Style Tips Layered Looks

A smart look doesn't have to be a boring shirt and tie ensemble. Although it is a strong basis for any dressier look, fashion shifts have given you the freedom to experiment with creating your own looks using layers to make a style that is set to really stand out.

From bow ties to cardigans and tweed to velvet, we've crafted some unique looks to give you the edge in the smart dress stakes.

Coming from the original masters of the shirting world, this patterned Ben Sherman shirt has got all the details to set this look off from the first layer. With a sharp colour and geometric pattern, its ecru colour make it easy to match up with any colours, whilst its slim fit makes for a flattering silhouette.

Adding a splash of deep winter colour to this ensemble, this Scotch & Soda cardigan has a deep cut on the body, making it perfect for showing off the pattern on the Ben Sherman shirt. Cardigans also work really well with patterned ties as they help frame the majority of the style-just like this one here.

With a classic stripe pattern, this Ted Baker tie is a timeless classic designed with one of the coming winter's biggest colours-burgundy. The marle grey tone on the stripe ties in really well with the ecru shad of the Ben Sherman shirt, whilst the burgundy tone ties in with the cardigan seamlessly.

Finishing off this look is a sharp piece of tailoring from Scotch & Soda. With a finely tailored silhouette, this blazer has a few heritage tweaks, such as a pocket square and mixed colour fleck which helps the grey wool tie in with the tie and cardigan.

Coming from one of Britain's most infamous labels, this Fred Perry shirt has an iconic check pattern and a sharp slim fit. Packed full of heritage inspiration, this shirt is a throw back to the mods style with its button down collar. Its deep, dark colours make it the perfect base for this look too, tying all the shades in together.

Designed by Henri Lloyd, you be assured that this piece of knitwear will keep you warm thanks to their illustrious history in creating pieces to be worn on the high seas. With a textured knit and ribbed cuff you can be sure of a good fit, whilst the leather tab on the side offers subtle understated branding.

Continuing Scotch & Soda's fantastic fitting tailoring, this woolen blazer has a rich olive tone, giving it a truly classic aesthetic. Perfect for layering up with these deep winter colours, the contrast in textures between the Henri Lloyd knit and wool of the blazer jacket gives this look a well thought out edge.

With a pattern layed over a fine pin stripe, this Ted Baker shirt offers an on trend base for this look. A wedge colour showcases any accessories you go for- in this instance we've got for a bow tie.

Setting off this look with a strong throw back feel, this bow tie by Michaelis offers an elegant edge to this whole ensemble. With a check pattern that utilises the colours through the shirt and cardigan, it's the perfect fit for this look if you're wanting to add a real talking point to your outfit.

Giving this look it's distinctively preppy feel, this Ralph Lauren cardigan is a smart option for layering up. Finished in a fine gauge material with twin pockets, this cardigan has got a strong American dress aesthetic which gives this look a brilliantly smart appeal.

We love the style behind this Ted Baker shirt. Classic touches like the penny collar are accentuated by the collar pin, which is a great tool to tidy up and pronounce your tie knot. You could wear his shirt alone, thanks to the contrast between the plain white collar and micro check body, but we feel have a collar pin and letting it go to waste would be just too much of a crime.

The perfect companion for a check shirt, polka dots are bang on trend this season- and this little number by Michaelis more than makes the mark. With a rich navy to tie in with the velvet blazer, the pink dots lift this whole look and give it a real head turning element.

Nothing says seasoned debonair like a velvet blazer, so if you're not stranger to the finer fabrics in tailoring, this blazer is the one for you. The perfect piece if you're looking for something to really make you stand out from the crowd, the velvet fabric gives this blazer a real luxurious feel.

Ryan J Gray