined. So Farrell really have thought of everything: fit, style and practicality.

A look at the paisley pocket square

Warm weather meant no need for the cable knit scarf

Attention to details: Farrell branded buttons

Look out for another post on Farrell Menswear soon when I'll show you a classic navy suit also at a great price!

Where it's all from

Black High Top Boots: Primark £20

Grey Feck Herringbone Wool trousers: Primark £20

Grey Fleck Herringbone Wool Jacket: Primark £40

White 100% cotton shirt: Primark Premium £10

Silver Aquapro Watch: Harding Watches £350

Paisley Pocket Square: Primark £2

Paisley Bow Tie: Bows 'N' Ties £29

Grey Cable Knit Scarf: Primark £5

All Photography By Ian Clark

THANKS FOR READING!

The Brushed Cotton Check Shirt

Keep warm this season in an Autumn Winter staple: The brushed cotton shirt

If you're going to keep out the chills this season you'll need to layer up. Trapping air in between layers of clothing is the most effective way of keeping warm. Wearing a brushed cotton shirt makes heat retention more effecting, not only that but you'll look stylish and on trend too!

A brushed cotton shirt styled with a waistcoat for warmth and dapperness. Image courtesy of GQ

One staple layer for most of us gents is of course the shirt. Wear a T-Shirt under it, add a waistcoat, cardigan or sweater over that, then a blazer before an overcoat and scarf and okay, you may not be able to move but you won't freeze either!

A brushed cotton shirt can be dapper too. Image via Pinterest

Woodhouse Clothing are offering a great range of brushed cotton shirts this season from some pretty cool designers. Throw one on with a pair of jeans or go more dapper and add a waistcoat and a bow tie.

Don't just consign them to the weekend, wear then to work with some chinos and smart boots and wool tie and blazer.