Party season style with Shaun Birley

Embrace effortlessly cool, smart summer style with fashion influencer and travel guru Shaun Birley. Check out three key looks to give you some party-season inspiration that will carry you from Sunday brunch, to your end-of-year party, to New Year’s celebrations.

Off duty

Casual dressing is often overlooked. While many men feel comfortable in a suit and tie for work, or shorts and T-shirts for weekends, what guys often neglect is that sweet spot somewhere in between. It’s the kind of look that says you know when it’s time to switch off and stop checking emails – but you also mean business in the style stakes.

Your favorite shirt is perfect for more casual occasions but lose the tie and undo a couple of buttons. Trousers in a lighter shade are the stuff that summer was made for, but instead of that matching two-piece suit you’d wear to the office, contrast is key.

Add a point of difference with a blazer in a darker shade, such as navy or something more playful, with a check or pattern. It’s dressy, but without looking like you’ve come straight from the boardroom. Play, with a few key accessories – belt, shades, a fun pocket square – you’re ready to head out.

Shop the look here.

Tailored suiting

There’s a reason the suit is still such an enduring wardrobe staple: men just look good in them.

The end-of-year party is a key fashion moment for everyone. Don’t make the mistake of wearing your trusty grey or navy suit, it’s time to amp up the style. Party season is all about brining that touch of personality to the table.

Enter patterns and checks to give you that essential point of difference to stand out.

If the occasion still calls for a tie, go with something vibrant – and contrast, instead of matching it, with your pocket square.

Sharp, stylish, sophisticated.

Shop the look here.

Keeping it classic

Be ready for the pinnacle of party season, New Year’s Eve and lean into 2020 by nailing a more formal brief.

As always with suiting, fit is crucial – we’re talking shoulders, waist, cuffs and trouser hems, which are the key points you want to check.

Trousers should have a single ‘break’ – the point where it creases as it falls over your shoe – and should be slim but not tight through the legs. Your jacket should fit right on the ‘point’ of your shoulder, show around 1.5-2cm of shirt sleeve, and should not pull at the waist when it’s buttoned

Remember: with a two-button jacket, fasten the top but never the bottom button, and for a three-button, go for the middle button, and unbutton when sitting.

Confidence comes from knowing you look good, and looking good is all about not just choosing the right suit – but ensuring it fits perfectly, too.

Shop the look here.