Roll Necks

I spent New Years Day with a Hollywood scriptwriter pal. Wet met in the French House as per our three year old tradition. A large cap and double breasted herringbone overcoat made me look a bit French apparently, prompting him to ask if this was ‘theme drinking’ we were embarking on. He looked knock out in a clipped little suit ensemble I devised for him before Christmas. Somewhere between Alfie and The Italian Job, with a dash of Nicholas Lindhurst thrown in. However on returning to this country he bemoaned the style was favoured by numerous media pillocks all over the television during Christmas. Dermot O’Leary, Chris Moyles, Michael Buble, even Ant&Dec (not technical pillocks, but not style icons either), all proudly sporting the stance. The Sixties suit with white shirt and narrow tie is hardly a secret. This two bob lot usually go for a black suit, (too Dior, too waiter, too standard), and always a black tie (too security guard). The way round the mug factor is to tweak the colour balance: a tie in dark subtle hue with a texture perhaps and a non black suit. Add a non TV personality and circumstance into the equation, you’ll look nothing like The Buble. If worries still simmer, I suggest another version. Team said narrow suit with fine gauge roll neck knit. Black and navy work with grey suits, and charcoal, maroon or camel roll necks with blue or black tailoring. A sporty and smart leisure look that no current celebrity joker is wearing. It’s a sort of ‘beatnik hitman visits his Nan in prison’ look. Admittedly you’re now running a ‘Jerry from the Goodlife’ gauntlet on another level depending on your god given, but your conduct should allay that issue. Maroon is evocative of the Seventies and works well on a casual level with fawn and tweedy, naturals colours, for retro psychoanalyst chic. Buble or Moyles will never follow you there.

John Smedley roll necks in merino woll £142, Tel: 02074952222

- Tom Stubbs is FQR’s online style editor

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