Man in Blue
I've got the blues this month!
Perhaps it's those perfect blue skies we've been lucky enough to have for the past few weeks, the birth of THE baby boy and William & Kate's matching blue outfits, or the bright blue cockerel which has taken it's place on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Or perhaps it's none of these, just the fact that it's a colour that most men like, feel comfortable in and are happy to wear and have in their wardrobes.
So, I've chosen a selection of outfits in varying shades of blue for you to ponder over, offset by some images from Francis Bacon's Man in Blue series. No need to look quite as pained and despairing as his model does though, as according to colour psychologists, blue is the colour of trust and reliability and exhibits an inner security and confidence.
The perfect outfit for those days in summer that don't quite feel it, you know the ones.....cold, raining, typically British. But with these pale blue chinos, not only can you listen to Blue Skies on your headphones you can also be reminded of them when you look down. Create a layered look with a denim shirt and navy knit, and finish off with Paul Smith plimsolls. As we head for late summer, swap these for brogues or loafers and layer a lightweight mac on top to prolong the wearability of the lighter coloured trousers.
Pale blue twill trousers - Faconnable at Mr Porter
Cotton denim shirt - Marc by Marc Jacobs at Stylebop
Navy honeycomb striped jumper - Folk
Vestri trainers -Paul Smith at Coggles
Plattan headphones - Urban Ears
You won't be starting your week off with a Blue Monday if you select these trousers in a slightly brighter than navy shade of blue. Keep it sharp and crisp with a white shirt, and houndstooth tie, and when the days draw in (or the a/c cranks up) put a navy cardigan on top for sleek sophistication in the office.
Blue chinos - Sandro
Brushed cotton tailored white shirt - Browns at Farfetch
Dogtooth wool and silk tie - Ted Baker
Navy v-neck cardigan - John Smedley at Liberty
I love the painterly effect of these Margiela pale blue shoes. Easier to wear than you'd think, they team well with darker blues, and go great with denim. A check shirt balances the look, without matching and a double breasted blazer and slim fit, washed in jeans lend a classic, quality feel. Finish off with a smart, navy leather belt, and whatever you do don't let anyone step on your Blue (Suede) Shoes!
Washed leather shoes - Maison Martin Margiela at Mr Porter
Navy double breasted blazer - Lanvin at Matches
Check flannel shirt - A.P.C. at Matches
Jeans - Nudie at Liberty
Blue leather belt - Monsieur London
A navy suit is a perennial classic in any man's wardrobe. It can be dressed up and down to suit the occasion - weddings (yours or someone else's), christenings, evenings out or work. For important occasions, choose a higher contrast between your shirt and tie, and high shine shoes, or to dress down a touch go for a softer more tonal look like this pale blue shirt and toning tie. For a low key look, swap the silk tie for a knitted one and add dark brown shoes instead of black. However you wear it, there's no way you'll be Singing The Blues in this suit.
Cotton silk tailored suit - Browns
Pale blue shirt - Paul Smith London at Matches
Striped silk tie - Richard James at Mr Porter
Geoboy pocket square - Ted Baker
A comfortable navy knit blazer and a soft gingham shirt, tone well with grey trousers to hit the right balance for a smart/casual vibe. Wear chunky blue brogues for a casual dinner date, and add a smart bag if it's relaxed working lunch. You may be wearing it, but you definitely won't be asking Am I Blue?
Knitted navy blazer - Reiss
Blue houndstooth shirt - Browns
Soft cotton chinos - Browns
Sid Alpine Long winged brogues - Grenson at The Editeur
Heathrow canvas messenger bag - Want Les Essentiels at Opumo
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