1. Keep It Simple

The most stylish looks are always the least fussy. Build your wardrobe around a couple of key pieces that can easily be paired with other items. A capsule wardrobe makes dressing in the morning or packing for a trip so much easier – and is the more sustainable option too. Most importantly, stay elegant. Casual doesn’t mean sloppy. Keeping it simple is essential when it comes to formalwear too – and so is quality over quantity. If you can, invest in a really nice navy jacket; grey and navy suits; good pairs of black and brown shoes; a couple of white and light-blue shirts; a navy tie; and a good navy overcoat. 
 

2. Buy Well-Made Accessories

Rather than buying lots of items that will barely last a season, invest in just a couple of well-made pieces that will endure. Without question, extra spending on accessories can go a very long way. This applies to watches as well as footwear. For the latter, look to Common Projects or CQP for cool casual styles; for more formal events, shoes from Alden and Crockett & Jones always hit the mark. Steer clear of outlandish socks and jewellery – they always make you look like you’ve tried too hard.
 

3. Stock Up On Shirts

The fit and material of shirts mean you wear them closer to the skin than other garments. This makes it important to have multiple shirts on rotation if you want to always look crisp and clean.
 

4. Stick With Tonal Colours

Navy, grey and natural colours such as beige, olive or army green are safe spaces to be in. When you’re on holiday or by the sea, you can definitely get away with wearing more colour and being more experimental. If you’re unsure about a print or pattern, stay with plain. Stripes and patterns work well on ties, and a subtle stripe can work well on shirts. For swim shorts, you can go all out.
 

5. Tailor Your Suits

We’re all shaped differently. Even if you’ve spent a lot on a jacket or suit, the fit might not be perfect. Be prepared to spend a bit extra on alterations, even for more expensive suits. A really well-cut, great-quality suit usually costs around £1,500, but it will be worth it – look to the heavyweight, ready-to-wear tailoring brands like Lardini, Boglioli and Camoshita. For a truly perfect fit, consider going for a made-to-measure service.
 

6. Have A Style Icon

Steve McQueen is one of the most influential style icons and will continue to be so for the simple reason that he always looked effortlessly put together. He is a great inspiration because he looked just as snappy when he dressed casually and formally. His style felt very natural and real, he shunned trends and, as a result, it is still easy to emulate today. Ultimately, though, you need to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable. There are plenty of things in life to worry about; dressing shouldn’t be one of them.