Lessons in Tailoring
- Words By
- Bibby Sowray
- Edited By
- Laura & Petro
- Photography By
- Eva K. Salvi
- Hair & Makeup By
- Carolyn Gallyer
After months of dark wintry colours, spring and summer are the seasons to switch up your tailoring and try out lighter shades. A soft dove grey is a gentle way to ease yourself into a paler palette and its neutrality makes it the perfect canvas for bold, statement accessories.
The classic loafer never goes out of style – there is so much value in a comfortable, versatile shoe. A high-shine patent leather is a chic twist that elevates simple tailoring. For maximum wearability, look for styles with minimal hardware and a clean, unfussy shape.
Creating an enduring wardrobe isn’t just about the items within it, it’s also about the styling tricks that can multiply the wear potential of your items. A self-tie belt can transform a blazer – cinch at times when you want a feminine silhouette, remove when you want a more relaxed feel.
The ivory suit is a huge trend for SS23, but for us it’s timeless. This one is tailored from The Fold’s easy-wash Clever Crepe, making it effortlessly wearable. Fresh and crisp, it has a preppy vibe that’s formal but light-hearted. We love the juxtaposition of pairing it with low-key sandals or slides.
You can’t beat a navy suit. A universally flattering colour, it’s a great alternative to black if you prefer to stick to darker clothes in the summer. A double-breasted blazer paired with high-waist, wide-leg trousers is the epitome of refined elegance and can be dressed up or down with ease.
A box-fresh white trainer is the ultimate high-low pairing for tailoring, adding a relaxed feel that can take your suiting into relaxed, off-duty days. Go for a simple court style with minimal detailing and opt for a slightly built-up sole for extra impact and interest.
There’s no better fabric for summer than linen. When combined with tailoring, it makes for a less formal feel that’s perfect for multiple occasions. A bright hue, like this vibrant blue, highlights the beautiful texture, while a single-button blazer and wide-leg trousers create a timeless silhouette.
Every great wardrobe is built on a foundation of basics such as the simple white top. This one, made from organic stretch cotton, has a crew neck, perfect for layering underneath blazers, and voluminous sleeves for added impact without a jacket. A real workhorse in your wardrobe.
It isn’t easy to find the perfect black trousers, but when you do, you’ll love them forever. The trick is to look for a pair that offers both comfort and style. Opt for a high-waist, peg-leg shape that can be dressed up or down, with a cropped ankle and a waist that can be belted for definition.
We often extol the virtues of a trench, and that’s because this wardrobe icon is outerwear at its best. Go for a slightly oversized fit, with minimal detailing to ensure maximum staying power. The perfect partner for tailoring, this one is water-repellent and packs away into an accompanying bag.
If white isn’t your vibe, try tailoring in softer stone tones instead. Not quite cream, not quite grey, it’s a more forgiving shade. We love the simplicity of a stone-coloured trouser suit worn with minimal accessories – such a bold, sophisticated look.
A classic block-heel shoe is an essential when it comes to comfort. This contemporary take on the loafer is the perfect finishing touch to workwear ensembles, and croc-embossed leather is a timeless texture to add into your wardrobe.