That Dapper Chap

Tuesday 21 April 2015

What I Wore Today - Grey Check Three Piece Suit

That Dapper Chap shows us what he wore today and tells us about this grey check three piece suit on this bow tie Tuesday.

Todays look, rolling up my sleeves to feel the sun

What a beautiful day today was! Spring is most definitely here! With daffodils and tulips bobbing their colourful heads in the light breeze, and the warmth of the sun tempting us into removing our blazers. It's now that the warmer weather gets us hunting for those sunglasses that were put somewhere very safe last September! Have you managed to locate yours?

The suit jacket and todays bag

I've only worn this suit once before, actually that's a lie, I have only worn the trousers and waistcoat once before. That's because I have only very recently bought the matching jacket. I wore the trousers and waistcoat for my shoot with Antoni Manuel and I'd totally forgotten how well it fits and how much I liked it! You can see an image from that shoot on the blog banner above.

The entire look with the three piece suit

The suit is 70% wool but it isn't a heavy suit, in fact it's quite light and very easy to wear. It is predominantly grey with a brown windowpane check. While I do not generally champion mixing grey and brown as I feel that they come from different colour families and don't compliment each other, I'm happy that this works.

A close up of the vintage bow tie and lapel pin

As the orangey brown check is quite prominent I decided to embrace the colour clash and chose a vintage clip on bow tie in a classic paisley design. It gives a very vintage look, particularly with a three piece suit and matches the colour well.

Taking time out to enjoy the delightful spring weather

Continuing with the vintage theme I wore my vintage pocket watch with a new chain. It's just a cheap replica but it does the job. It was just £7 from Ebay. I'd been looking for a more elaborate chain for sometime and while I could find plenty they were a little out of my price range! I'd love a genuine vintage silver chain, maybe that will go on my Christmas list!

My new pocket watch chain with elaborate charm

Stepping out in style

Again keeping with that slightly orangey theme, I went for orange socks. This adds a real shock of colour and a bit more personality to the look. I continued that colour story with the bracelets.

Todays shoes are a vintage style brogue, again this maintains that overall theme. While they look good, they are not leather. They're now a bit worse for wear, particularly as I tripped on these steps and virtually ripped the heel off the right shoe! Time for a new pair I think!

Todays sock, shoe combo

The orange and brown bracelets pull the colour theme together

A vintage look in a new three piece suit

A look at my vintage army edition pocket watch from 1953

WHERE IT'S ALL FROM

Grey and brown check three piece suit: Next

Plain White Slim Fit Shirt: H&M

Vintage Clip On Bow Tie: Ebay

Vintage Pocket Watch: Ebay

Pocket Watch Chain: Ebay

Orange Socks: Next

Vintage Style Brogues: Goor

Leather Briefcase: Rocha John Rocha at Debenhams

Moon Lapel Pin: Ebay

White Cotton Pocket Square: Next

THANKS FOR READING!

That Dapper Chap shares the latest collection by 'Man of the Moment' and fashion icon Darren Kennedy

What a couple of years its been for style icon Darren Kennedy! Not content with presenting on the UK's top rating TV show, he has made critically acclaimed documentaries and landed a role with the Telegraph writing their menswear column.

2013 saw him win the VIP Style Award and also launch his first menswear collection in collaboration with master tailor Louis Copeland. And things just keep getting better for the 30 something Irish gent, as little did I know when we met at an event earlier this year, that this weekend would see him making his debut on the UK X-Factor discussing the contestants style, and launching his third collection of incredibly sharp suits, again working directly with the highly talented Mr Copeland.

Darren models his Burgundy Brushed Wool Overcoat €850

This latest collection consists of a small range of well thought out, stylish and sharp suits and two overcoats, one in burgundy being this seasons most sought after colour.

Darren is clearly a fan of a double breasted suit and is often seen sporting one at various events and photo shoots. So, of course his collection was going to include at least one and he doesn't disappoint by giving us the 'George’ suit, a beautiful burgundy, double-breasted 3-piece suit and my absolute favourite from the new collection with is double breasted waistcoat completing a most dapper look.

