Create The Look: English Heritage Style

Image via MJ Bale

To achieve the ultimate ‘English Gentleman’ look on your wedding day, the best thing to do is head into English Heritage territory where you’re sure to find something handsomely dapper! I’ve listed the perfect way to go about creating this suave look, as well as how to incorporate it into your groomsmen’s attire.

1. The Suit Jacket

Once you’ve settled on the right jacket, the rest of your suit will come together nicely. For this part you will want to stick to tweed fabrics in light beiges, dark greys, or dark browns. Absolute Bespoke do wonders with suits and have a range of tweed options. Browse through their collection for some ideas.

Image via Absolute Bespoke

2. The Trouser

For the most effective look, the trouser should be a match for your jacket. If you went for the one colour option for your suit jacket, consider pairing it with tweed trousers in a dark colour (or vice versa for white). I’d recommend sticking with the matching suit jacket and trouser combination for the ultimate English Heritage look! Most menswear brands have complete set options for all their suits; a favourite for the English Heritage look would have to be houndstooth from Calibre. Tweed Addict is worth a look too for some dapper styles!

Image via Calibre

3. The Tie and the Dress Shirt

This part is completely up for creative thinking! Avoid contrasting colours and too many patterns or you will pull away from the theme entirely. If you’re going with a single coloured shirt, try light coloured tones and experiment with a bright tie. Or, alternatively, a light blue dress shirt and a dark brown or navy blue tie do wonders for the look! If not, pair your suit with a lightly patterned dress shirt and a pale-pastel tie. Check out Oscar Hunt for some of the best tie and shirt combinations around.

Image via Oscar Hunt

4. The Shoes

Oxfords. Oxford Brogues. Derby. Need we say more? Except that, of course, finding the perfect colour is a must! Blacks and browns are an acceptable match for an English Heritage suit, and whether you decide to go for brogues is entirely up to you. For a real Oxford dress shoe check out Forzieri or Aquila for some very stylish options!

Image via Aquila

5. Accessories

Play around with a whole lot of different accessories to complement your suit. Going into it, be prepared to experiment – and be aware of the colour palette!

1. Waistcoats: A waistcoat is an absolutely perfect accessory for the suit. For the best look, match it with your suit jacket and trouser or try a waistcoat in the one shade, like black, dark grey, beige, or white.

2. Suspenders: This is a fun addition to the outfit, and can be made to fit both practically and visually. Feel free to trade up the waistcoat for the suspenders during the reception.

Image via Oscar Hunt

3. Cuff Links: A simple, yet very elegant, addition to any suit! If you can, track down something with a vintage feel.

4. Pocket Squares: Need a dash of colour? Either mix it up with bright, bold patterns, or trade up for darker, off-beat colours, like dark greens and maroons.

Image via Calibre

5. Belts: This is pretty easy – just match to your shoes! If you’re wearing a black pair of Oxfords, opt for a black belt. And vice versa for brown.

Groomsmen:

The top tip for dressing your groomsmen: avoid dressing them exactly like you! Otherwise you may risk having an over the top ‘hunting party’ standing at the altar. To complement your style, and to style your groomsmen with one common accessory that matches yours – the pocket square is the perfect place to start!