Dear reader, my name is Pablo, and I serve as Monocle’s man about town. As a gentleman for all seasons, my wardrobe has long come to my rescue, whatever the occasion may demand. I am one to rarely have a hair out of place—unless a tousled look is precisely what I am after—and I consider myself a reliable master of dress codes. Recently, the editors at Monocle asked me to impart a series of sartorial rules to live by across six distinct situations, ranging from what is required to see you through a weekend away to a rigorous sport session or an engaging day out in the bustling city.
From the foundational basics that set you up for the morning to the crisp white suit and leather-sole dancing shoes that will carry you through the night, my rules for getting dressed pair timeless common sense with curated recommendations for the brands you need to know. These are gems usually picked up during my travels to global style hubs such as Bangkok, Paris, Lisbon, and Tokyo.
If there is a single connecting thread in my approach to getting dressed, it is the wisdom of investing in well-made clothes designed to last a lifetime. Admittedly, this is hardly ground-breaking advice, but it is a principle worth remembering when the temptation to completely overhaul your wardrobe takes hold. Personal style is an art form that demands honesty and self-reflection. Is the shoulder on that white T-shirt as flattering as it could be? Do I have what it takes to pull off those shorts? Almost certainly, but it is always worth considering.
Equally important is never losing sight of wearability. Even the most beautiful loafers will quickly lose their appeal if they leave you hobbling down the pavement. I am a firm believer that good clothes should never be the main event, but rather a reliable support system for a life well-lived. At its best, the act of getting dressed is simply the first step in a day packed with places to be and people to see. Ready? Let us begin.
Style tip 1: Perfect your basics
Starting from a strong foundation is entirely key to any successful wardrobe. Nailing socks, underwear, and beauty-cabinet essentials—unsung heroes all—requires just as discerning an eye as it takes to select a statement coat.
Beginning the day in a pair of luxury pyjamas sourced from Spain’s Denis Camisería makes waking up feel like a genuine main event. To describe this feeling accurately: it is quite simply the cat’s whiskers. For staying surefooted around the residence, there is arguably no better sensation than sliding toes-first into tatami-and-leather slippers crafted by the Japanese brand Liberato, where proper arch support proves essential for making great strides.
When the morning routine moves to the bathroom, I reach for pillowy towels purchased during a recent trip to Japan, manufactured in the renowned textile hub of Imabari. For lathering up under a high-pressure pump by German brand Dornbracht, Bangkok-based label The Oba provides an exceptional shower gel. Beneath it all, proper undergarments matter; briefs or Y-fronts offer anatomical support and natural alignment without uncomfortable compression, with Mey bringing precision German engineering to the undergarment sector.
When it comes to hosiery, my personal motto is "high socks, high standards," though there is certainly a time and a place for an invisible pair sourced from Muji. Otherwise, the destination of choice is Tabio. For those facing cooler climates, New Zealand’s Icebreaker crafts merino-fibre thermal shirts and pants that naturally trap body heat. Finally, the morning grooming cabinet benefits from a fool-proof high-low combination: Chanel for fragrance and Nivea for dependable deodorant, alongside quality hair maintenance products like MALIN+GOETZ pomade.
Style tip 2: Look the business
When the investors are in town, one must be fully prepared to look the part. People often suggest starting with trousers and building an outfit from there, but where is the fun in that? Pick out a stellar shirt first and keep the slacks lacking for a moment longer. It is showtime.
To elevate your attire effectively, steaming or ironing remains essential. Swedish brand Steamery produces a highly packable version that refreshes garments while rendering them crisp. For shirting, the choice typically narrows down to an Oxford cloth button-down by New York-based Gitman Vintage or a fine linen number by Neapolitan specialist Finamore, both crafted from superior fibres.
