One Outfit For Life is a clothing related project asking the question; ‘If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?’
The idea explores why we gravitate to certain looks; outfits that work for the various aspects of our life—work, home, hobbies, going out with friends—, whilst also reflecting our unique personalities. In this series, we ask people of different styles, professions and ages to think about what they wear and why one outfit is the best fit for their life and why each interviewee came up with their particular outfit ahead of all other available choices.
Here we speak with the sharply dressed founder of Houndstooth Tailors Andrew Cossar about the power of a suit and the way it can take you from the boardroom to the winery in the same day. The version Andy is wearing in these photos is a heavily textured Loro Piana super 150 wool/silk seersucker fabric with a crunchy silk knit tie and Breitling x Deus ex Machina watch. You can follow Houndstooth Tailors on Instagram.
You can also follow this project on Instagram at OneOutfitForLife.
If you could only wear one outfit, what would it be and why?
A classic midnight navy two-piece suit, a denim shirt, black tie and black penny loafers. For the suit itself, the cut, design and fabric are everything. The silhouette is timeless, softly tailored rather than overly structured. It features unpadded shoulders, patch pockets, a 3-roll-2 front, centre vent and a notch lapel. The trousers have side adjusters, braces and a cuffed hem, all details that elevate the look while keeping it relaxed. Ideally, I’d make it in either a high-twist British cloth with a little more weight or a luxurious lightweight Italian fabric. British cloths hold their shape beautifully and drape exceptionally well, even after plenty of wear and travel. Italian fabrics offer a softer handle and lighter weight, making them perfect for the warmer months. The denim shirt softens the tailoring while still feeling refined, especially when paired with a black knitted tie. Finishing the outfit with black Loake penny loafers strikes the perfect balance between elegance and versatility.
How does this collection of clothes allow you to move between the various aspects of your life?
This combination can genuinely take you from the boardroom to the winery in the same day. Simply remove the tie for a more relaxed setting… or leave it on. It’s a classic combination for a reason. I certainly didn’t invent this look, but I’ve found it works perfectly with my colouring and personal style. As a tailor working in Melbourne’s CBD, I’m constantly moving between client appointments, fittings, business meetings and events. This outfit allows me to transition seamlessly through all of them while always feeling appropriately dressed.
List what you are wearing.
A two-piece suit by Houndstooth Tailors, cut from a Loro Piana Super 150’s wool and silk seersucker.
Houndstooth Tailors denim shirt, designed more like a business shirt than a traditional Western denim shirt.
Houndstooth Tailors woven knitted tie, which adds texture and depth while keeping the outfit more relaxed than a traditional silk tie.
Black Loake penny loafers with black dress socks.
Breitling x Deus ex Machina watch
If money was no object, what is the ultimate version of this outfit?
Honestly, this is probably it. I’ve made this suit in countless fabrics over the years, but this Loro Piana wool and silk seersucker continues to be my favourite. It’s soft, breathable, drapes beautifully and comes from one of the world’s finest fabric mills. Sometimes the ultimate version isn’t about spending more, it’s about finding the perfect cloth.
What is the origin of this look for you?
Without question, Pitti Uomo in Florence. Seeing classic Italian tailoring worn so effortlessly reinforced my appreciation for timeless menswear and shaped the way I approach tailoring today.
How do you feel when you wear this?
This outfit always gives me confidence. There’s something special about wearing a suit made specifically for you. The fit, comfort and attention to detail are unmatched. I know I can walk into any meeting or event wearing this and let the tailoring speak before I say a word.
Imagine you were put in charge of designing a capsule wardrobe based around your style.
What would it comprise? I’d build it around this suit and then add versatile pieces that create multiple outfits from a small wardrobe. An overshirt or chore jacket, ideally in a complementary or matching fabric. It completely changes the feel of the outfit and dramatically expands the number of combinations. I’d also include a quality pair of dark denim jeans with a slightly higher rise, a crisp white T-shirt and a crisp white business shirt. Together, these pieces create a wardrobe that’s timeless, versatile and suitable for almost any occasion.
