Cityscape turns to the experts at Cutler & Co to find out what the cutting-edge trends in menswear are this season.

Cutler & Co’s Colombo Street store is an emporium of excellence dedicated to those men who dare to be a bit different when it comes to their wardrobe. There’s a huge range of styles and fabrics to choose from in sports jackets, shirts, trousers, denim and all the trimmings but what really sets this independent boutique apart is the expert advice of store manager Liam Strachan. Liam works closely with director John Wright, whose keen eye has been trained through his many buying trips to the fashion capitals of Europe, particularly London, Florence and Milan. As well as their own brand, Cutler & Co stock complementary brands such as LTB Jeans from Turkey, and Dstrezzed and No Excess, both from the Netherlands. Cityscape checked in with these masters of style about the trends in menswear this season, the secret to a good Cup Week outfit, and how to rock the no-socks look.

What are the season’s must-haves? ‘Hero’ or statement jackets – these are the strongest pieces in men’s fashion right now, sports jackets in the shorter, Euro fit and in a bold pattern. Also printed linen shirts and slim textured and twill chinos. The micro print linen shirts are very exciting and perfect with rolled-up white pants and loafers. Or you can tone it down with a stone-coloured chino. Only one hero per outfit though.

Any must-have accessories? An embossed, weathered belt and a pocket handkerchief. Also lapel pins and cufflinks. It’s about the points of detail; it’s easy to let the look down by skipping the detail.

What are the main trends in menswear? There’s a move away from the suit to more casual tailoring – a striking sports jacket worn with a waistcoat and classic textured chinos or denim, dressed up with statement shirts and on occasion a knit piece. The lux fashion look is to pair white sneakers with this combination – no socks and pants rolled up. Smart casual is sometimes harder to co-ordinate than wearing a suit. We are seeing more people giving thought to the pieces they are buying so they can enjoy wearing the garments with other items that may already be in their wardrobe. Shoes can make or break a look.

Have we buried the tie? There’s still a place for the tie, especially with a crisp white shirt and blazer, but it’s more relaxed now. You can see this in the greater flexibility in the corporate world, where it’s become about dressing for the occasion or the audience.

What do you see as the key to a good Cup Week outfit? Again, it’s all in the details, the small touches – it’s all about getting the presentation right. We expect to see less traditional suiting and more co-ordinated statement blazers and trousers in the men’s fashion competitions.

It must be a real buzz when customers pick up on the advice you give them? Yes, it’s great to see people responding to that and leaving looking their best. A lot come in wanting advice, and it’s great to see that they are prepared to ask. They feel they can trust us to give them the right advice – it’s more than just making a sale. Some come in with a fixed idea of what they want, which can be more of a challenge, but it’s good when they respond to some different options.

What’s the secret to rocking the no-socks look? Confidence! Choose the right shoe for what you're wearing. A trainer or loafer are the easiest to pull off, or try a brogue or monk strap for a more dressy look.

It’s party season too – what’s your advice for a look that can go from the office to an after-work function? A sports jacket or blazer with a knit T-shirt under it, either merino or linen. Or a collarless shirt. If you need a collared shirt at work, a good option is to take a crisp T-shirt with you and change before the party. The same with shoes – take some trainers and swap.

Tell us about your range of fabrics – where do they come from, and what guides your selections? We’re inspired by the beautiful print fabrics from Italy – they combine wonderful tones and creative designs, often in Egyptian cottons and linens. The knit fabrics used in the sports jackets make for a really comfortable garment. Many of the mills are using sustainable yarns, organic or recycled cottons, hemp and linen, with zero discharge of chemicals. We choose key items from mills that are aware of their responsibilities.

If you could give the men of Christchurch one style or fashion tip, what would it be? Embrace the great fashion that is on offer, be confident, be proud of your style and enjoy colour.

Cutler & Co.
678 Colombo Street, Christchurch.
377 3127

cutlerandco.co.nz