Suits and ties

18/01/2026 16 consecutive days of wearing a tie

15/01/2026 13 consecutive days of wearing a tie

I have done a few English country leaning looks recently, so I have plumped for something more at home in the city today with this brown suit. I picked it up on sale recently, and I can see it needs some alterations to the sleeve length. The trousers are cut a bit narrower than I like, but hey it was 80% off and I think it was worth it for those generous lapels alone.

12/01/2026 Day 10 of wearing a tie

This is the best I have ever felt in my clothes. It was recently the most wonderful time of the year - New Year's shopping sales - and I bought this pair of braces. I have never tried braces before, and reader I was missing out. They feel amazing, they are letting my trouser drape oh so nicely, and I think they have instantly made my back look better. A lot of readers will recognise the enjoyment of being aware of your clothes, the feeling of a snug collar or a structured jacket, and the braces are doing the same. No discomfort but I am aware of them and my posture, it's a fantastic feeling. I love that I'll be able to adjust them to manipulate my trouser break more as well. My trousers are normally a little big over the waistband (I'm between standard sizes and our stomachs expand during the day or when we have eaten so normally advisable to leave some give), which with a belt can create a bit of fabric bunching, but with these the trouser hangs beautifully instead. I will be buying more pairs and making them a wardrobe staple! Very poorly taken photo of my rear, I will learn how to take selfies half decently at some point.

05/01/2026

Pinstripes feel normal - I just need to convince other people of that too. Early start today, woke up at 4am but I had work to review before the week (and the year) starts in earnest so washed and dressed, then straight into it. 5.30 is my typical start time so 4 wasn't too bad. I normally exercise first thing but work has to take priority today. There's no point taking your appearance seriously if you don't take the rest of your life seriously too, so here's to cracking on and being an excellent employee.

Suited Saturday

Going to make good on some long held ambitions: wear a suit and tie as much as possible and see how much restraint I can exercise.

I have wanted to wear a tie regularly for a long time, and towards the end of 2025 I began to do it in regular life - at work, with friends, and family.

Work had the expected comments about whether I was going to a court appearance or job interview, but with a bit of persistence and good humour I think I have established that I like to wear a tie. My workplace is extremely informal, so I do stand out dressing properly but that just adds to the pleasure in some ways doesn't it.

My family have received my increasing formality well, lots of positive comments on how smart I look and they have gotten used to seeing me in a tie. Friends get used to it with exposure.