As we head towards spring, what to wear to look stylish over the Easter break depends on where you’re going and the type of event you’re attending. Here is a guide by Adrian Barrows, from The Bespoke Tailor, offering ideas and inspiration to help you dress appropriately whatever the occasion.
Casual
If you’re going to a friend’s house for dinner, a country club or to a restaurant for lunch, wear an open-necked shirt, polo shirt or lightweight sweater with khakis or chinos. Accessorise with leather shoes and belt. Easter is a good time to wear fun socks and welcome in spring. Pastel argyles in yellow, baby blue or mint are a great way to match your shirt or sweater.
Smart casual
For an office party, happy hour drinks after work or a business luncheon opt for smart trousers, paired with a collared shirt and loafers.
Dressy casual
To attend church, a dinner reservation with family or a last minute invite where smart casual doesn’t apply, wear pleated trousers and a dress shirt with leather loafers, a slip-on shoe or Oxfords. Pair with a blazer or sports coat.
Evening event
An evening social event, such as a birthday party for a friend or family member, warrants a suit in charcoal or navy with a colourful tie to add a splash of colour. This style ensures you’re on-trend for the spring/summer season. Dark jeans with a sports jacket in navy blue, khaki or brown are an alternative for a more casual venue.
Stylish but not formal
For breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea gathering, or a daytime engagement party, you can opt for a dark suit paired with a French-cuffed crisp white shirt. Again, add some vibrancy with a colourful tie.
Black or white tie
If you’re attending a charity fundraiser, ceremony, wedding or have tickets to the opera, a short or waist-length black tailcoat, black or white bow tie, white dress shirt, (cummerbund optional) and slim tailored trousers fit the bill perfectly.
Black tie with a twist
An alternative to wear to galas, weddings or formal dinners where the emphasis will be on fun rather than formality, incorporate trendy prints on your tie and wear with a dress shirt. Mix fabrics such as a silk blazer to create a formal yet interesting look.
Black tie optional
If the gala, wedding, charity auction or formal dinner is black tie optional, wear a tuxedo if you own one, if not wear a dark suit such as charcoal or black paired with a white dress shirt and a solid coloured tie and pleated trousers. Accessorise your look with a pocket square and cufflinks.
Whatever you’re doing this Easter, don’t be a slouch and dress for the occasion!
