7 Jacket, Shirt and Tie Combinations That Make The Most Of Your Outerwear
Navigating dress codes can be a minefield. Take smart-casual, for example. Many men have devoted countless hours to decoding what on earth it could possibly mean, and in truth the jury’s still out.
One solid trick to rely on is to start smart, and switch out one element for something laid-back – a roll-neck jumper instead of a shirt, sneakers instead of Derbies, or a casual outer layer in place of your usual suit jacket; shirt and tie intact underneath.
It’s an expert-level style move cribbed from the likes of Frank Ocean and everybody’s favourite style uncle, Jeff Goldblum, but a good one all the same.
If you’re the type of guy who baulks at the thought of full-blown formality then congratulations, you’re in the right place. Read on for seven ways to layer up a shirt and tie without a single suit jacket or blazer in sight.
Denim Jacket
The trusty trucker is a sartorial Swiss army knife: rugged, durable, loaded with workwear prestige, but also a decent option for when you want to look smart but not stiff.
“When wearing a denim jacket with a shirt and tie, you need to make sure the jacket still looks clean and sharp,” says Burton senior outerwear designer, Jay Jones. “Go for a slim fit and avoid anything too distressed.”
Stick to a plain indigo, black or blue wash, and layer it underneath a navy mac in the colder months. Match your trousers to your wash (navy with blue, black or grey with black), and finish with low-top tennis shoes.
J.Crew
Bomber Jacket
Another god-tier menswear staple, the bomber jacket has lived more lives than Action Bronson’s had hot dinners.
“Bomber jackets are a wardrobe essential these days, with smarter options creating a sort of modern suit look,” says Jones. If wearing yours with a shirt and tie, look for plain MA-1 styles (your typical, no-collar silhouette) in premium (and more importantly, matte) fabrics to avoid resembling a nightclub bouncer.
