The Uniqlo Field Guide for the Metropolitan Man

In celebration of the modern gentleman, I was recently asked by high street fashion label Uniqlo to contribute my top lifestyle tips to their Field Guide for the Metropolitan Man. Offering advice on style and how to cook the perfect steak, my tips can be found alongside those of fellow gentlemen bloggers, including Anton Dvorakovsky of The Style Division, and Robert of Overdressed & Underprepared.

As part of their Metropolitan Men campaign, Uniqlo are also offering one style-conscious individual £200 worth of clothing. To enter the competition, share a style selfie on Twitter with the hashtag #metropolitanmen, and mentioning @UNIQLO_UK. The competition runs from today, Friday 29th May, until Sunday 5th June. For full terms and conditions, please visit uniqlo.com. Return to my blog soon to see my metropolitan look.

This blog post is in collaboration with Uniqlo.

Hawes & Curtis British Summer Collection

Thursday last week, I was invited to the launch of Hawes & Curtis' Old Broad Street store to view their new British Summer collection. In the heart of the city, this British shirt maker is well placed, surrounded by the suited and booted office workers of London's business district.

But one shouldn't immediately envision a monotomy of black and grey suits parading on grey pavements. The British Summer collection from Hawes & Curtis is anything but bland, living up to its name with a rainbow selection of formal shirts and silk ties. And for weekend-wear, the collection also includes more casual attire, incorporating Oxford shirts, polo shirts, even patterned swimshorts.

Tazz Gault, The Royal Exchange

I often wonder why Tazz isn't a style blogger too. Whenever we go out, whether for a fashion event, the theatre, or after-work drinks, she's a consistently better dresser. This photo was taken on the front steps of the Royal Exchange, shortly after attending the Hawes & Curtis store launch on Old Broad Street. Tazz is wearing Dune shoes, a Topshop skirt and leather jacket, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag.

Paris' youngest style critic

This is my all-time favourite street style photo. Anya Ziourova, Stylist and Fashion Director at Tatler Russia, is dressed in billowing Chloé for the label's Paris catwalk, however our young spectator doesn't look all too impressed!

Topman | Win Your Style

Topman LTD suede Harrington jacket c/o Topman | ASOS roll-neck jumper & jeans | Jeffery West Cuban heel boots

If you're a serial online shopper like me, you'll understand how easily you can be lost for choice. There being so much available in every style and colour, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, or even to overlook that one item that would make you leap with joy. For those tired of trawling page after page of garments galore, or for those simply of an indecisive mentality, Topman have found the solution, because Topman know what you want. Apparently.

To discover your style, head on over to Topman.com and take part in their short - albeit unconventional - style quiz, after which Topman will offer you a personalised wardrobe to shop from. If you like what you see, there's even a chance to win your style. I was suggested outfits for the "aspiring fashionista", including premium pieces from the Topman LTD range. I fell head over heels in love with the suede Harrington jacket, synonymous with 70s chic, and perfect with a roll-neck jumper. Black skinny jeans and biker boots give the look a sharper edge.

This blog post is in collaboration with Topman.

Burton Menswear | How to dress like a gentleman

Two-piece skinny-fit suit c/o Burton Menswear | ASOS shirt | Topman tan belt | Madcap England Cuban heel boots

Would it be immodest to describe myself as a snappy dresser? At the very least, it would be truthful to say my personal style leans towards the smarter end of the spectrum. Whether it's my regular smart-casual combo of a formal shirt and skinny-fit jeans, or going all out and donning a sharp two-piece, I strive to look the part, i.e. a gentleman. Of course, there's far more to being a gentleman than dressing up. A true gentleman is virtuous and respectable, and I would hope my appearance is a reflection of that mindset.

Not too long ago, I was approached by Burton to describe those attributes that make the perfect, modern-day gentleman. From dating and etiquette to grooming and style, there's much to be said about a man at their best. You can read my thoughts and those of fellow bloggers in Burton's own blog feature. But since this is a style blog, and not "JK's Genteel Guide to Gentlemanly Goodwill", here are my basic steps to dressing the part, with a little help from Burton Menswear, naturally.

In my opinion, the baseline must always be smart-casual, there's no compromising on that. The simplest look might be the staple white shirt with jeans, plus a pair of smart shoes, perhaps pointed lace-ups in tan leather, or brogues with a contrasting sole. A matching leather belt wouldn't go amiss either. If you want colour, layer up a bright, crew-neck jumper. Alternatively, take the look up a notch on the sartorial scale with a slim-fit waistcoat. Keep it summery by then rolling up your sleeves and fetching yourself a glass of Pimms and lemonade.

Then there's the suit, the go-to gentlemanly attire for all occasions. When buying your first suit, choose any colour but black. That's not to say a black two-piece doesn't look good in its own respect, however I would argue other colours (and patterns) are miles more stylish. My favourite suit colour is blue, although I also have much love for grey, so long as I don't look like I belong to wedding party. Again, a white shirt and matching belt and shoes give the outfit a simple elegance. A tie isn't even necessary, I figure (says the man with a dozen bow ties), but if that's ever my cup of tea, I'm all for something snazzy. Without a tie, I still prefer to button my shirt to the top for a sharper and cleaner look. Or for comfort, colour, and a throwback to the 1970s, I often swap the shirt for a roll-neck jumper.

This blog post is in collaboration with Burton Menswear. Thanks to Paige for photographing my outfit.

Flower child, Columbia Road

Elena Perminova, Opéra

Elena Perminova, Russian model and mother of three, wearing an Emilio Pucci coat over a Versace top.

Model off-duty: Malu Bortolini

Made up with silver eyeshadow, Malu Bortolini fresh after walking the Kenzo AW15 show at Paris Fashion Week.

Marie Myrhøj Jensen, Grand Palais

Marie may be the perfect style blogger. Not only does she shoot street style at fashion week, she has a covetable style of her own, more of which you can see at: nemesisbabe.dk. Marie is wearing a Baum Und Pferdgarten jacket, Monki trousers, Marni shoes, and a second-hand bag.