Smart, Versatile British Tailoring For You and the Man in Your Life

Here you have it, folks – the first ever joint photo shoot from Not Dressed As Lamb and Silver Londoner!

It’s been a long time coming as many people have requested an outfit post featuring Keith and myself since he started his blog way back when… This week the timing for a joint shoot was absolutely perfect: I’ve partnered with a young brand to show you some smart, versatile tailoring that’s made for you AND the man in your life!

Today we’re both wearing blazers and shirts by Arthur Shirtley, an exciting young British brand that specialises in the most exquisite tailored workwear. Now as some of you may know, as a pro blogger I don’t work in an office anymore, so it does beg the question, Why would we be showing you smart workwear pieces?

The reason is simple: By styling these pieces in a very casual way, we’ve shown you how smart tailored blazers and office-appropriate shirts are perfect not just as workwear, but also as versatile, classic pieces for the weekend. What we wanted to do was show how quality workwear is a great investment because it CAN be worn out of the office with just a little clever styling. (Click here to see Keith’s outfit and post in more detail – it’s worth it, I promise!)

I’m wearing the Greenwich Picnic Shirt and the Hampstead Blazer, and Keith is wearing the Somerset House Fountains Shirt and the Fitzrovia Blazer. The quality of these garments is absolutely second to none, but what makes them really special is that the blazers are made of 100% silk and the shirts are 100% cotton. Therefore the blazers are lightweight enough to be worn during the summer – who doesn’t want a lightweight, breathable blazer in the office in hot weather?

L-R: Greenwich Picnic Shirt | Hampstead Blazer | Somerset House Fountains Shirt | Fitzrovia Blazer

The finer details of great craftsmanship are also there: the Arthur Shirtley brand name on all the buttons, the beautiful lining fabric, even the stunning boxes and packaging they arrived in. I’m glad I chose this shirt because of the different check fabric used on the cuffs and collar – it gives the shirt the look of being worn under another top and of course appeals to my pattern mix-loving side (taken to yet another level with the check of the blazer).

The little styling touches are what make the outfit: Sleeves rolled up and the shirt cuffs turned back. The top button of the shirt done up. The addition of a hat, and sportswear shoes. All Keith needed to do was add dark wash jeans (the smartest kind), funky brogue boots and a chic pocket square…. I think men should always add a pocket square to a blazer or suit jacket. Always, always.

I’ve actually surprised myself at just how much I love this outfit – I will be honest and say I was apprehensive about still looking somewhat “officey” before I’d styled the shirt and blazer… my fears were unfounded I’m pleased to say. But the addition of a felt fedora, matching wide leg trousers and very unofficey silver slip-on sneakers means it looks nothing like a typical 9 to 5 outfit. It was more “Town and Country”, or even a little 21st century Sloane Ranger-esque.

And that’s no bad thing.

Reasons for investing in quality workwear

Arthur Shirtley’s promise to use factories in the European Union (that they have personally inspected) with fair wages and safe working conditions – as well as a promise to achieve transparent and responsible sourcing – is admirable. They also sell matching skirts and shift dresses, so you could have the ultimate in quality work suits that double up as smart casual wear when worn individually (I just hope they start doing trousers soon – trousers in these fabrics made to the same standard would be amazing).

Yes, the clothes are pricey, but when the quality is this good, the designs are this classic and the pieces are this versatile for work AND play you’re making a very sound investment indeed.

ARE YOU TEMPTED TO REWORK YOUR OFFICE WEAR AS WEEKEND WEAR? COMMENT BELOW!

Keith: Shirt and blazer: Arthur Shirtley c/o | Jeans: Debenhams | Boots: ASOS | Pocket square: The Hanky Chief

Disclosure: I partnered with Arthur Shirtley on this post (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.

Catherine