It's in the details

A few weeks ago I was at a fashion party in London, chatting to a guy over a glass of Disaronno (current favourite). I explained my belief that men have it much easier when dressing up. It can be roughly described as:

Black tie = suit.
White tie = suit, tails, white bow-tie.
Smart casual = suit minus tie, blazer optional.

Simple enough right? No. He explained that whereas women get stressed out finding what to wear (that perfect dress) for guys, just finding a suit isn't enough.There's so much more to it - where the trouser hem folds, the type of jacket lapel, the length of the blazer, the buttons on the blazer, the type of tie-knot, the matching handkerchief, how to fold the matching handkerchief, the type of cuff links etc, etc.

So to all men, firstly - apologies for doubting your effort in dressing. Secondly - it got me thinking about how some of the best outfits I've spotted have been due to the small details. The problem is, sometimes we think that being bold and unusual will result in a stylish look. This is true, and is certainly one way of doing it. Another way is the understated look, where the details are what pulls your outfit together into something wonderfully stylish.

Let's think of some examples.

A white shirt and tapered trousers. Now, if that white shirt has tiny silver buttons and the tapered trousers fall beautifully, what would have been a boring trouser look is transformed into something completely different. Victoria Beckham's understated style is a prime example - admire her or not, she always looks elegant and sophisticated and much of her collection is based upon simplicity combined with classy details.

Victoria Beckham Spring '17 collection. Image: Vogue

Or - take a plain black dress. If that dress has some embroidery - so subtle you have to be close to the person to see, your perception of the dress completely changes. Suddenly, what's 'just' a black dress becomes something more (and lo and behold you have a conversation starter to match).

A tiny charm necklace is another detail that can lift an outfit and add interest in the quirkiest of ways. I have a Russian doll one which I love to wear, especially with a simple top and jeans, so that the tiny necklace becomes the centre of the outfit.

Going forward, I'll be shopping more wardrobe staples with the details in mind. Is the tailoring of that blazer slightly unusual? Do those jeans have some subtle alteration that sets them apart? Don't get me wrong, I will always love my statement patterns and bright prints, but sometimes wearing something different because of a subtle detail is the best look of all.