Sartorial suggestions that won't scare the horses. The post Best Style Tips for Melbourne Cup Men’s Fashion appeared first on Robb Report Australia and New Zealand.
Spring racing is the time for parading around the track, but why should the fillies have all the fun? To stand out this year, ditch the middle-management white shirt and dark navy suit you’ve been trotting out ad nauseum, and venture into something more relaxed and assured.
The smart money is on dependable perennials that can be paired with of-the-moment accessories to express your personality.
Jacket Required
If you’re planning on taking a pared-back approach to this year’s festivities, try pairing a white trouser and neutral shirt with a classic double-breasted blazer. In mid-beige or navy blue, a blazer is a hardworking wardrobe staple that works with a host of looks throughout the year. Invest in a soft, neutral cashmere-blend blazer, like this version from Brunello Cuccinelli. The tortoiseshell buttons, as opposed to military buttons, give it a casual yet polished spin. If a statement blazer is more your speed, dial back the rest of the outfit. For that certain regard, wear a shirt without a tie.
Double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend flannel jacket $4720 from Brunello Cuccinelli.
A Custom Suit
Nothing conjures style like a made-to-measure suit. A custom suit is designed to suit your body shape and enhance your personality. A talented tailor is your best friend and will work with you to choose fabrics to suit your demeanour and colours to flatter your complexion.
A custom suit made-to-measure three-piece suit by UK-born, Melbourne-based tailor Christian Kimber. Pictured: Christian Kimber Italian linen peaked lapel blazer, $1,500, Christian Kimber, four button waist-coat, $385 Italian linen white pleated-front trousers, $595, Portugal linen-cotton shirt, $430, patterned tie, $195, and Italian suede loafers, $395.
Walk This Way
This year, weather permitting, swap suede brogues or leather loafers for footwear that suggests a more relaxed elegance. Espadrilles are easy to wear, slip on and off, and inject any outfit with a laid-back, Euro sensibility. Add a pair to a polished two-piece suit worn with an open-neck shirt.
Dark-wash denim slippers with jute-trimmed soles, $456, from J.W. Anderson.
Suede goatskin espadrille with rope sole, $1,155, from Hermès.
A Proper Topper
Keep cool in an open-weave, natural-coloured hat that will shield you from the sun and give your outfit added brio. Avoid felt hats on hot days, and opt instead for a straw Panama or Fedora with a brim that’s not too wide or thin, like this handsome, leather-trimmed straw Gucci version. Run too from tweed, flat caps and anything that might get you mistaken for a bookie.
Horsebit leather-trimmed straw fedora, $993, from Gucci.
Statement Sunnies
Men are embracing statement glasses as a simple way to add colour and flair to any outfit. The latest offerings by the world’s leading eyewear purveyors are guaranteed to add edge to an otherwise restrained or monochrome look.
Handcrafted Umit Benan X Jacques Marie Mage Hulya sunglasses, $1,620 from Umit Benan.
Baggy Trousers
Move on from the stick legs of the Noughties. They do your legs and silhouette no favours. Opt instead for one of the season’s many wide-leg suits and trousers that recall the roomy styling of the 80s and add a glide to your stride. Consider roomier pants in off-white or camel, with a blue shirt. 
Cotton herringbone desert trousers with oversized bellows pockets, $450, from Patrick Johnson Tailors.
A Coloured Wristwatch
Break out of the mundane and introduce a coloured watch that picks up a tone in the rest of your outfit. A dress or sporty watch in a green, navy, or burnt orange adds pop to your outfit. Panerai’s navy band, dial and contrasting, luminous hands, indices and Arabic numerals, dress up a neutral suit and shirt.
Radiomir Otto Giorni automatic 45mm stainless steel and suede watch, Ref. No. PAM01348, $8,000, from Panerai.
A Scarf, or Lapel Pin
You’re almost there. Now ditch the tie and opt for a jaunty bandana 0r foulard to complement a two-piece suit. Twist a cotton or silk bandana and wear it around your neck, tied casually at the front in a small knot and wear with a loose-fitting shirt. Choose a pattern that features one or two colours to match your outfit’s socks, belt, espadrilles or wristwatch. If you are not the bandana type, consider a lapel pin to complete your outfit. With this kind of attention, you’re off to the races.
Cité Bergère cotton bandana $191, from Cinabre.
Chanel Métiers d’Art, $270, from Cinabre.
The post Best Style Tips for Melbourne Cup Men’s Fashion appeared first on Robb Report Australia and New Zealand.