A good shirt and a solid pair of trousers are not enough to make a complete outfit anymore. It’s time to step up your style game and it shouldn’t just be for special events or occasions. Take it as a way to break out from the mundane uniformity of everyday office attire.
Layering is the way to go. There’s no exact science to it but a matter of finding out what works best for you and experimenting with different combinations. GUESS’ autumn/winter 2017 collection for example, works around multiple layers and mixes casual pieces with more tailored clothes for a step up from the usual off-duty attire. We’ve picked out five easy looks to try out and play around with.
The statement outerwear
A fool-proof method is to build a look around one statement piece. In this case, a maroon velvet bomber jacket that’s embellished with a monochromatic print serves as the focus of the look. Play down the rest of the outfit with an all-black palette that also helps to lengthen the silhouette. It just takes one jacket and you’ve instantly gained serious style points.
The business of ruggedness
Central to GUESS is its undeniably wide range of denim jeans. Washed out denims work best to juxtapose against more tailored pieces. The key is to steer away from wearing them with formal tailoring. Instead, go for unlined blazers or soft tailoring that has more slouch than traditional structured tailoring. Wear one over a jumper instead of a T-shirt or shirt for added casual flair.
The grown man’s hoodie
Hoodies are comfortable and practical but if your college days are behind you, it’s best you leave those collegiate ones there too. Pick out a cleaner variation with minimal graphic details like the GUESS one here. The zip-front allows for more freedom in the way you style the look and in adjusting your comfort level. Skip the checked shirts and opt for a T-shirt underneath. Top the look off with a blazer (or a coat for colder climates) and a pair of sturdy leather boots.
The James Dean
When it comes to style, James Dean is always a reference because the man has such timeless style and elegance that it’s hard to ignore. Take a cue from the actor’s signature biker jacket look by amping it up with a V-neck jumper and shirt combination. Keep the look modern with a printed shirt peeking under and play around with colours and textures. Team the look with tailored wool trousers or even plain black denim to keep the focus on the top.
The monochromatic
If all else fails, stick to the basics. You don’t have to fuss with colours or juxtapositions – go tonal. Different shades and blacks and greys make for refined combinations no matter what the pairings are. If you’re feeling bolder, layer a jumper with a graphic print under for more visual interest and ensures that the look isn’t too minimal if you decide to peel off the outer layer. A great outfit should be able to work in multiple situations.
GUESS is available at the following locations. Watch the new campaign featuring Camila Cabello here.