The brief
Tailoring for someone who has somewhere to be. All the authority of the City, none of the stiffness.
Central line to boardroom. The shoulder stays sharp, the fabrics get softer and the styling loosens, so everything moves, breathes and still looks completely considered. Premium basics under relaxed tailoring, nothing that reads as interview wear.
- Mood
- Capable, quick, composed
- Silhouette
- Relaxed tailoring, clean and mobile
- Palette
- Navy, charcoal, black, stone
- Fabric
- Tropical wool, cotton twill, fine knit
- Key piece
- A soft-shoulder blazer
- Suggested season
- All year
- Good for
- tailoring, trousers, shirt, polished, modern, sharp
Two ways to wear it
Tailored ease
- A soft-shoulder blazer over wide or fluid trousers, with a premium knit or tee underneath
- Button only what the outfit needs, so it reads as modern workwear, not formal suiting
- A clean, substantial shoe with enough weight to carry the trouser volume
High and low
- One formal piece against one properly casual one, a tailored jacket over a heavyweight tee, or sharp trousers with a clean trainer
- Texture and cut keeping the casual piece premium, never sporty
- A structured bag or folio, so the outfit keeps its professional centre of gravity
What makes it work
- Relaxed construction that still gives a defined shoulder and a clean trouser line
- Premium basics that look intentional under tailoring
- One smarter piece against one more relaxed piece
- Proportions that make sense while walking through a city
- Minimal branding and restrained accessories
What breaks it
- Shiny, stiff corporate suiting that reads as interview wear
- Running shoes, neon accents or anything gym-led
- Graphic slogans and large brand marks
- Oversized streetwear that removes the professional shape altogether
The outfit
Top
- A fine-knit polo buttoned high
- A premium heavyweight tee under a blazer
- A minimal mock-neck knit for colder days
- A crisp poplin shirt, collar open, no tie
Legs
- Fluid wide-leg tailored trousers
- Drawstring-waist trousers in tropical wool or heavy twill
- Straight dark trousers with a clean break over the shoe
- A tailored pencil skirt with a slit, worn with flat shoes
- Pleated trousers in stone, the lighter summer version
Footwear
- Minimal leather trainers in white or black
- Chunky leather derbies
- Modern penny loafers on a slightly heavier sole
- A clean black Chelsea boot
Hair and makeup
Hair
- A clean ponytail or bun, for a more precise silhouette
- Natural hair with deliberate shape and minimal flyaways
- Loose hair tucked behind the ears for a more open line
Makeup
Clean Base
Fresh skin, brushed brows and a muted lip, polished without looking made up
Sharp Brown
Soft brown liner and a controlled brow on otherwise clean skin
Modern Flush
A soft wash of colour on the cheeks and a neutral mouth, a little life under office light
Finishing touches
Jewellery
- A minimal steel watch
- Small hoops or simple studs
- One signet or plain ring
- A thin chain tucked under the collar
Other Accessories
- A structured leather folio
- A shape-holding leather backpack
- A compact shoulder bag with minimal hardware
- A mac coat carried over the arm
- A slim black umbrella, because it is London
Take it further
For when you want to go all out, pull out every stop and make it yours.
- 01Wear a full suit with trainers and let the shoe be the only clearly casual decision
- 02Swap the shirt for a fitted knit and roll the sleeves for a softer version
- 03Go tonal from navy through blue-grey instead of black on black
- 04Swap the blazer for a clean mac coat and keep everything else extremely simple
- 05Make the most formal outfit you own feel relaxed through posture and movement alone
- 06Build one look that could go from Canary Wharf to dinner without changing anything
If you like this, try these
Bring this look to your session, or see all 21 styles