THE JOURNAL

Yes, you can wear a suit outside the office. Here’s how.
Think suits are just for the office? Think again. As the fashion industry moves away from the sharp, skinny silhouette that has been so dominant over the past decade and towards something softer and more generously proportioned, a new, fluid take on tailoring is beginning to emerge. It’s carefree. It’s comfy. What’s not to like?
Neapolitan-style unpadded shoulders, pleated trousers and unlined or partially lined blazers are all classic hallmarks of relaxed tailoring. Done right, it should feel effortless. This is tailoring with a soft touch. Think unstructured, mohair-blend suits you might wear to a laid-back summer wedding, or generously cut separates that won’t leave you feeling overdressed if you wear them at the weekend.
So, how do you work it into your weekly rotation? Read on for three suggestions.
RELAXED OFFICE

Oliver Spencer has a knack for hitting that sweet spot between formal and casual, creating clothes that are neither too slouchy nor too stuffy. This suit is an example of the British brand at its very best. Unlined and cut from a navy and white stretch cotton, it boasts pyjama-like comfort while retaining an air of dressiness. All things are relative, of course, and it should go without saying that you wouldn’t wear this on your first day at the new law firm. Paired with a striped T-shirt from A.P.C. and a pair of crisp white sneakers from Common Projects, however, it’s sure to hit the right note in a more casual office environment. And you don’t have to change out of it before going to the pub, either.
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WEEKEND CASUAL

If you’re wondering how to work a few tailored pieces into your off-duty wardrobe, start with an unstructured double-breasted blazer, such as this one from Theory, which combines the easy wearability of a cardigan with the sophistication of a tailored jacket. Add a T-shirt from Acne Studios, a pair of incredibly comfortable wide-legged trousers from Our Legacy and a pair of NikeLab Flyknit sneakers. There – you’re done. It’s a versatile, easygoing look that’s perfect for travelling or lounging around at the weekend, and it comes with the added benefit of being so much more refined, not to mention so much less boring, than the jeans and T-shirt combo everyone else wears.
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BEACH WEDDING

For a masterclass in how to do relaxed tailoring properly, look no further than Italy, the spiritual home of the unstructured suit. This one’s designed by Caruso, a brand bought in 2008 by Mr Umberto Angeloni, the former CEO of Brioni and a man who knows a thing or two about suits. We’ve constructed this outfit with a beach wedding in mind, pairing it with a floral shirt from Altea and a pair of suede espadrilles from Loro Piana. If beach wedding invitations prove to be unforthcoming this summer, don’t fret. It’d be equally suited to a garden party.
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