Written by Craig Landale in Get the Look on the 25th October 2017

Photography by Gemma Boyle

My first experience of Slaters Menswear was 16 years ago when I hired a tuxedo for my high school leavers ball in Leeds. Now a true Londoner I will admit that they’ve not been on my radar for a while since. This is because Slaters has such a strong presence north of the M25 with an impressive 25 stores and their well-known Manchester location is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in summer 2018. When the Slaters team recently invited me to visit their HQ in Glasgow located above their own flagship, dubbed the 'largest menswear store in the world', I was impressed at how their tailoring offering has come on since my first visit all those years ago.

Of course, trends change and buyer behaviour pivots but there seems to be a new excitement in the air among staff at Slaters. They have an urge to offer something new and fashionably different within formalwear, putting the plain navy, black and grey suit to the back of their minds for the moment. It was refreshing to see peaked lapels, checked patterns, Tweed fabrics, double-breasted waistcoats, contrast stitching and slim silhouettes all among their new suit designs. The quality and elegance of their new collection is outstanding, especially for the price point – or maybe I’ve become too accustomed to London prices these days. Not only that, but alterations are entirely free and completed in each store by their own tailors and seamstresses.

I was set a challenge to pick out 2 outfits which best represent party season style in London. As a Yorkshire man now residing in London I have seen the difference first-hand. When you work in the city in the north of England, you go home after work and get ready for the event and book a taxi. In London there’s simply no time to commute home (not to mention the pain and cost) in rush hour and head back out again. Instead, we head to the party straight from work, and this means dressing for both work and the event at the same time. My aim was to style two looks which would not raise an eyebrow in the boardroom and would also fit in seamlessly at a festive party.

Fellini Tailored Suit - £145

My first-choice look has this exclusive to Slaters three-piece tailored fit suit within the Fellini range as the centrepiece. On first glance it catches the eye because of the subtle checked design which unusually has both blue and grey colourways featured. The understated check pattern is more than acceptable at the office and it is also perfect for laidback partywear this season too. I picked out reds for the pocket square and tie combo to add a slight touch of festive season styling, and I really like how the minor blue colour within the tie pattern matches perfectly with the blue of the textured single cuff shirt. This outfit is finished off with high shine blue brogue shoes to add a splash of glamour. And when it’s 11pm and you’ve seen your colleagues in a whole new light, remove the tie and jacket, unbutton your top button, roll up your sleeves, hit the dance floor and throw some shapes.

Harry Brown Tweed Suit - £125 

My second choice look blends the latest menswear trends with timeless tailoring from Harry Brown. The suits and outerwear in this range are designed and continuously developed for the contemporary gentleman. Harry Brown’s signature detailed, and quality tailoring turns everyday garments into flattering silhouettes with a refined aesthetic. Since the 70s trend is big at the moment I picked out this brown slim fit Tweed suit featuring a stunning double-breasted waistcoat with peaked lapels and white contrast button hole stitching details. I teamed this with a floral tie which perfectly adopts the autumn colours of browns and greens, and a simple white pocket square and white single cuff shirt as not to go over the top and spoil the overall look. The final touch includes timeless classic tan brogues which match effortlessly with the outfit. When you’re at your festive party and everyone is letting their hair down I would recommend putting the jacket in the cloakroom to stay cool and to roll up the shirt sleeves for a laidback textured look that will show off the great waistcoat.

Craig Landale of Menswear Style teams up with Slaters Menswear for its Partywear 2017 campaign and styles a Fellini Tailored Suit and Harry Brown Tweed Suit.