While not every day demands a necktie, when the occasion arises to get knotted, elect for something chic. Milan’s Bigi Cravatte offers a diverse range to complement virtually any shirt. In the realm of tailoring, bespoke creations—such as my own suit from Swedish atelier Saman Amel—remain second to none. For ready-to-wear options, a Ring Jacket from The Armoury or a double-breasted mohair blazer from United Arrows never misses the mark.
When pounding the city pavement under uncertain skies, a rubber sole is practical. JM Weston’s iconic 180 loafer provides a polished look, though I retain a distinct penchant for a robust Paraboot lace-up.
Style tip 3: Sportswear essentials for your kit bag
Maintaining a dashing appearance during a run begins with a simple mental prompt: ask yourself what you are running from, keeping in mind that a poorly dressed version of your past self serves as an excellent motivator.
Whether tackling race day or a gentle lap around the lake, I favour head-to-toe apparel from Hereness. The Japanese brand utilizes Drytouch technology to prevent shorts and tops from clinging during exertion. For aquatic pursuits, swimwear label Arena offers figure-hugging gear that shows off a little thigh with confidence.
On the tennis court, a matching set of shorts and shirt by Palmes hits the right notes, paired ideally with versatile athletic footwear like the Kotos model from Notace in white and green, suitable for clay, grass, or the gym. To time your splits, a robust wristwatch like the Aurelia Aurita by Swatch handles both the pool and the pitch with ease. For cycling enthusiasts hitting steep descents at pace, Copenhagen-based Pas Normal Studios delivers professional-grade kit. All of this can be stowed effortlessly into an Ichizawa Hanpu Boston bag made for Trunk, which accommodates even a lightweight Goldwin jacket for the journey home.
Style tip 4: How to pack at pace
Life on the move keeps things delightfully interesting, and packing for a sunny escape should never be overcomplicated. A well-stocked toiletry bag—such as a leather design by Viennese brand R Horns—lays the groundwork.
A winning full look combines a white T-shirt from Kotn, corduroy shorts from La Paz, and sandals by Hender Scheme, complemented by swimwear from Ripa Ripa. For luggage, the suitcase of choice is produced by Japanese brand Proteca, celebrated for its innovative 360-degree opening system that encourages efficient, lightweight packing suitable for overhead compartments. This can be paired with Monocle’s own trolley tote for weekend escapes, securing easily over a larger suitcase with dependable zip closure. To round out the travel kit, an effortless evening shirt from Japanese label A Presse or French brand Arpenteur ensures one remains impeccably dressed for sunset drinks.
Style tip 5: Feel at ease in the city
Being on home turf is no excuse for looking slapdash, as one never knows who might be encountered around the corner. A dependable blouson jacket goes the distance; mine includes a cashmere piece from Zegna in tan alongside a dark indigo suede alternative.
Denim is an everyday staple best represented by Kaptain Sunshine or Luca Faloni’s cashmere-weave jeans. To top off the look, a stealth-wealth linen cap from Vienna milliner Mühlbauer provides understated elegance, while timekeeping is elegantly handled by the distinctive shape of the Cartier Tortue, a head-turner since 1912. For cooler urban strolls, a premium sweatshirt crafted on rare tsuriamiki vintage knitting machines by Loopwheeler offers unmatched softness and tubular construction.
Style tip 6: Life of the party
When it is time to cut loose, a wardrobe overhaul is rarely necessary; often, a subtle change of footwear sole or colour achieves the desired effect. A visit to Cut Salon Ban in Tokyo or Bento in Lisbon ensures a sharp, classic haircut that projects an air of effortless sophistication.
After-dinner events present an opportunity to turn up the volume with a bolder scent from fragrance houses like Wienerblut or Loewe. On the dance floor, footwear transitions to JM Weston, utilizing a classic leather sole for optimal movement. Finally, for those bold enough to embrace evening wear fully, a white suit from Italian luxury menswear brand Caruso—or a double-breasted pinstripe number acquired from The Decorum in Bangkok—ensures you are impeccably prepared for formal occasions, provided you successfully steer clear of accidental spills.
