Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 24th March 2017

As we dive head first into summer and welcome it with a warm smile, it's time we sort out our spring clobber and slowly transform from our winter wardrobes to garments which inject more colour and are more suited to the rising temperatures. We sat down with Giles Farnham who is Head of River Island Style Studio recently. He gives us the lowdown on these very issues in the form of 10 commandments.

1. Colour me happy

Inject a pop of colour in to your wardrobe with a brightly coloured jewel tone or a rich shade of red wine. A welcome addition to the endless sea of greys and blues in your wardrobe. 

Recommendations: Teal blue skinny fit suit jacket / Teal blue skinny fit suit trousers / Red skinny fit suit jacket / Red skinny fit suit trousers

2. Two breasts are better than one

Double-breasted tailoring is no longer reserved for the city. As men become more creative in their styling choices, a double-breasted jacket is a welcome twist on tailored attire. As the warmer months draw in, try an unstructured DB in a lightweight breathable fabric such as linen or seersucker to avoid overheating. 

Recommendations: Navy double breasted skinny suit jacket / Navy cropped skinny fit suit trousers

3. Do grey with gumption

Grey doesn’t have to mean dull. Shake off those corporate shackles and team a slim cut ash grey suit with trainers and a nautical stripe tee for something cool, clean and contemporary. 

Recommendations: Grey slim fit suit jacket / Grey slim fit smart suit trousers

4. Black is the new black

The black suit no longer needs to be a tired baggy number that just gets dusted off for funerals. Sans colour, the devil is in the details – update your black suit with narrow notch lapels, a cropped jacket and ultra skinny cut. 

Recommendations: Black super skinny fit suit jacket / Black super skinny suit trousers

5. Smart-casual swagger

Master the art of smart casual and you will be sartorially prepared for any situation. A knitted polo denotes a laid back aesthetic; team that with a blazer and slim indigo denim for a look that will take you right through from power meeting to pub quiz. 

Recommendations: Brown skinny fit dogstooth check blazer / Dark blue wash Dean straight leg jeans / Brown colour block polo shirt / Burgundy leather formal shoes

6. Rules are made to be broken

Who says you can’t team trackies with a blazer? The key to pulling off this weekend look is in the fit and structure of the jacket. Team a lightweight skinny-fit blazer with slim-fitting jogging bottoms and a bold pair of sneakers. 

Recommendations: Navy skinny fit suit jacket / Light grey marl instant escape cap / White waffle slim fit T-shirt / Grey marl cotton joggers / Blue camo print contrast trainers

7. Winning in linen

Spring has well and truly sprung! Winter is out, lighter fabrics and colours are in. Try a cream or stone single button suit with a cropped jacket in either a linen mix or lighter wool. A collarless shirt will not only look sharp, but will also give some much needed breathing space in days of higher humidity. 

Recommendations: Cream skinny fit suit jacket / Cream skinny fit suit trousers / White casual Oxford grandad

8. Looking the business

If you work in a formal office environment that demands a suit and tie, have no fear – it is still possible to come corporate-ready without sacrificing your style credentials. Update any city ensemble with a knitted or pattern tie and slim cut navy suit. 

Recommendations: Navy skinny fit suit jacket / Navy smart skinny suit trousers

9. Joining the dots

For many guys, the very mention of a patterned suit conjures up vivid mental pictures of an aging antiques dealer in swathes of ill-fitting loud fabrics. Have no fear – pattern doesn’t have to equal poor taste. Ease yourself in with a navy suit in a subtle polka dot – the key is to pare back the rest of your outfit with a simple tee or Oxford shirt. 

Recommendations: Navy polka dot skinny fit suit jacket / Navy polka dot skinny fit suit trousers

10. Do prom properly

A black tuxedo with bow tie and white shirt is a tried and tested classic, timeless and effective. Want to stand out from the crowd? A sharply cut white tux jacket with a black polo shirt will add a touch of rock n roll swagger to your evening ensemble. 

Recommendations: Black slim fit suit jacket / Black slim suit trousers

We talk spring tailoring and summer formalwear rules in this guide to 10 Tailoring Commandments for March by Giles Farnham, Head of River Island Style Studio.