If you're interested in menswear, then you probably have some Big Opinions about suits. How they should fit, when it’s right to wear them, and more recently, how relevant they are in the disorientating aftershock of the lockdown loungewear boom. Even the traditionalists who long for the return of old-school office garb reluctantly acknowledge that comfort is now at the forefront of people's minds; that business attire needs to be as cozy as it is smart. It's a combination that the tailoring world is yet to fully embrace, naturally.
But, it seems Robert Pattinson has got the right idea. As one of Dior’s representatives, the Batman star pitched up once again to the front row, this time in a smart-casual (heavy on the casual) suit that chimes back to the rebellious act of a jumbled school uniform. Not only was the shirt left untucked, with its open collar unbuttoned, but the wool suit was slightly wide on the shoulders, long in the arms and wide-legged – the type of office attire you wouldn't rush to change out of at the end of the day. It's all eminently wearable and replicable for those willing to dip their toe into tailoring’s next epoch.
Who?
You needn’t search far to find that R Patz isn’t afraid to venture from the classic menswear canon, having been papped wearing skirts to this year’s Met Gala as well as Dior’s autumn/winter ’23 menswear show. Still, he likes mixing it with more understated staples, ranging from bomber jackets to slim-fit denim with the standard white tee and plaid shirts in between.
Where?
At the Dior’s womenswear show, where actor Joseph Quinn was another famous guy in attendance.
What’s he wearing?
As Gosling did at the Gucci show, invited stars will always be decked out in the brand that's showcasing its collection – and the 37-year-old is no exception. Despite deriving from the summer ’24 collection, the slouchy, nonchalant manner of the look took cues from the men’s show back in January, where jumpers were half put-on, exposing the arm of a shirt hiding under the knit.
How do I recreate it?
Obviously, you could copy Pattinson and wear a full Dior look (you’ll have to wait till next year to cop the exact pieces), but the likes of Séfr, Officine Générale and Barena have a selection of heavier, wool-twill suits to choose from.
The rest is simple: plant a chunky pair of loafers on your feet and keep your shirt untucked. Don’t forget to iron it though – creases would take the dressed-down nature of it too far.
Mistakes to avoid?
Annoyingly, you can’t just opt for a few sizes larger than your usual work suit – if the fabric isn’t stiff enough, the suit will slouch in the wrong places and will look ill-fitting. Either opt for a heavy wool fabrication that has a structured shape when sizing up, or go for suits that are naturally a bit baggier in fit.
