Grey Jacket + Navy Trousers

A grey blazer paired with navy slacks is one of the most timeless combinations available to men, and it's a match made in sartorial heaven. Wearing this tag team of masculine hues to the office or out for drinks at the weekend will ensure you always look confident and stylish.

Although we recommend a grey jacket with blue trousers, this combination works just as well in reverse, providing you with two go-to ensembles to add to your arsenal.

To complete the look,  utilities another capsule wardrobe essential, as a crisp white shirt, neutral tie, and black lace-ups for the unformal business meeting, switching to a white T-shirt and loafers or not so bright sneakers for a meal with the other half.

Black Jackets & Grey Trousers

Best for those who like to appear smart and understated, black and grey – when combined with a shirt or roll neck and shoes – it’s ideal combination for life’s more formal occasions. While monochrome separates may conjure up ideas of the boardroom, a few changes and you've got a great off-duty weekend style.

For more formal occasions, skip the tie or replace the shirt entirely with a polo shirt or lightweight knit, and swap the sharp shoes for more comfortable trainers.

This combo, like the grey and navy pairing, works in both directions. If you wear a grey jacket and black pants, the impression will be the same.

Unstructured Jacket + Pleated Trousers

Layering that's casual enough for the office doesn't get much easier or more comfy than this. The basics are traditional, but softer materials and more relaxed fits de-stuff the style for a seamless transition from work to happy hour.

Look for a jacket that isn't overly padded at the top. This results in a softer drape over the shoulder and around your body. Patch pockets, shawl collars, and working cuffs keep things informal, as does a broader selection of fabrics, such as cotton twill, wool-blends, jersey, or soft denim.

Fuss-free colors work best on this duet, so stick grey, beige, black and navy for the chinos. Borrow combinations for other printing in this list or  go tonal beige, brown and white. Finally, ground the smart-casual vibe with a pair of minimalist trainers or low-fi loafers.

Textured Blue Jacket + Trousers

Separates don't have to signify different colors on top and bottom. It is entirely possible to wear a jacket and trousers in similar tones without seeming like you've mixed up your clothes. Greys can work, but blue is the most certain color choice when going tonal.

The only rule to follow is to ensure that there is some distinction between the upper and lower bodies. This might be a visible color shift, such as a petrol blue jacket with navy chinos or a navy jacket with sky blue trousers. Alternatively, you might keep the tones consistent but provide some contrast with the material. On the jacket, try a crosshatch design or a different fabric entirely.

To finish the look, bring some contrast in with a white shirt (adding a tie for business occasions) or stick to casual dress with a complementary blue shirt under the jacket.

Tailoring does not always imply a "blazer and pants." You may replace the officey upper half with a chore jacket - it quickly reduces the formality of an outfit while remaining attractive, especially when combined with some genuinely slick trousers.

Again, there is a distinction to be made between the trousers we are striving for with this style and your standard suit trousers. The latter are all too often constructed from a sophisticated but bland worsted wool, and the fit will be mediocre unless you pay for something made-to-measure or designer.

Instead, look to wider cuts for this combo – we don’t mean billowing, but the shoulder be plenty of room in the thing, with a gentle taper down to the her.

Bold Jacket + White

Any ensemble that includes white trousers is quite daring, and this summer-ready pieces combination is no exception.

Choose a blazer with a check pattern or a strong color like sky blue or green, and pair it with white jeans or trousers for a stylish look no matter where you live.

Roll the hems of the pants a couple of times and go sockless with espadrilles and a T-shirt for a fun evening out on vacation, or try an open-necked shirt and loafers for a summer wedding reception.

The fit of the jeans or trousers is also paramount. To maximize on style (and to allow a little air-flow), go for slim rather than skinny cuts and you’ll nail that sense of effortless chac that our continental cousins pull of so well.