Velvet blazer, £298, reiss.com; Soft-fit blazer, £410, harriswharflondon.com
A friend’s family insists on full black tie on Christmas day and, while I admire their commitment, fiddling with a bow tie all day doesn’t appeal. Nor does the novelty route – the enforced hilarity of a flammable Christmas jumper.
A happy medium is a ‘broken suit’; wearing the separate components of a suit, so a jacket with less formal chinos, or a suit trousers with a cashmere sweater. Alternatively, a soft-fit blazer in a knitted fabric lends an upright silhouette, but is less structured – think of it as a grown up version of your armchair cardi. Similarly, don’t be tied to the standard collared shirt; one with a grandad collar looks smart, but is a tad more contemporary, particularly at a time when men are less inclined to wear ties, which is applies to a sleek, lightweight polo neck – it looks sharp with a jacket and is less office-centric than a shirt (just ask Prince William).
And if you’re something of a party peacock? A velvet jacket is an informed choice; the plush material’s soft and easy, but the lustre is just the thing for picking up the glint of the Christmas lights. Stephen Doig
