Joe Ottaway’s Style Report

This month, I have only one thing on my mind: when can I ditch the loungewear? It feels like we are on the verge of another Roaring 20s, when our instinct will be to dress up, live life and enjoy being out and about. I’m certainly ready to dress up and wear clothes that look and feel great, which is why I’m focused on filling my spring/summer wardrobe with evergreen staples.

Enter Kit Blake. This brand is the brainchild of two of menswear's most passionate and knowledgeable advocates, Richard Wheat and Christopher Modoo, who are on a mission to revolutionise the way men wear trousers. Investing in their pieces means investing in decades of carefully honed menswear expertise: their trousers are cut to classical proportions and celebrate styles worn by old Hollywood icons like Cary Grant, Gary Cooper and Humphrey Bogart.

For anyone who’s ready to retire their sweatpants in favour of a good old-fashioned, off-the-peg British cut that fit perfectly and look as beautiful as a bespoke garment, Kit Blake has nailed it. The joy of this brand lies not in the stringent return to formality, but rather in the versatility of each style. A timeless feel allows you to wear pieces with anything from a chunky knit and boots to sneakers and a crewneck tee. For proof that this very classic English brand is evolving and staying in touch with the modern world, look out for its new linen-wool drawstring trousers.

Visit KitBlake.com

Heading into the warmer months, Kit Blake’s Aleksandar double-pleated high-twist wool trousers can be combined beautifully with a light knit. By the time we get to June, they’ll work with a linen double-breasted blazer and a polo shirt. For the latter, you really can’t beat John Smedley’s long-sleeve Cotswold polo.

Jislain Duval is a Canadian model who looks as good in his day-to-day New York life as he does on a billboard. He’s a master at layering with a penchant for timeless outerwear, moving comfortably between chunky knitwear, shackets and statement overcoats. His palette is easy-wearing neutrals – with a focus on creamy cappuccino tones – and a lot of his eye-catching everyday outfits are anchored by signature white trousers or jeans.

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