High Summer with Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares details of the new high summer range of menswear from Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Business man, TV personality and Savile Row Tailor Patrick Grant returns to Debenhams as the face of the new Hammond & Co high summer range.

I am a massive fan of Mr Grant and all that he has to offer. From his collection under the E-Tautz umbrella, which received incredible reviews following the catwalk show at the last London Fashion Week: Mens (which I was lucky enough to attend) To the Hammond & Co collection at Debenhams.

Get Shorty

Craig of That Dapper Chap puts together 3 looks from 3 very different pairs of shorts from Jacamo

Every guys knows how to wear your standard denim shorts, chuck on an old T Shirt and some trainers and your done. And we all have those slouchy jogging shorts like we sling on for chilling out in front of the TV. But what about a smarter look with shorts? What about red shorts? Or white? How would you wear patterned shorts? Well, have no fear That Dapper Chap and Jacamo is here to help

LOOK 1 - The White Shorts

A lot of guys think that white or stone coloured shorts are difficult to wear. Do you team them with a plain white shirt? Can you wear a darker colour on top? And if so what shoes do you wear?

Well, below I've chosen a light blue floral shirt, perfectly summery, and it elevates the shorts and gives them a much more refined look than you would achieve if you were to simply add a white shirt or T shirt. Jacamo have a wealth of shirts available, take a look, there's bound to be something you like there.

Adding the classic brogues and a straw trilby creates a very British look. Add a bag for your phone and wallets etc and you're all set for that summer picnic.

Stone coloured Black Label Stone linen shorts £28.00

Blue Black Label floral jacquard shirt £30.00 

Woodland leather satchel £203.00

Williams and Brown straw hat £7.00

Trustyle brown brogue shoes 45.00

Look 2 - The patterned shorts

Patterned shorts are easily avoidable because there aren't many examples of patterned tailored shorts out there. Embrace pattern but make it the focal point of your look, and keep everything else simple. 

Adding a patterned shirt will just make you look like you've been at the dressing up box, so I've chosen a classic white Grandad shirt, white trainers and a grey cap to maintain a relaxed and less formal look.

Joe Browns funky paisley shorts £35.00

White Black Label Grandad shirt £30.00

Grey Label J Snapback cap £15.00

Woodland black leather messenger bag £44.00

White Vans Atwood lace up casual shoes £50.00

Look 3 - The Red Shorts

Red! urgghhhh, what do you team with red shorts? Easier to just to walk away right, and choose the navy option! Unlike patterned shorts you can go ahead and team them with a patterned shirt, but make sure that within the pattern there is a colour that matches or compliments the colour of the shorts. This floral shirts is just the ticket.

With the sunglasses, brogues and bag all carrying the same red brown hue, it will create a very cohesive look and will be smart enough for the office. Just avoid socks!

Red Williams & Brown Chino shorts £25.00

French Connection long sleeved floral shirt £50.00

Woodland leather cross body messenger bag £116.00

Trustyle leather brogues £45.00

French Connection sunglasses £47.00

So, if you want to take the plunge and move away from denim, navy or basic shorts and want to inject a bit more personality into your look, go for something a bit different. When you do, please post a picture on social media and tag That Dapper Chap and Jacamo to get noticed!

FIND JACAMO

      

Summer Smarts With White Stuff

Craig of That Dapper Chap looks at smart summer wear from White Stuff and shares his top five items.

With summer within reach why not take the opportunity to reassess your wardrobe and bag yourself some smart new clobber. Think of those parties where jeans just won't cut the mustard! White Stuff have some great smart wear online and in stores for just that situation and I'll take you through my top five items.

The patterned shirt

We all need a well fitted patterned shirt in our armoury and the blue micro floral Lilo shirt is just the ticket. Wear it with some navy chinos and a great pair of brogues for a smarter look and even add a knitted tie for some extra formality. Yours for £49.95

Summer Essentials With White Stuff

Craig of That Dapper Chap talks summer essentials, taking inspiration from the summer range from White Stuff

Great news guys, Summer is just around the corner! So, with that in mind what are you planning to be wearing when the warmer months are here? Don't fret, I'm here to help guide you along the way, and want to share a few summer essentials with you from White Stuff.

Some Cool Coloured Shorts

First up you'll need shorts! if you can't get your legs out during the summer when can you? Chino shorts are big news and are available in some great colours, so grab yourself a pair (or two)

These are the 'Warren' chino shorts. finishing just above the knee. They are versatile and can be dressed up with a shirt and a blazer. Alternatively  throw on a T-shirt for a more relaxed look.

