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 MediaSmith Founder Lawrence Smith about selecting garments with character and individuality; creating an outfit that is presentable, but never too polished; and one that works with the shape of your body rather, than fight against it.
You can follow on Instagram at OneOutfitForLife.
Describe this style:
My style is smart but relaxed, with a slightly Italian-British feel. I typically wear brown suede chukka boots, an unconstructed blazer in navy or darker colours, matching or complementary trousers, and often a scarf.
The important thing is that it never looks too polished. I like an element of shabby chic. Clothes need to be soft, unconstructed and, most importantly, work with the shape of my body rather than fight against it. I like a clean line and clothes that help elongate the body while disguising the areas I would rather not emphasise.
I also think clothes should have character and individuality. If something screams too much of a particular brand, it can start to look like an affectation. I prefer to move away from that and feel comfortable in my own personal style.
That individuality can be achieved very simply; often with a couple of good accessories and a really stylish pair of shoes.
List what you are wearing
I am wearing an Italian hand-finished unconstructed blazer by Cruna, one of my favourite Italian designers; navy chinos by Rag & Bone, which I wear regularly because they are slim but very well constructed, particularly through the seams. The navy T-shirt is worn under a smart shirt from Savile Row in London, although, knowing me, it was probably bought at TK Maxx. Because it is cold today, I also have a simple black cashmere scarf bought from a market in Double Bay. I generally only wear Bremont watches—a brand I had a long professional association with—, the cap is by Rochefort Tailoring and sunglasses from Tom Ford as their frames work particularly well with my wider head.
I have various versions of essentially the same outfit, built around six or seven jackets and a similar number of pairs of shoes.
If money was no object, what is the ultimate version of this outfit?
Probably a beautifully made Japanese-influenced unconstructed suit, perhaps by Nigel Cabourn or Dries Van Noten. But for me, clothes have never really been about money. I am generally happy with the way I dress. What matters is fit, the quality and feel of the fabric and, particularly, the construction. I like clothes that are durable and improve with age; pieces that begin to develop a life and character of their own.
What is the origin of this look for you?
The look developed from finding very good Italian jackets that worked with the shape of my body and shoulders. I realised that the right jacket could create a longer, cleaner line while also disguising areas of the body. From there, the style naturally developed around soft tailoring, good trousers, chukka boots, scarves and understated accessories. It combines things I have always liked about Italian clothing with a slightly more British sensibility.
How do you feel when you wear this?
I feel elevated, but most importantly I feel comfortable. It is a look that allows me to move between different environments very easily. I could wear essentially the same clothes on a cold day in Sydney or a warmer day in England; go to an art event, a restaurant or somewhere slightly smarter and still feel completely at ease.
That versatility is very important to me. I never want to feel as though I am wearing a costume or projecting a brand. I want the clothes to feel like an extension of my own personality.
Imagine you were put in charge of designing a capsule wardrobe based around your style. What would it comprise?
I would have around five pairs of Sanders chukka boots in black, brown and blue. There would be five or six vintage Tootal scarves, together with a few very good cashmere scarves. I would include three or four John Smedley knits, three or four Cruna jackets with coordinating trousers, and several shirts by Comme des Garçons.
Everything would be built around fit, excellent fabrics, strong construction and pieces that can be worn repeatedly and become better with age. The wardrobe would look smart, without appearing overworked or too perfect. Nothing should shout a brand or feel too affected. The individuality would come through in the way the pieces are combined, along with a few good accessories and particularly good shoes.
