Jacket

Deflector

Just wondering if anyone has an idea as to the best place to buy smart-casual jackets in Dublin city centre? Obviously Zara's a decent contender, but Arnotts' menswear is very limited and still focussed too much on older generations, as is Clerys. Any ideas? (20-something male).

It'd be worn in a working environment, dealing with the public (as well as being a representative of the State, so I better get it right ). Any tips on what's a no no? A hit of metrosexual doesn't phase me - something quite sharp and tailored is good. Of course the age-old question of pairing trousers with a jacket also rears its ugly head - what colour/style best covers most ensembles?

Any opinions welcome. Apologies for the 20 questions.

girliegirl

My bf shops alot in Next... quite good for smart casual clothes. As is River Island. As I am female, sorry if I'm way off on this one!

stovelid

M and S?

Shrimp

I'd recommend Brown thomas and BT2's. Great selection, and style.

Deflector

Ah yes, didn't think of either of the latter two, thanks! M&S in particular is increasingly throwing up surprises in menswear given its history - getting ever more stylish and extensive in range.

Just what colour trousers are best with what? Is it the rather dull case of getting grey to go with black/grey/navy/blue jackets, and beige for the brown side of the spectrum?

Bateman

M&S are knocking out some good stuff alright, one of their heavy goretex jackets and a pair of their cords and you can't go wrong. Step back from the perception that a lot of the stuff in Clery's is for older types; IMO some of the Gas (also stocked in BT) stuff is decent enough, and even a few of the Barbour jackets are worth investing in.

Sangre

House of Fraser has some snappy stuff.

Deflector

Yep I might try there is all else fails - alas they're a bit far out of the city centre for me.

I mean a blazer jacket Bateman, but thanks

jdivision

Some of the designers at Debenhams stuff is good. You sound like you want to wear trousers with it though which wouldn't be a good look - not suitable for anybody under 40, it just looks ridiculous. A good pair of jeans would be better, even if you are meeting people. If you want to wear trousers you're better off wearing a good suit with a well pressed shirt without a tie

Deflector

Yep, agreed wholeheartedly jdivision. Jeans definitely look better for a younger crowd. Only I'm testing the water at the minute regarding the employer, so I suspect trousers may be in order for the first few days/weeks.

I got a lovely jacket in Zara yesterday, a dark beige, fine-grained affair, with chocolate buttons (not Cadbury ones ) and lining. It may sound a bit conservative, but it's very nicely tailored and fits like a glove, and works in a post-modern retro kinda way. Also it's not a tacky 'summer suit' beige, but darker. Looks great with dark brown shirts, or cream or off-white. And of course you've the option of both grey and brown pants.

I still have to get a few more, but they won't all be €140 a pop! :eek: