Three refined ways to dress smart — without playing it safe

Modern dressing isn’t about adhering to rigid codes. It’s about knowing them — and then rewriting them. The contemporary man no longer reaches for formalwear out of obligation, but out of intention. Whether it’s for an art opening in Fitzrovia, a ceremony in the countryside, or simply a return to the office with renewed perspective, tailoring has evolved — and with it, our approach to dressing smart.

Today, refinement is less about perfection, more about precision. The best-dressed men aren’t the most traditional, but those who navigate the balance between heritage and relevance. Below, three silhouettes that quietly redefine formalwear, each offering a different way to engage with the codes — without ever feeling constrained by them.

Look 1: The soft suit in tonal harmony

The resurgence of relaxed tailoring signals a shift in how men relate to structure. Gone are the hyper-constructed silhouettes of the past. In their place: soft-shouldered jackets, unlined interiors, and trousers that glide rather than grip. It’s an evolution that prioritises movement — physical and stylistic — while remaining rooted in sartorial intelligence.

In tonal hues like stone, sand or slate, this look becomes quietly confident. A crisp knitted polo beneath, perhaps in ivory or taupe, adds texture without noise. Accessories are deliberate: a woven belt in the same tone, sunglasses with slim gold frames, or a watch with a simple leather strap. The overall effect is coherent but not clinical.

You’ll find this sensibility reflected in today’s more progressive Suits for men — well-cut, breathable, and consciously designed. This is tailoring not for ceremony, but for life: walking through Bloomsbury on a warm Friday afternoon, en route to a long lunch or a summer drinks reception where formality is implied, not imposed.

Look 2: The contrasted blazer with purpose

Few garments hold as much stylistic currency as the blazer. But today’s version requires a lighter touch — and a keener eye. Instead of rigid uniformity, consider contrast. A double-breasted navy jacket worn over off-white pleated trousers, paired with a knitted crew neck or a fine open-collar shirt, achieves a nonchalant elegance with substance.

This look works particularly well in cities where creative precision is part of the visual language — think Hackney, Glasgow’s Merchant City, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The shoes complete the dialogue: a soft leather loafer for discretion, or a minimalist trainer for quiet irreverence.

It’s a look that travels well across occasions. From an exhibition preview to a civil ceremony or an evening dinner on a rooftop terrace, it says you’re aware of the codes — and willing to bend them thoughtfully.

Look 3: The minimal suit with a quiet precision

Sometimes, the most powerful statement is the absence of noise. A sharply cut two-piece suit in deep navy, charcoal, or black — worn without a tie, over a pristine white tee or band-collar shirt — speaks with precision and clarity.

This is not about minimalism as trend, but as principle. Every element is intentional. The shoulders fall naturally. The trousers skim the ankle. Shoes are pared back — perhaps black leather Chelsea boots, polished to a soft sheen.

The accessories, if any, are discreet: a chain beneath the shirt, a slim leather bracelet, or nothing at all. The man wearing this knows the value of silence. He lets the fit — and his posture — do the talking.

When formal becomes personal

True style lies not in imitation, but in interpretation. These three looks offer a vision of modern formalwear that is less prescriptive, more personal. They honour the craft of tailoring, while embracing the ease and freedom of a new era.

In 2025, dressing smart isn’t about effort. It’s about expression — considered, confident, and unmistakably your own.