Smart/casual menswear for slim man

[Taswama]

DP has recently been promoted and is now expected to attend events with an overnight element. During the day he's fine in a suit, with or without a tie but is struggling in what to wear in the evenings.
The other senior men (all men) are older (mid fifties). He is mid forties but obviously wants to fit in.
He says they wear shirts with jumpers on top and he's bought a couple of jumpers but found them just too hot so needs an alternative, eg smart shirts.
He is 16'' collar and slim (32 waist). Currently only looking at next and getting frustrated. I have previously suggested Reiss based on advice here too but he needs specific items.

Any suggestions?

It’s an old standard but it’s worth looking at M&S. They do different ‘fits’ of shirt - slim fit or tailored might work for him - and some of them have stretch in. Some of their sizing is S, M, L and some is 15, 15.5, 16. If he plays around with the sizing and fits he should find something that works for him. It might mean going for a M slim fit with stretch to get a shirt that looks like a classic fit when he wears it if you see what I mean.

Look at John Lewis to start off with.

My Ddad falls into this category and is happy enough with JL and M&S. He can afford more expensive clothes but he's surrounded by academic, creative people so wouldn't want to look to OTT. Well kept and dignified.

He's always pulled off the smart casual look very well. He does like Hugo Boss too.

Also avoid polyester and any man made fibres which will make him sweat

Massimo Dutti
The have a wide range of smart ish tops inc cotton knitwear so not so hot, and smart ish long sleeved polo style tops.

Thanks @Carboncheque , @GoingForAWalk , @PeaceLoveAndCandy . Can you link to any specific items please?

www.massimodutti.com/gb/men/collection/polos/view-all%2Fcashmere-wool-polo-sweater-c1745765p9397729.html

www.massimodutti.com/gb/men/collection/polos/view-all%2Fpiqu%C3%A9-100%25-cotton-polo-shirt-c1745765p9407184.html

www.massimodutti.com/gb/men/collection/sweaters/merino-collection%2Fsweater-in-100%25-merino-wool-c1727648p9278937.html

www.massimodutti.com/gb/men/collection/t-shirts/view-all%2Fcotton-jacquard-polo-sweater-c1745783p9290394.html

So a jumper along these lines V neck to wear a shirt under. And for more casual weekend a polo shirt, or checked shirt with a small check, can also be worn under jumper. Basics to start off with till he feels more confident with what he wants and needs.

I can't help with Trousers. No idea there as to exactly what to buy. With suits and stuff avoid polyester and anything from man made fibres. Obvs don't ever wear a black suit unless it's a formal occasion and it's been specified.

Thanks both. I hadn't thought of merino. Is it lighter than normal wool?

I will suggest those options to him.

Luca Faloni do nice smart/casual menswear, they are pricy but they have look books on their website which might be handy for inspiration, the looks are fairly easy to recreate with other brands.

How tall his he? 5ft 10 and under and he could definitely fit into M&S age 16-17 boys clothes! They're cut slimmer than most.

@Taswama

Thanks both. I hadn't thought of merino. Is it lighter than normal wool?

I will suggest those options to him.

Uniqlo have affordable merino

Perhaps he could check out Rishi Sunak's casual work wear. The Mail is full of appreciative photos of him. If it's ok for the Chancellor.

@FuckingFabulous

How tall his he? 5ft 10 and under and he could definitely fit into M&S age 16-17 boys clothes! They're cut slimmer than most.

He's 5'10'' actually.

Sorry @MNHQ meant to quote not report!

Not just the Mail @midsomermurderess !

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/mar/02/hedge-fund-haute-couture-how-rishi-sunak-uses-clothes-to-build-his-brand?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

No info on where he gets his clothing though!

He says thanks for merino suggestions but could he have some shirts please?
He's struggling to find shirts that don't look like they should be worn with a suit and tie but aren't too casual (i.e. checked) either.

look up brushed cotton shirts - the slight texture of the fabric make them look more laid back, but in plain colours they are smarter than checked. A true cotton shirt will also help with temperature regulation.

Paul Smith is perfect for what you need. Beautifully cut clothes (specifically cut for slim men and to be flattering to those who aren't), excellent quality fabrics that don't fade or look tatty after a few months wear. Interestingly, Paul Smith actually began his business by designing shirts and I honestly think they are the best. DH wears almost all Paul Smith for business, casual events and weekends. The womenswear is pretty fantastic too. I have coats which are over 10 years old and still look brand new.

@SummaLuvin

look up brushed cotton shirts - the slight texture of the fabric make them look more laid back, but in plain colours they are smarter than checked. A true cotton shirt will also help with temperature regulation.

Thanks Summa - Luca Falconi had some of those and I'm sure others are available too.

I can't see many shirts in Paul Smith Edmontina , although I may have got distracted by the womenswear !

Paul Smith Shirts