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   ![MATCHESFASHION's Head Of Menswear Shares His Style Rules](https://media.slman.com/R_DMJ82U93UuS3DTCoEvEZ09BVE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F06%2F2matches-damien-thumb.jpg?itok=mCZTstTb)

  

 

 



 

  Photography: BURBERRY; JACQUES MARIE MAGE; WALES BONNER; @charvet_official 

 

 

 

 [Style](/style) 

 



 /  31 May 2023  

#  MATCHESFASHION's Head Of Menswear Shares His Style Rules  


 As head of menswear at MATCHESFASHION, Damien Paul knows a thing or two about great style. From the best jackets for summer to the importance of a high-low attitude, this is what he’s learnt…  
 

 



 

  Photography: BURBERRY; JACQUES MARIE MAGE; WALES BONNER; @charvet_official 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

 ![](https://media.slman.com/bmMBt3vd6GITkxB3G1iwx_NT2Zk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2F2-damien-headshot.png?itok=DSHNe4TS)

 

 

 

 

 

**Invest in longevity.** Timeless pieces have never felt more important or relevant. Some of my wardrobe has been part of my life for years, yet these pieces feel as good now as when I bought them. Clothes can hold memories, so prioritise investing in clothes that make you feel great rather than being too concerned about a specific trend. Be sure about what you are looking for and be excited about investing in long-life wardrobe additions. Items you will love forever will give you more satisfaction.

**Understand what suits you and makes you feel great.** Identify the shapes and silhouettes that flatter you and make you feel confident – use them as your template. Edit your wardrobe once a year. I like to do this to figure out what is important and what I love, then say goodbye to the items I no longer need.

**Focus on fabrication. As a buyer, this is one of the first things I look at. Spring/summer is the perfect time to experiment with linen, corduroy and lightweight cottons. These fabrics add a softer appeal that can be dressed up or down for intimate dinners, summer events or casual occasions.

**Master your fit.** Opt for comfort and breathability – especially right now – while still maintaining some form of structure. [Classic Homme Plissé blazers](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fproducts%2F1514027%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_content%3D1514027000002%26utm_term%3D2050158081976%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwjryjBhD0ARIsAMLvnF-dR-H31Kc_DXg7Hcu-FDO0-Xjfm1VIckBvk5RS5LzZ7c6bgQnzg5caAlRtEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds) are big right now in black and navy, and their lightweight fabrication makes them an easy transitional style. They offer both smart and casual styling opportunities depending on what you wear underneath (t-shirt or shirt) and can easily be paired with the matching bottoms.

 

 

 

 Clothes can hold memories, so prioritise investing in clothes that make you feel great rather than being too concerned about a specific trend.”  
 

 



 

 



 

 

**Think about a summer jacket.** If you’re looking for something for day to day or for the office, there are options. The classic car coat or box blouson jacket are personal favourites. Easy to layer for unpredictable weather, they also offer a sophisticated structured and formal silhouette. There’s a bit of a heritage resurgence going on, and [Burberry](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fwomens%2Fdesigners%2Fburberry%3FsearchRedirect%3Dtrue) is one of the masters of this. Its [Camden ](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fproducts%2FBurberry-Camden-cotton-gabardine-trench-coat-1541226)and [Paddington](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fproducts%2FBurberry-Paddington-cotton-gabardine-mac-coat-1483506) car coats – even its Westminster trench in classic beige or a darker tone – make fine cornerstones in a man’s wardrobe. Cotton gabardine as a fabric is lightweight and breathable, so perfect when UK weather isn’t that cold but is rainy. It also styles well as a weekend coat or over a suit, making it office appropriate too.

**To style tailoring, less is more.** Whether you go neat and sharp or slouchy and fluid, you don’t want to look too considered. Don’t overcomplicate things, and don’t over-accessorise. Let the cut of the tailoring do the talking – look for silhouettes that flatter the body. Brands such as [Husbands](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fmens%2Fdesigners%2Fhusbands) and [Ben Cobb x Tiger of Sweden](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fmens%2Fdesigners%2Ftiger-of-sweden) are great examples of this.

**Experiment with a tuxedo.** It’s the one thing in my wardrobe I always come back to. While it may not initially sound like a ‘for all occasions’ staple, I love to wear mine for an evening out with a less formal shirt in silk – it feels extra special. I also style a tuxedo jacket for daytime with jeans and a relaxed shirt. You can wear the trousers separately with a boot and loose tucked shirt for a weekend dancefloor look. It’s important to make your clothes work harder for you. By buying the most iconic styles, you’ll always have a timeless quality.

 

 

 

 

 ![](https://media.slman.com/9z1I8M6uQLqlVblKCSTHQHPGaWQ=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fsl-man-310523-damienpaul-contentbodyfullbeed.png?itok=kbpZtFJt)

 

 

JACQUES MARIE MAGE; BURBERRY; WALES BONNER; @charvet_official

 

 

 

 

 

 

**For shirts, size up.** I generally buy shirts that are two sizes bigger than I should wear because I prefer the fit. I like to roll the sleeves and tuck in but without it looking too fitted. I prefer an open-neck shirt, whether that be crisp poplin, relaxed linen or something more special in silk for an evening out. I couldn’t talk about shirts without focusing on [Charvet](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fmens%2Fdesigners%2Fcharvet%3FsearchRedirect%3Dtrue). It makes the best shirts for a timeless appeal.