Don't be afraid to play with the length either by rolling up the legs one or two turns. This can help change the look of the shorts dramatically, particularly if you're packing light but need switch things around.

The Warren shorts in navy blue

The Dune Summer Collection

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the Dune SS16 Press day and gets an exclusive look at the new styles for the coming season

The pink and blue suede brogues

Dune have come a long way from their small concession in a fashion store on London's Oxford Street. They now have over 50 stores across the UK, not to mention the 169 concessions in other high street stores such as Topman, House of Fraser, Selfridges and John Lewis.

Shelves full of new footwear for summer from Dune

What I Wore Today #33 Primark Outfit

Craig of That Dapper Chap show of his latest look, created entirely from the range available from Primark

I know what some people are like, they will turn up their noses at low cost menswear, with comments about poor quality and other elitist remarks. My view is that style is how the pieces are put together and not what they cost. A person can spend thousands of pounds on an outfit and look like a dogs dinner. They're happy of course, as they're dripping in designer names, would I know that, or care? No. I'd simply know that they looked a complete mess!

The Tailored Short - Office wear or beach wear?

That Dapper Chap explores the concept of the tailored short as office wear and gives us some do's and don'ts.

It's a debate which splits opinion, should guys be able to wear shorts to the office? Men argue that as the weather gets warmer that the ladies have more options available to them, and that what they do have available is more acceptable within the office environment. In short (no pun intended) they are jealous.

The short suit. Tailored and expertly accessorised

THE DEBATE

The whole smart casual thing has never sat well with me. It could work, but it's a case of 'give them an inch and they'll take a mile'. The minute you say 'smart casual' a lot of guys see it as an opportunity to dress like they're about to go and fix up the garden. Faded jeans with torn hems and a polo shirt is not 'smart' by any stretch of anyones deluded imagination, even if "it does have a collar" Grrrrrrr.

Every summer I hear the same groans "I wish we could wear shorts" Why? Does the air conditioning not keep you cool enough at your desk? Are your legs that great that they must be shown to the world? Do summer cotton or linen trousers not combat the incredibly average summer temperatures that we experience for the two days of summer we have here in the UK? Come on guys, we're not that close to the equator! 

It's all down to the fact that the majority of men have little desire to make an effort to look good, dress smartly and evoke an image of professionalism.

A tailored suit with a crisp white shirt and tie. Getting it right.

TAILORED SHORTS

Having said all this I do own and I do wear tailored shorts. I much prefer these to the standard nylon, drawstring sports shorts that 'grace' our streets as soon as the temperature rises above ten degrees, and burst into flames the second they meet a naked flame. Sports shorts should be kept for, you guessed it, SPORT. If you don't do sport, don't wear them! Have some self respect.

Me in my pink tailored shorts, floral shirt and brogues

HOW NOT TO DO IT

A friend and colleague approached me recently and asked if I'd seen an article in a local newspaper. His wry smile made it clear that I needed to take a look. Upon seeing the piece my immediate thought was that it was a joke, honestly, but reading on I realised that it was a serious piece, and I admit to be taken aback by the images that went with the it. Prepare yourself!

The article, like this, is about the possibility of wearing tailored shorts for work. Great. Lets debate, lets discuss our opinions and reasoning, lets agree to disagree if we have to. But one thing that I will NOT agree on is how they have attempted to present a positive example of how this look should be styled. Are you ready? Grab a cushion to hide behind as it's a real horror show!

The gents in their tailored shorts. Image property of EADT

A closer look at the shorts. Image property of EADT

The first thing I want to say now is that the shorts themselves are great! Great colours and great cuts. I like them and would wear them. the shorts are not the problem here.

In the article, found HERE, it states that the stylist in the store where they embarked on their fashion faux pas, questioned not only their credibility but also their shoes! I'm not surprised! He is clearly a gentleman of taste. Shoes aside (which, yes, I do have major issues with) it's the socks that make me want to pluck out my eyes with a blunt pencil. What is it about British guys and their bloody socks!? We(British men)have been ridiculed for years about our decidedly dogmatic approach to frightful footwear, particularly the tendency to wear socks and sandals. The above styling is just one step (a really really small step) away from that! Don't ask me what that's all about, I have no idea!

Office appropriate, stylish and sockless. Another example of how to get it right

Losing the socks may go some way to making the look more acceptable to me, but we also have the braces issue (yes, for me it's an issue) Again, I like and do wear braces, button on of course. Maybe it was a sartorial challenge, a concept testing and boundary breaking approach that they were after. On the other hand maybe it was just four blokes messing around in a clothing store, like kids at the dressing up box. 

It doesn't work. If I'm wrong, please tell me. leave a comment below. I don't claim to know everything, or that I am right all of the time. Sometimes I get it wrong, but when I do I certainly won't post pictures of it in a daily newspaper. Slow news day? maybe?

Another example of how this look works really well

HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

There are few fundamental rules (or suggestions) that I'd like to bring your attention to when opting for an office appropriate look with shorts. Firstly, don't wear socks and please, please don't wear rubber based slip on shoes or anything that fastens with velcro like the guys from my local rag! Go for a soft leather brogue or a loafer. Both are very classic styles and lend themselves really well to a smart look with shorts.

Great use of colour and perfect for the office

A belt will make the look smarter, add detail and negate the need for braces. Braces and shorts are not a good combination and you run the risk of being split in two and offending passersby with an unsightly and ugly bulging camel toe. Trousers offer some traction at the knee and calf to prevent them sliding up too badly. Shorts don't. Beware.

Shorts, blazer, belt and brogues and great combination

The light coloured jacket gives a real summery look

Two dapper gents, perfectly attired in their shorts

A great use of bold colour, making a statement

Another dapper summer look

 

Nick bateman looking great in this beige summer short suit and bow tie

A well fitted shirt will work wonders, long sleeved and well ironed in a poly cotton mix to keep the look professional. A tie will look great but keep it on trend, maybe knitted and square ended. Maybe something with a preppy feel. Think Ralph Lauren.

I wouldn't be tempted to wear a waistcoat with shorts, as like the braces it's just wont compliment the look. However, a matching jacket or smart sports coat, like the one below will. 

Perfect for the summer and smart enough for the office

The short suit, available from Next

Next are currently offering a few suits where you are able to buy the jacket, trousers and shorts all to match, this is a great option. The navy textured short suit above is available HERE for £105

The light stone, cotton suit below is also available in four pieces, trousers, jacket, waistcoat and shorts so you can mix and match at will. Check it out HERE

The stone cotton jacket from Next

The matching stone cotton shorts, from Next

So, it can be done and it can be done well. While you've never see me walking in to the office wearing shorts I won't hold it against you if you do, especially if you do it well. If however you wear horrid shoes, black socks and clip on braces with a dreadful tie, don't ever expect me to speak to you again!

THANKS FOR READING!

Flight Bag Essentials From Burton Menswear

That Dapper Chap shares a few items from the summer range at Burton Menswear, perfect for that break in the sun

You've earned it! those few days away from your desk, away from the daily commute and the coffee run. Those few days when your lilly white legs get to see a few rays of sun, and you carry out that yearly complex task of choosing the right sun cream (why are there so so many!?)

One thing you won't have to worry about is what to pack in your hand luggage as Burton Menswear and That dapper Chap have sorted it for you.

The Bag

You'll need a bag to take on as hand luggage. Make it lightweight with this fold up bag in navy with teal trims and zip.

The lightweight fold up flight bag £10.00

The Shorts

Three pairs of shorts will see you through a long weekend away. A pair of smart pink shorts for a smarter look for your evening meal or that drink in the beach bar. A pair of denim shorts for that camel ride or sight seeing and a pair of funky floral swim shorts for lazing in the pool.

Pink smart shorts £25.00

Bleached out skinny denim shorts £25.00

Floral swim shorts £15.00

The Top

A patterned holiday shirt for a smarter look, a floral t-shirt to pair with a smart pair of shorts or your denim shorts and a nautical stripe t-shirt should see you through.

The smart casual floral T-Shirt £16.00

The patterned shirt £25.00

The nautical inspired T-Shirt £10.00

Other Essentials

You'll need a good belt to smarten your evening look, some sunglasses to block out that intense glare and of course some comfortable pumps.

Mushroom suede belt £12.00

Matt black wayfarer sunglasses £12.00

White plimsol shoes £18.00

So, enjoy your few days in the sun wherever you decide to go, just make sure you're not that guy who comes home wearing the white sunglasses! Wear the sun cream, even on your face!

THANKS FOR READING!