Style Guide: Men’s Event Dressing

Mastering your style starts with knowing who you are – and how you want to feel. So to help you discover your personal style, uncover modern wardrobe essentials and decipher this season’s trends, David Jones has enlisted the expert eyes of nine stylish industry insiders.

Welcome to Style Guide. 

Spring marks the beginning of celebration season. So to style the suiting pieces that will take you from garden affairs to sunset soirées and everything in between, we’ve enlisted the expert advice of Chris Wilson, General Manager of Menswear at David Jones. 

Keep reading for the stylish inspiration you need to shop thoughtfully this event season.

For a fresh take on neutrals, don’t be afraid to work in layers of navy to your suiting repertoire. Unlike black or beige, navy is an easily adaptable hue, suitable for formal evenings, corporate occasions, and daytime affairs. Embodying this brief, Brooks Brothers reimagines chinos in a Springtime-appropriate navy, paired back with a crisp white shirt and tied together with a textured blue jacket.

Similarly distinctive, British brand Ted Baker is known for their creative use of colour. By adding unexpected linings, floral motifs and graphic prints to a navy three-piece suit, the  brand gives formalwear a fresh and unique feel. 

The linen suit is the definition of smart-casual. Ultra-breathable for warmer days, but still luxurious in touch and appearance, it’s no surprise that linen is a leading style for Spring. Saba’s take on this trend–the Ellias suit in a soft oatmeal shade–is the perfect companion for less formal occasions: think cocktail hour or a long weekend lunch. Break up beige colourways like this with a short-sleeve floral shirt and a loafer-style shoe.

The best pieces this celebration season work across a range of occasions. With just a few sharp separates, you can create a capsule wardrobe for weekday to weekend, with endless styling options.

For outfits that are both work and weekend appropriate, look to Calibre: their strong offering of jackets and blazers can be mixed and matched with a range of with slim-fit chinos and cotton shirting. Or, stock up versatile essentials from Flinders. Not only do their classic styles strike the balance between luxury, durability, and comfort, but they offer an endless supply of styling options.

And don’t be afraid to pair suiting separates with different jackets and pants for ultimate wearability. A classic chino instantly makes suit jackets by Pal Zileri feel a little less formal.

No event wardrobe is complete without a selection of shirts for every occasion.  Crisp whites and soft pastels by Abelard are a wardrobe essential, laying the foundation for a range of Spring outfits. Elegantly cut from luxury fabrications, these styles can be worn on their own, for laid back occasions, or with a jacket for a more corporate feel. 

Or, embrace Spring florals with Simon Carter. When the dress code calls for fun, printed shirting in vibrant hues is the perfect way to add interest to formal suiting styles. Paired back with a navy suit, the ‘Bird Garden’ Digital Print Shirt shirt is formal with just a hint of playfulness.

Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman, or wedding guest, there’s nothing quite like a classic black suit for those extra special Spring occasions. Guaranteed to feel on trend for season’s to come, this is a timeless wardrobe essential worth investing in.

The classic black suit has long been the signature of brands like Hugo Boss and Joe Black. Let the quality of these styles shine with simple styling: a white dinner shirt and polished black shoes are all that’s needed. 

When it comes to suiting this celebration season, there are a few suit etiquette basics to keep in mind. Never button the last button on your suit jacket, and always undo the buttons before sitting down. And for sleek accessories, opt for a tie that grazes the waistband of your trousers, and well-fitting socks that ensure no leg is exposed when taking a seat.

Shop Chris’ spring celebration favourites instore and online now.