The 'George' double breasted three piece suit

As well as grey, blues play a pig part in the collection and the Ferguson suit delights the eye with its bright blue hue. Again with a double breasted waistcoat the suits gives a very sophisticated look and a clean sharp silhouette. The 'Ferguson’ is named after Irish engineer and inventor Harry Ferguson, and this is the theme throughout the collection.

The beautiful 'Ferguson' three piece suit. €1,180 / £930

Darren clearly wanted to create a top end product here and has made a point of only using the finest fabrics. Luxury is a key word here and with soft flannels which will keep out the chills on our daily commute during the coming months. Adding a fine coat will add that additional layer and Darren has given us a choice of two.

The Italian wool herringbone coat and the 'Tom'
windowpane check suit

The first of these coats is made in an Italian black and white herringbone wool fabric and has a contrasting black velvet collar. Seen above with the 'Tom' double breasted suit in a stunning grey windowpane check €890 / £820. The second of the coats and one that's now on my wish list is the burgundy brushed wool overcoat as seen below with the the 'Holland’ three piece suit in grey & burgundy check flannel.

Other suits in the collection include the 'Brendan’, a blue flannel 2-piece suit and the 'Ernest’ which is a navy box check flannel 2-piece Suit.

Talking about his latest venture Darren said, “Our Spring Summer DK x LC ‘14 collection went down a storm both here and in the UK. I got a chance to wear every suit from the collection and the reaction I received was phenomenal. I feel confident that our new Autumn Winter collection is our strongest to date. Both Louis and I have put a lot of work in to this collection, making use of the highest quality Italian fabrics, our combined experience and knowledge to create what I believe is, the quintessential must have winter wardrobe…each piece is a future classic in its own right"

The 'Ernest' navy box check suit

FIND DARREN KENNEDY

THANKS FOR READING!

Wedding Season - What to Wear

As wedding season starts, That Dapper Chap takes a look at what you could be wearing as a guest to that friends or family members special day.

Image courtesy of Tailor Made Portraits

After trudging to work, you sit down at your desk on an average Tuesday morning and there's a pretty little envelope on your keyboard with your name neatly written in someones highly practised calligraphy. You carefully open it, all the while looking at the other desks to see who else has one, and you find that it's an invitation to a colleagues wedding.

Courtesy of NotOnTheHighstreet

As you brush the glitter and horseshoe shaped confetti from your trousers which has fallen out of the elaborately decorated invitation, one thought springs to mind, "What on earth am I going to wear?!"

Fear not intrepid and stylish guest (or plus one) That Dapper Chap is here to help!

The Suit

If there's one occasion that you can really make an effort for it's a friends wedding. As such a suit is a good option, it saves you from that 'will these trousers go with that blazer' moment as it's there for you, all done and matching. stress over!

If you're in shape, always go for a slim or skinny fit as it'll look much more sleek and modern, and as it's a wedding it's a great opportunity to wear a colour that you may not usually opt for.

A pale blue suit will look great, add a simply patterned shirt and a bow tie and you're all set. This suit below is available HERE from Moss. I wouldn't necessarily recommend wearing chucks with yours but a navy tassel loafer would look great.

Pale blue suit by Moss £238

A three piece is a good choice for those 'in between' weather days when you may need an additional layer. The plain white shirt keeps it classic and the pale pink patterned tie keeps is wedding appropriate. Don't forget the accessories either, tie pin and pocket squares are a must for any dapper wedding guest. This suit is available from Burton Menswear, find it HERE

2 piece skinny pastel blue suit by Burton Menswear £119

Bright blue suits are still very on trend and I like the white buttons on this particular one from Moss. The tan shoes and belt add interest with the plain shirt and tie. Get yours HERE

Moss London 3 piece suit £249

If you're not a fan of bright colours Paul Smith offers an alternative with this classic and simple dark green suit. A change from navy and as it's a wedding, please avoid black. You could lift this suit with a brightly patterned bow tie and pocket square. Check it out HERE

