It happens once every 365 days (unless there's a leap year), so let's do it right. Christmas is still held in high regard despite tough economic times. Occasions are likely to be done cheaper than before but traditions remain the same when the turkey is carved with the family sitting at the table. And many will want to make some effort for the event as years later, you may will cringe in disbelief at wearing that frumpy-looking jumper. Here are a few high-street men's wear products that will impress your loved ones on Christmas Day. You may even want to throw one or two garments in as a gift.
Shawl Cardigan
For that go-between of looking smart without looking as if you have put too much thought into sartorial elegance, go for a droopy shawl cardigan. It is a winter's favourite; a man with a bigger frame could wear a double-breasted version, but the slimmer guy often tends to win wearing this looser number. It brings a male twist on a product you can easily see on a women's wear rack.
The convention slim and standard cardigan has lost some of its appeal, so chunky cardigans are in stores in waves. A good marker for such a product is Topman's knitwear, which I have recently come to like through some of its quirky styling. But just days to go before the festivities, check out the ASOS website. I am a particular fan of HE Mango, with its collection bearing similarities of a woolly jacket. Very smart and warm.
Chequered Trousers (Pants)
Sometimes I get very bored of wearing jeans. It's quite uncomfortable when you sit down. Everyone has at least a pair (whether it is bootleg, straight, skinny fitted) in his wardrobe, and at times they can look quite scruffy on a formal occasion. And you wouldn't want to be wearing jeans when you have just played your part in eating a giant turkey. For a change, consider the plaid (or chequered) trouser. Original Penguin is the one if you want to buy a pair of these "bad boys." If you watched Cook from teen programme Skins, he can really pull off a product that looks very middle-aged into something flamboyant and youthful whilst keeping to a formal tone in appearance.
It is really an item to wear if you exude confidence in your styling. If that is not your flavour, stick to plain trousers. Woodland colours are the name of the game. While Burberry really sticks to my mind, it is probably not the most financially viable. Go for a woolly Uniqlo piece – a myriad of the old, classic with the young and contemporary.
Keep an open eye on Fred Perry, Topman, or the slightly more rugged Full Circle ranges.
Crew Neck Jumpers
I have turned into more crew neck than v-neck in recent months. V-neck jumpers are very predictable, lack punch and character, and everyone wears one. So go crew neck instead. Merino cashmere wool is the material you should pick. It is soft, great on the eye, and becoming very cheap and accessible. Look no further than Uniqlo. Colours, style, quality, price – it has got it all.
Formal Shirts
I am an advocate of plaid shirts and usually I would opt to wear that instead. But formal shirts can bring a tremendous adaptability, and it isn't necessarily one built for the office or a company party. Jaeger is a great British brand that exudes class and swagger, but if you want a more understated look, then I do recommend a slim-fitted ASOS shirt. It is cheap, and has good styling and fitting. Whilst comfort might be an issue because of its unusual polythene material, it is still a product worth considering wearing for Christmas Day. Reiss is also a personal favourite of mine for shirts.
David Tran - A young and an enthusiastic writer, David Tran reports on the latest goings-on in sport. With a degree in journalism and solid reporting ...
Join the Conversation