Tony Irvine’s Favorite Pieces of the Season
A conversation with Toni Irvine about returning to the city, the new codes of workwear and his favourite pieces for the new season.
Renowned stylist Tony Irvine shares his perspective on returning to the city after summer and the key elements that define his style. A conversation about new codes of workwear, essential pieces and the idea of building a style of your own. From cotton shirts and dark denim to relaxed tailoring and accessories, Irvine selects his seasonal favourites for a versatile, functional wardrobe with personality.
MD
Returning to the city after summer also means dressing differently again. Which pieces define that shift in season for you?
T.I.
For me, it’s changing shirting from linen to an easier or crisper cotton, layered over a white T-shirt. It’s a small shift, but one that immediately signifies the change in season.
MD
The way we dress for work has changed considerably in recent years. What are your essentials for returning to the office today?
T.I.
A good shirt that allows me to arrive feeling smart, but that I can easily roll the sleeves up on and immediately feel more relaxed. It can work just as well with a jean, chino or tailored trouser depending on the need. My go-to is a straight-leg or slightly looser-fitting dark jean.
MD
There can be something quite liberating about having a personal uniform. If you had to build yours around just three pieces, what would they be?
T.I.
A great-fitting white T-shirt that sits tight at the neck, a relaxed cotton shirt and a dark-wash jean. I could pretty much build everything else around those three pieces.
100% Cotton Short-Sleeved T-Shirt, T-shirt made from 100% certified OCS organic cotton.
Double-Faced Wool-Blend Jacket, jacket made from a wool-blend fabric. Shirt collar. Long sleeves. Zip fastening.
“ Changing shirting from linen to cotton over a white T-shirt is a small shift that signifies the transition.”
MD
Sometimes, a single piece is enough to transform a simple look. What piece has that power for you?
T.I.
I pretty much live in the uniform I mentioned above, so footwear is how I change it up. A new pair of sneakers, a shoe or loafer, and then a boot can all work with the same look but instantly change the mood and feel of it.
MD
Tailoring has moved beyond many of its traditional rules. How do you like to wear it today so that it feels relaxed while still considered?
T.I.
For me, tailoring doesn’t have to mean a suit anymore. I like a jacket thrown over my ‘uniform’, or a matching shirt and trouser. Keeping the colours or fabrics monochrome elevates the look and keeps it clean, but never too formal or restrictive.
MD
When you think about a wardrobe designed to be worn again and again, which materials, textures or finishes do you particularly look for?
T.I.
I gravitate towards good-quality washed cottons, and denim with a wash that gets better with wear and age. I also love a great investment or vintage leather belt — something that only gets better the more you wear it.
MD
Shoes can completely change the attitude of a look. What footwear would you choose to make an office look feel less predictable?
T.I.
A smart-looking sneaker, maybe all one colour or in a single fabric like leather or suede. Or I’d switch it up with a leather deck shoe or loafer. They’re easy to wear but still bring a personal touch and a sense of ease, especially if you’re walking or commuting to work.
MD
A good work look should be able to take you beyond the office. Which pieces work for you from the first meeting through to the end of the day?
T.I.
I love how different pieces can completely change the feel of something you wear every day and bring personality, without having to build a completely new look. A lightweight cotton jacket, a quarter-zip knit or even a track jacket can completely shift my go-to uniform and take it through the day.
MD
As a stylist, where do you think the balance lies between dressing with intention and keeping things relaxed?
T.I.
For me, it’s all in the attention to detail — the fit, fabrics and colour choices, but also how you personalise them beyond the clothes. Building a uniform shows confidence and intention, then the right watch, belt, ring or bag brings it all together and makes it your own. That’s where personal taste and style really come through.
Selvedge Fit Jeans, available in two colours. Waistband with belt loops. Front zip and button fastening. Five-pocket design.
Bomber Jacket with Collar Detail, made from a cotton-blend fabric. High neck with corduroy detail and long sleeves with buttoned cuffs and zip fastening.
Regular Fit 100% Cotton Shirt, made from 100% cotton fabric. Shirt collar. Long sleeves with buttoned cuffs. Front button fastening.
MD
Finally, if you had to build the perfect back-to-work wardrobe with just five Massimo Dutti pieces, which would you choose, and how would you wear them?
T.I.
The foundation would be the white T-shirt, cotton shirt and dark denim — essentially my everyday uniform. The jackets can be layered over it to completely change the feel of the look, while the shoe will be the final piece that gives it a different attitude. Everything can be mixed, layered and worn repeatedly rather than existing as one fixed look.