**Follow stylish people, not trends.** By this I mean look outside of fashion. Gain inspiration from music stars and artists and other talented people for a more eclectic take.

**Trainers are a solid staple.** I am so excited by the new Adidas X Wales Bonner drop. Grace Wales Bonner is one of the leading voices in menswear fashion at the moment. She references her heritage in a really authentic and tangible way in her collections. I'd wear mine with tailored trousers or a suit for a cool and contemporary take – you can really dress these up or down. My key aim when shopping for trainers is to look for something that’s sophisticated and won’t date.

**Dress with a high/low attitude.** Elevating your wardrobe is all about ​​the finishing touches. This is so relevant with fine jewellery, which can transform a more casual look. More and more men are focusing on bracelets to accompany a killer timepiece. With jewellery you can either wear one or two signature pieces or change it often, matching different pieces with different outfits or layering several pieces together at once.

**Add a pair of sunglasses to finish your look.** A transparent frame can offer a more casual approach to a sophisticated office look, while also sharpening up a weekend outfit for cooler walks in the park. Our customers are still favouring D-shaped lenses as the traditional shape balances out the more fashionable frame, which lends a softer silhouette to the face. Look to [Jacques Marie Mage](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matchesfashion.com%2Fmens%2Fdesigners%2Fjacques-marie-mage%3Fis%3DJacques%2520Marie%2520Mage) for sophisticated and intricate design mixed with fun playful finishes and lenses. Personally, I’m also loving larger silhouettes, cat-eye frames – large structures that make easy statement pieces to emphasise any look.

Follow [@MrDamienPaul](https://www.instagram.com/mrdamienpaul/?hl=en)

 

 

 

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## SHOP DAMIEN'S EDIT 

 

 ![Elasticated-Waist Pleated Cotton Trousers from Lemaire](https://media.slman.com/gt3mfNW1-y03-TAl5goeLCPX-7I=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Flemaire-elasticated-waist-pleated-cotton-trousers-ps585.jpg?itok=flL0FSOk)

 

[#### Elasticated-Waist Pleated Cotton Trousers](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/1516299%3F)

 

##### Lemaire



 

£585

 

 

 

 ![Kensington Gabardine Trench Coat from Burberry](https://media.slman.com/AZIG0AQ7FEVTdRRcKAdfgMU6kRE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fburberry-kensington-gabardine-trench-coat-ps1790.jpg?itok=TWOxdcXz)

 

[#### Kensington Gabardine Trench Coat](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/Burberry-Kensington-gabardine-trench-coat-1532902)

 

##### Burberry



 

£1,790

 

 

 

 ![Yves D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage](https://media.slman.com/4aOi4WpRtscLBfeaDNvmqQ765TE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fjacques-marie-mage-yves-d-frame-acetate-sunglasses-ps730.jpg?itok=vfviCTCG)

 

[#### Yves D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/1499911%3F%3F)

 

##### Jacques Marie Mage



 

£730

 

 

 

 ![Double-Breasted Pinstriped Wool Suit Jacket from Husbands Paris](https://media.slman.com/iG1p_zhPhpll4IODB07553DSa6k=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fpart-suit-husbands-paris-double-breasted-pinstriped-wool-suit-jacket-ps1065.jpg?itok=JHOqcMd4)

 

[#### Double-Breasted Pinstriped Wool Suit Jacket](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/1521131%3Fqxjkl%3Dtsid%253A30065%257Ccgn%253AgcdL%252)

 

##### Husbands Paris



 

£745 *(was £1,065)*

 

 

 

 ![Samba Trainers from Adidas](https://media.slman.com/uBWmIZf2EK8_Jh6XRH70pDguLt8=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fadidas-samba-wales-bonner-cream-green-1.jpg?itok=gqY2b0j3)

 

[#### Samba Trainers](https://stockx.com/en-gb/adidas-samba-wales-bonner-white-green)

 

##### Adidas



 

£418

 

 

 

 ![Rope Chain Necklace from All Blues](https://media.slman.com/Z5OQU5h-n_ykDVE2nCDhTg3JfAo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fmatches-all-blues-rope-chain-sterling-silver-necklacs.png?itok=PTph5Emr)

 

[#### Rope Chain Necklace](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/All-Blues-Rope-chain-sterling-silver-necklace-1256791)

 

##### All Blues



 

£320

 

 

 

 ![Meucci Blazer from Ben Cobb x Tiger Of Sweden](https://media.slman.com/Pxq32DopFJzEtBE_M71dewwDkmA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fben-cobb-x-tiger-sweeden-meucci-blazer.png?itok=0qMKdoxL)

 

[#### Meucci Blazer](https://www.tigerofsweden.com/gb/ben-cobb-for-tiger-of-sweden/meucci-blazer-T72126002S.html?dwvar_T72126002S_color=1F8&cgid=Ws7689378112-1#!start=1)

 

##### Ben Cobb x Tiger Of Sweden



 

£849

 

 

 

 ![Single-Breasted Silk-Canvas Jacket from Saman Amel](https://media.slman.com/9u3GMH3UP1LXz7m76fwhmVa7oqk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F05%2Fexclusive-saman-amel-single-breasted-silk-canvas-jacket-ps2700.jpg?itok=3E5xwaid)

 

[#### Single-Breasted Silk-Canvas Jacket](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35725&murl=https%3A//www.matchesfashion.com/products/Saman-Amel-Single-breasted-silk-canvas-jacket%2509-1536024)

 

##### Saman Amel



 

£2,700

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

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