An Oxford shirt, well-fitted suit, pair of chinos: James Doidge lists 5 essentials in a man's closet

James Doidge, head of design, menswear, Marks & Spencer, shares his style tips.

Basic to bold
“You can’t go wrong with a classic white T-shirt and denim jeans, but spring summer is a great time of the year to go bold. Try a printed shirt with classic chinos or wearing trainers with a suit.”

Top five

“An Oxford shirt is a good all year-round staple — roll the sleeves up in the summer, layer over a T-shirt in the winter, a well-fitted suit for summer occasions, a great pair of chinos for weekends and holidays and a comfortable pair of jeans and classic white trainers are part of my list of essentials every man should own.”

No regrets
“Everyone makes style choices they’re likely to regret later in life, but my advice would be: Don’t be afraid to try new styles. Mix up casual and formal by wearing a T-shirt with a suit or a smart Oxford shirt with chino shorts. Don’t be afraid to try a new look.”


Kick off
“The must-have shoe for spring/ summer is a classic white trainer. They can be dressed up or down, making them versatile and practical.” Nail your basics “It’s important to invest in a selection of basics in every wardrobe, such as a good quality suit, white T-shirt, good quality jeans, a versatile coat, trainers and a pair of Chelsea boots. These items build the foundation of a good wardrobe, which can be embellished with seasonal items such as bright polos and prints in the summer, to luxury velvet blazers and cosy jumpers in winter.”

Trend talk
“This season, the lines are blurred between casual and formal, with key trends including colour, relaxed tailoring and stripes. Tailoring is renewed in pastel hues of dusty pink and pale blue, with matching Oxford shirts. Swimwear is updated in bold shades of red, orange and green. Stripes are seen across shirts, T-shirts and shorts. The tailoring becomes softer with unstructured blazers and linen bomber jackets.”

Mix & match
“My biggest style tip is to mix up formal and casual — pair a knitted polo with a suit or wear an unstructured blazer with a pair of chino shorts.”

You make a style statement when…
“You’re confident in your outfit. Being comfortable in what you’re wearing is key. So make sure you try trends, but make them your own.”

Travel tips
“Versatility is key. When packing, you want items that can be mixed and matched. Start with basics such as a white T-shirt, oxford shirt, chino shorts and jeans, then add in seasonal items suited to the climate you’re travelling to. Add accessories like sunglasses and hats for extra interest. My main tip is to not over pack. You never need as much as you think.”