British style for men is about well-fitted tailored pieces, quality fabrics, and attention to detail.
To achieve this look, you need key wardrobe items like a navy suit, tweed jacket, quality Oxford shirts, and proper leather shoes.
This guide covers essential British style elements from city to country clothing, helping you build a sophisticated wardrobe that projects status and refinement.
Wear Tailored Suits to Create a Polished City Look
A well-fitted suit is the foundation of British style. Choose navy or charcoal grey suits for business and formal events in the city.
Follow the “no brown in town” rule by keeping city suits in navy and grey tones. Make sure your suit jacket shoulder pads end where your shoulders do.
The jacket button should close without strain when fastened. Your jacket sleeve should show half an inch of shirt cuff when arms are at your side. Trouser hems should slightly break at the top of your shoes.
Add a Waistcoat to Create a Classic Three-Piece Suit
Three-piece suits with matching waistcoats offer extra formality and warmth. Wear three-piece suits for important meetings, races, and weddings.
Make sure your waistcoat covers your waistband with no shirt showing between. Choose a double-breasted suit for more formal occasions like awards events.
Wear Tweed Jackets and Earth Tones for Country Style
Switch to tweed jackets and earth tones when leaving the city. Choose brown, green, and tan colours that reflect the natural countryside.
Look for classic patterns like windowpane, houndstooth, or Prince of Wales check. Pair tweed jackets with moleskin or corduroy trousers in complementary colours.
Add a patterned waistcoat for traditional country layering.
Choose Spread Collar Shirts for a Classic British Look
The English spread collar is a hallmark of British style. Wear firmer, structured collars rather than soft, unstructured ones.
Try contrast collars (white collar on coloured shirt) for a traditional look. Include tab collars with collar pins for vintage British style.
Button-down collars are acceptable but always keep them buttoned. Light blue and pink shirts are perfectly acceptable for business in Britain.
Wear Brogues in Town and Wellingtons in Country
Choose black Oxford shoes or brogues for city wear. Brown leather shoes are reserved for country or casual settings.
Invest in quality British-made footwear from makers like Crockett & Jones or Church’s. Keep Wellington boots for country walks and wet weather.
Chelsea boots work well as a versatile option between formal and casual.
Use Suspenders Instead of Belts for Traditional Style
Braces (suspenders) are more traditional and formal than belts in British style. Choose braces in solid colours or subtle patterns.
Make sure your trousers have the proper buttons for braces. Braces should be adjusted to allow trousers to sit at your natural waist, not hips.
Layer Properly for British Weather
British style is practical for the often wet UK climate. Carry a full-length umbrella in the city.
Wear a waxed Barbour jacket for protection from rain. Layer with wool or cashmere jumpers in cooler months.
Add a flat cap or fedora to protect from rain and complete your look.
Use Bold Colours and Patterns in Accessories
British style embraces colour and pattern more than you might expect. Wear pink or lilac shirts to the office.
Add colour with pocket squares, ties, and socks. Try traditional patterns like paisley, stripes, or small repeated motifs on ties.
Use patterned scarves in winter for both warmth and style.
Buy from Heritage British Brands
Support traditional British craftsmanship by shopping from heritage brands. Look for quality tailoring from Savile Row establishments.
Buy shirts from Jermyn Street makers. Choose outerwear from brands like Barbour or Burberry. Invest in quality knitwear from brands like N.Peal.
Follow Style Rules for a Proper British Look
Keep the proper buttoning rule: on a two-button jacket, fasten only the top button. On a three-button jacket, fasten the middle button and optionally the top one.
Make sure your tie reaches your waistband, not shorter or significantly longer. Always show about half an inch of shirt cuff beyond your jacket sleeve.
Match your leathers – your belt should match your shoes. Keep country clothes in the country and city clothes in the city.
Conclusion
Classic British style is about quality, tradition, and attention to detail. With the right key pieces and understanding of style rules, you can achieve a sophisticated look that projects status and refinement.
For personalised guidance on developing your British-inspired style, consider The VOU’s professional styling services.
Our experts will help you identify your seasonal colour palette, body shape, face shape, and ideal fashion styles to create a sophisticated wardrobe that’s perfectly suited to you.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Aidan is the driving force behind The VOU as its Editorial Manager. With a unique blend of editorial acumen and project management prowess, Aidan's insightful articles have graced the pages of The Verge, WWD, Forbes, and WTVOX, reflecting his deep interest in the dynamic intersection of styling with grooming for men and beyond.