Tailoring is back, and in a big way. Did it ever go away, you ask? Of course, for those of us with jobs, lives or simply tastes that require them, suits and separates have stayed the course. But thanks to a society-wide loosening of dress codes and some external factors (we’re looking at you, pandemic), it is an area that in recent seasons became less of a sartorial focus. Now, runways and collections are brimming with new ways to wear tailoring, whether it’s traditional three-pieces and pinstripes, bold monotone looks, oversized double-breasted jackets, tailored skorts and wrapped jackets or creative designs that play with blown-out proportions and unexpected silhouettes.

As long-time fans of a dapper look, we’re of course thrilled by this resurgence. And, we are of the passionate belief that tailored items shouldn’t be relegated to work, celebrations or formal occasions. Suits, blazers and tailored trousers can and should be worn as part of your everyday wardrobe, both as full looks and mixed into your wider casualwear rotation. With the aim of offering a little inspiration – and perhaps furthering our aim of getting every man into a well-cut jacket – we’ve styled three relaxed looks for your delectation. Now, go forth and be dashing.

Don’t be afraid of black tailoring – simply take advantage of contemporary cuts to take the formalwear edge off. A Dries Van Noten oversized double-breasted wool blazer worn with complementary (but not matchy-matchy) roomy trousers and a knitted polo shirt rather than the usual shirt gives all kinds of louche 1980s dandy, especially when finished with slick black leather mules and bag. Suited and booted, but ready for an eventful evening.

Linen tailoring might put the fear of god into you due to its propensity (OK, absolute guarantee) to wrinkle, but we say lean into the unstructured, slightly rumpled look (those suave academics manage it after all, so why can’t you). This loose-fitting slubbed linen jacket from Kaptain Sunshine has an elegant, draping shape reminiscent of traditional Japanese haori. Wear it with a crisp button-up shirt and wide-leg pleated trousers to give the ensemble a subtle vintage workwear angle.

The difference between wearing and styling is all in the choice of base layers and accessories. This soft sand-coloured cotton-blend suit by A Kind of Guise is already a gentler take on the two-piece (thanks in part to its playful tie closure), but team with a white T-shirt, neckerchief and a pair of snakeskin-effect loafers, and your tailored look is suddenly a lot more “I’m here for a good time” than “I’m here for the conference”.