Dark green 2 piece by Paul Smith £790

If you're not afraid of colour and 'real men wear pink' right? then check this suit out from Next. Also available in mint green, it's a beautiful 2 piece. If the wedding is on a beach in a hot country, you need to check this suit out as it also comes with shorts as an alternative to trousers! take a look HERE

Pink suit by Next £110

The suit shorts, for beach weddings in hot countries

Me wearing the mnt coloured suit from Next

Separates

If you're not a suit kinda guy, separates are a good alternative. You can go a bit more funky with a patterned or checked blazer and some smart trousers. It depends of course how formal the wedding is, but if the occasion allows why not try something a little different?

A light, checked blazer is a good choice and this one from Antony Morato is just the ticket. Wear with a white shirt and a navy knitted tie and navy trousers and your look is complete. Wear white chinos if you're not afraid of red wine or grass stains! Available HERE from ASOS.

The Antony Morato checked blazer £140

Want something a little different? Then check out this beauty from Paul Smith. In blue jungle print it's an alternative to a plain blazer. Team with a white or pale blue shirt, a plain tie and dark shoes and trousers for a classy but more unusual look. Find the blazer HERE

The Paul Smith jungle print blazer £359

I personally wouldn't wear red to a wedding but with more and more vintage and heritage style weddings it's more appropriate than it would be at a 'regular' wedding. I love this matching blazer and waistcoat from ASOS. I'd of course wear a bow tie with this look for that real heritage feel. Find this combo HERE

Seeing red from ASOS, Blazer £100

For warmer days this cotton seersucker blazer by Ralph Lauren will work well. In cool cotton and only lined at the sleeves for ease of wear, you can adopt a more preppy look. White chinos will work well as would a dark navy trouser. get yours HERE

The Ralph Lauren sports coat £345

The Shoes

Unless it's a vintage wedding where guests are encouraged to wear boots or converse trainers, footwear should be formal. A classic brogue is a great choice as is a loafer. Both can be worn with or without socks.

I'm in love with these high shine burgundy tassel loafers from Next. Perfect with a blue suit, wear them with or without socks. Find them HERE

Burgundy tassel loafers from Next £75

Suede shoes are a good choice for a wedding as they are a bit dressier and the texture is a little more luxurious. These Barker Grant suede brogues are a stunning example of a good suede shoe. Buy them HERE

The navy suede Barker Grant brogues £200

A classic brown leather brogue won't ever let you down. These are from the 'Italia' range from Next. Again, wear them with or without socks and maybe a slightly cropped trousers to show them off really well. Find them HERE

The Next brown leather brogue £75

If you like the idea of suede, take a look at these great loafers by Reiss, I need these in my life and I don't even have a wedding to go to! For a closer look click HERE

A classic tassle loafer from Reiss available at John Lewis £159

A two tone brogue looks the part too and these navy suede and tan leather brogues from Goodwin Smith will go really well with that suit. Find them HERE

Accessories

As gentlemen we now have a plethora of accessories available to us allowing us to show some personality and add individuality to our look.

Bow ties are great at weddings if you're happy to go for something different to the regular tie.

I would suggest that if you're wearing a patterned blazer to keep the tie plain and visa versa.

There's something to be said for wearing a contrasting tie and pocket square but Next are currently offering matching ties and pocket squares for those who don't have the time or inclination to search for items that go well together. Find this set HERE

The matching pink silk tie and pocket Square from Next £14

As it's a wedding why not break out some floral? Dancys of London offer a superb range of floral ties and bow ties. This one is one of my favorites from their range. Find it HERE

The Eugene floral tie from Dancys of London £30

I love paisley and if it is one of the less traditional or vintage style weddings that you're attending, a bit of paisley won't go amiss. This red and blue example from Stitches of Style can be bought HERE

The Stitches of Style red and blue paisley tie $30

Why not wear some bright green with your blue suit for some real contrast. This self tie is from Monsieur London and is a great classic piece. For this tie and many others, click HERE

The Como green silk bow tie from Monsieur London £42

You'll of course need a good pocket square to pass to a lady friend during those emotional vows, maybe you'll need it yourself, but either way make sure it's a good one! I love this patterned example from Monsieur London. See this one and others HERE

The Cora petrol blue pocket square £38

So, now you hopefully feel a bit more relaxed about your choices, so go to the stationers, buy that RSVP card and send it off in the knowledge that you're going to arrive at the wedding looking sharp and dapper. Don't forget to post a picture to Instagram and tag that_dapper_Chap and #thatdapperchap.

