Change formality level with one change

As I talked about "The future of dressing up" last time, it occurred to me it would be fair to add some more tips on this subject. One of my favourites is how to change your outfit's character (its formality) by one (or two) change.

In today's article, the leading role will play Colhay's shawl-collar cardigan and the jacket from my new flannel suit. So consider it as a preview for a review of it. In the former post - review of the cardigan - you already could find out that Colhay's present their cardigan as a possible substitute for a jacket or even a coat when worn over another knitwear.

Substitution then makes this excellent example of comparing those two garments to see an impact on overall look and formality. You'll see a version with a cardigan below on the left and on the right version with an MTM flannel jacket. Since I'm wearing a white shirt and chinos, I also added a houndstooth waistcoat cause it makes the transition of colours much better than "all-white", and it brokes the colours, so the overall outcome is better. And I love it since we have colder days, one layer more is useful.

Obviously, you'll see that the cardigan version, which is more smart thanks to dressing socks and waistcoat, would be entirely enough for zoom meeting within the company and for most of your actions during the day. If for some reason, you would want to go "smarter" for meeting face to face with someone (rather improbable nowadays) or there will be zoom meeting with clients, switch for a jacket. And it's not just about formal - less formal but also perhaps about which look you prefer. Knitwear will be more rugged, and suiting cloth more smooth and refined.

Another formality level would be that you also add flannel trousers, and suddenly you're wearing a suit (photo below). However, in this case, worries of becoming dressed too much are unfounded as flannel is not very formal; therefore, again suitable for most of the activities without being overdressed. The step "between" could be to use the darker shade of trousers than white, such as navy or white again, but formal trousers in wool. I intentionally go for white here as I love the contrast between upper garments and I also wanted to show you how you can play with - white trousers and a flannel jacket - as you can see nothing to be afraid of and you'll look great.

Except flannel trousers, here I’m also wearing dark brown derby shoes instead of loafers.

It is additionally a nod to my former post, "How to wear white trousers?" where I explain myths and unfounded fears about them. They are, in fact, much funnier and versatile, one would generally assume. And these outfits prove that it is not only for casual wearing - well, neither truly formal but somewhere between, that could be their spot.

As I am wearing the waistcoat in all photos above (except where I’m wearing a flannel suit), I'll include a picture of cardigan without it (below) as you can better imagine how it looks. My opinion is, even though it is a casual look, similarity with the jacket is clearly notable. Therefore, you can wear all I said above without a waistcoat, and it will be again a half point down the formality. But still smarter than any other crewneck.

I love these comparisons where you could see right away the impact you'll make. Your creative skills with clothes and outfits will improve much more than starring in the wardrobe. It was a pleasure for me to bring you this "tip" or insight as this is indeed one of the easiest tricks - change your jacket, and suddenly you're ready for bigger challenges as well as you can use this to "adjust" outfit to your current mood.

And by the way, that cardigan would be amazing next to the fireplace - just sayin'.

Yours Sincerely,

Denis

In this post I am wearing by order of appearance: