THE JOURNAL

Illustration by Mr Paul Hempstead
Our style expert answers your most pressing sartorial questions.
“When they go low, we go high.” So said former first lady Ms Michelle Obama in a famous keynote address last year. Admittedly she was talking about something mildly more important than clothes at the time, but one could apply the same principle to wardrobe choices. Just because other people in the office are lowering the tone at the staff Christmas party with novelty tat, doesn’t mean you have to. And yet, it is human nature to want to fit in, especially in environments where we need to make a good impression – specifically, in the case of one reader, an MBA course at a prestigious university. This week, we cover off both these issues and also help another reader reduce the tedium of his lengthy early morning commute.
Please continue to post your style and grooming questions on our Instagram feed or email them directly to dan.rookwood@mrporter.com with “You Asked” in the subject header.


I work in an office where people’s idea of getting dressed up for the Christmas party is a kitsch sweater and flashing reindeer antlers. How should I dress for our company do next week?
Mr James Pratton, via email

Well, I can tell you how I dressed for MR PORTER’s shindig last week: navy velvet jacket, burgundy rollneck, navy cords and chocolate brown suede Chelsea boots. This felt suitably festive without being overly formal.
The key thing is not to wear something to your office party that you would ordinarily wear for work. You need to (be seen to) make an effort.
Don’t feel you have to dress down necessarily. But there are limits. It’s no good dressing up in full-on black tie, for example, if other people are wearing “hilarious” “Jingle My Bells” sweaters and Santa hats. However, a tuxedo jacket worn with a T-shirt or with a buttoned-up white shirt could work.
The Elder Statesman’s sweater featuring a festive cactus is about as novelty as MR PORTER gets. But consider the cost-per-wear ratio. You could still nod to the Christmas jumper theme by wearing a Fair Isle knit, which would be more versatile. My favourite on the site currently is this Faherty cardigan, but it doesn’t exactly scream “party”. Alternatively there is this one from Joseph or this one from [Howlin’](http://www.mrporter.com/ mens/howlin/mr-lawrence-fair-isle-wool-sweater/1011375?ppv=2), which could both work.
Doubtless after a few wines, you’ll be accessorising with a Christmas-cracker paper crown or even a Santa hat. And really, there is nothing wrong with that. The high-low thing is very popular. (Nobody tell Ms Obama.) And people like a party popper not a party pooper.
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I have a long train commute every day, which means waking early. What would you recommend me investing in in order to make my early rises and long train journeys more bearable? I do have time to shower, cleanse, tone and hydrate my face, and grab breakfast, if that helps clarify my current routine?
Mr Oliver Newton, via email

Bloody hell, Mr Newton, you have time to do all that? This is Patrick Bateman-level grooming.
Instead of waking up with a jolt to your iPhone alarm, why not set one of these radios to rouse you more gently with some classical music?
On these cold winter mornings, it can be a struggle to get out of a warm bed, so make it easier by stepping straight into this welcoming robe and slippers from Soho Home and then pad through to the kitchen to make some coffee in this handsome copper pot from Toast Living.
It sounds like you have a grooming routine worked out, but you could consider upgrading your bathroom cabinet to make the process of getting ready more pleasurable. For example, replace your toothbrush with this Foreo electric one and switch out your regular toothpaste for this mint, coriander and cucumber one from Buly 1803.
A gentle body and facial scrub in the shower will help to wake up you and your skin. Then after you have shaved, this Lab Series cream feels very refreshing.
As for the commute itself, you could immerse yourself in a podcast (I recommend this one), courtesy of these handsome tan leather headphones from Master & Dynamic. You can jot down your to do list for the day and then email it to yourself using Montblanc’s clever augmented notepad. And if you want something other than your phone or a freebie newspaper to read, could we be so bold as to recommend The Mr Porter Paperback?
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I am doing a part-time MBA at a top European university. What style advice would you give to be dressed adequately, but not appearing too conservative?
Mr Jochen Renz, via email

While studying for an MBA, I would imagine the safe move would be to play it business casual: button-down shirts with unstructured blazers, chinos and Chelsea boots, say. But if you’re not wanting to be too conservative, you could subtly mix in some more contemporary alternatives – a suede bomber jacket, especially in a dark colour, is smart and luxe without being too stiff. Consider this grey suede version from Paul Smith or this chocolate brown one from Club Monaco. Wear with cords or even suit trousers instead of jeans or chinos for a more elevated combination.
Switch out a button-down collar for a granddad collar, such as this striped one from Officine Generale or this pale blue example from Margaret Howell.
If you do wear a blazer, you can soften its formality by wearing it with a denim shirt and/or a round-neck sweater like this fine gauge knit from John Smedley.
Shoe-wise, I don’t think you can go far wrong with suede boots, but you could also consider suede or leather sneakers.
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