THANKS FOR READING!

The Massive Shopbob/East Dane Sale!

That Dapper Chap tells us about the massive Shopbop/East Dane sale and lets us know how we can get a whopping 25% off our entire order!

Sale Details:

Here's your chance to get a huge 25% discount on your entire order at East Dane! just shop as normal and use coupon code SPRING25 check out. How easier could it be to take advantage of this super offer?

Starts: April 7^th 7AM EST
Ends: April 10^th 4AM EST for Shopbop & 12^th 4AM EST for East Dane

What are you waiting for? Go grab some bargains!

Brand Exclusions:

Shopbop: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Alexander Wang, Birkenstock, Canada Goose, Gareth Pugh, Giambattista Valli, Herve Leger, Hunter, J. Mendel, Jason Wu, Jennifer Meyer, Jonathan Simkhai, Katie May, Kenzo, Maison Martin Margiela, MCM, Michele Watches, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, MZ Wallace, Narciso Rodriguez, Nina Ricci, Nixon, Rag & Bone, Rag & Bone/Jean, Rodarte, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella McCartney Apparel, Stuart Weitzman, Suno, Tory Burch, Versace, Victoria Victoria Beckham, and What Goes Around Comes Around Vintage.

East Dane: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ami, A.P.C., Alexander Wang, Birkenstock, Canada Goose, Filson, Hunter, Kenzo, MCM, Nixon, Rag & Bone, Rag & Bone Standard Issue, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie, What Goes Around Comes Around, and Wolverine.

The Denim Jeans Style Challenge - Look Four

That Dapper Chap shares the fourth look in the denim style challenge, creating five very different looks from just two pairs of jeans.

This is a sponsored post of honest and unbiased opinion

Welcome to the fourth edition in this denim jean style challenge, where I am creating five distinct styles with just two pairs of jeans from next.co.uk. If you haven't already read the details of the challenge or the very interesting denim survey results by Burton Menswear, find it HERE

All photography by the very talented Ian Clark of PhotoByIan, check out his other work HERE

The two pairs of jeans from Next.co.uk that I used for the challenge

Look Four - Date Night

So, you've plucked up the courage to ask that special person out on a date and s/he has said yes! The table is booked and the flowers have been ordered but what are you going to wear!?

For the fourth in this series of looks I'm going to show you how to wear jeans for date night. Jeans keep things more informal than it would if you were to wear a suit. Of course this very much depends on the location of the date, but if it's the cinema and a meal at a local restaurant then jeans are a very good option.

The perfect look for date night, smart but informal

My oxblood leather brogues, classic and comfortable

So, of course I chose the smart jeans from Next.co.uk and available HERE for £35.00. Keeping it classy and classic I chose a pair of oxblood leather brogues. Promise me never to wear training shoes for a date please. Shoes tell a person a lot about a man. Whatever you may want to think, first impressions do matter!

On top I opted for a statement shirt, something that says, 'I am confident and have a personality' but isn't too crazy to scare people off. This shirt is a red and blue micro floral and comes with a matching navy tie. Keeping with that red and blue theme I added a silk pocket square. This adds detail and interest to the navy velvet blazer.

polka dot socks add a bit more personality than a plain black pair would

A closer look at the pattern of the shirt and the pocket sqaure

The entire look, just add flowers and maybe a ring?

Add a beaded trouser chain for some additional individuality

I also added a beaded trouser chain, for no other reason than to add some individuality. I could have made it a functional addition by attaching my wallet or keys to it, but wanted it simply as a statement piece. This one was hand made for me by a fellow Instagrammer and I love it.