A look that suits

I haven’t talked much about formal clothes on here before, but the fact that so many ’suits’ have been gathering here in London these last couple of days (for the G20 summit) has prompted me to look at this sometimes forgotten side of a man’s wardrobe.

Photo: jmtimages

Almost inevitably, the majority of sartorial attention has been lavished on Mr and Mrs Obama – with good reason, I think. While it goes without saying that I fully endorse Michelle’s decision to accessorise high street as well as designer clothing, I’m most impressed by Barack’s ability to work a standard two-piece suit, particularly the way he has hit on the right fit for his shape.

Now, women often say that any man looks good in a suit, but I think that really depends on the suit. By this, I mean how well the pieces (particularly the jacket) are cut to the man’s body shape – because that is really where you win or lose with a suit.

And you don’t need to shell out for bespoke tailoring to get it right – simply buy the most appropriate off-the-peg number and have it taken in/let out where it’s needed. This shouldn’t set you back too much more, and the result will be obvious every time you put the suit on.

Photo: Downing Street

Should you require any further persuasion, just look at the image above. If there was one person you might pick out as being limited in the style department, it would be Gordon Brown. But the silhouette he has managed to create with a few alterations here and there shows that even he is able to cut it with the big boys when it comes to formal occasions.