My Life In Style: Mitch Hughes, M&S Menswear Director

M&S is the nation’s staple brand for menswear staples. In recent seasons, its menswear director Mitch Hughes has made the brand essential once more by refining its fits and focusing on fabric. SLMan spoke to Mitch about the brand’s latest collection and his own personal style…

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How would you describe your style, Mitch?

I think it’s classic. I like to wear three pieces. Some people call it the ABC or 123 approach. I’ll have a base layer on the skin, either a t-shirt or merino knit. On the bottom, a pair of trousers or a pair of denim jeans. Then it’s a top layer of either a blazer or a shacket. I think that covers a broad range of scenarios – if I'm working in a meeting or if I'm going out afterwards.

Which brands are inspiring you at the moment?

I go to more classic brands with heritage like Ralph Lauren or Zegna. In terms of aesthetic and what they've done for menswear, that’s what we aspire towards and what I look at more than anything else.

And are there any people influencing it?

For M&S Man, we've got a lot of social content creators and ambassadors who help us. What we've tried to do is help men build outfits and style well. We're looking to resonate in a much stronger way this year with James Nelson-Joyce, Ian Wright and David Gandy – accessible guys who men want to look like and make clothes really easy to wear.

Does character come into it when you're choosing those ambassadors?

Yeah, it does. I think Wrighty has been excellent for us because he loves working with M&S, and because the way he presents himself and wears clothes is very accessible. We saw that through the World Cup. Whatever we put on Wrighty, it sold out. With James Nelson-Joyce, we wanted a bit more of a street, city aesthetic. I'm from Liverpool and he’s from Liverpool, and he understood Autograph as our go-to brand for dressing up and going out. He suits the very clean aesthetic.

What are the key trends in the new M&S collection?

Colour is really important. We’re trying to help men wear colour in both casual and formal shapes. Formal and casual are mixing a lot more, whether it's in blazers, jackets, a lot more Fair Isles in the range, more patterns and a lot more preppy.

Tell us about three of your favourite pieces from the collection…

There’s a £35 Fair Isle. We have the number-one market share in men's knitwear, so we're able to buy fantastic value and great quality. Also in knitwear, we've got a new fabric called Air-Yarn, which is 5% wool. It's really soft. Finally, there are the down-filled, wet-look puffers. The burgundy is a clear standout – it's a really nice and versatile piece for £120.

What's the best era for menswear?

At the moment, with all the collegiate influences coming back, I think that's a really nice aesthetic, plus I’m loving the return of the suit with pleats and wider-leg trousers. So it’d have to be the collegiate preppy era of the 1950s.

How has your sense of style changed over the years?

I think I had more time to get ready when I was in my 20s. For me now, it’s about work-life balance. It’s making sure I have a capsule wardrobe ready to go, which is in a monochrome palette with a few accessories. I used to pack a lot more when I used to go away, whereas now I'm quite a hand-luggage, straight-on type of person.

Marks & Spencer

What was your style in your 20s?

I had curtains. I had long hair. I was a Haçienda kid. I was born near Manchester and was there in my 20s. So it was casual sportswear. Now, the stuff my son wears, I couldn't get away with it. Nor would he want me to.

What are your own top-three style rules?

One, good-quality socks. Socks make the shoe and make the outfit. Two, don't overcomplicate. Look at Beckham. He just wears simple items, but he wears them really well. Three, use one colour really well. Focus on it.

What's your most worn item at the moment?

The black Autograph t-shirt. My wife would say I've got too many, but I think it's such a versatile item. I'd just size up to be a bit more casual.

You're going for dinner tonight. Where are you going and what are you wearing?

I'm going to Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat in Bishopsgate. Great views, great service and great food – I went there the other week with my wife. This time I’d be wearing selvedge jeans, an Autograph tee and a leather M&S shacket.

Follow @MarksAndSpencer_Mitch

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