Velvet suits: Jigsaw shows us how to party - A Grey Fox Photoshoot

I have to confess that I thought I'd never wear a velvet jacket again. The trauma of owning a bottle green velvet jacket in the mid-seventies, with slim waist, long in the body and HUGE wide lapels had left mental scars that I thought would never be eradicated. But when Jigsaw asked me to try a navy Italian velvet suit and damson jacket for a photo shoot I decided to give it a chance and to experiment a bit. After all, this is a search for style.

I'd forgotten how comfortable good quality velvet is to wear. Its depth of colour and sheen bring out the peacock in any man contemplating a party. So, with Christmas around the corner, here's your correspondent resplendent in velvet. I've avoided the obvious bow tie styling and imagined a party that falls short of the black tie dress code. From a casual (denim shirt) to a more formal look (with roll neck sweater or white shirt and tie), here's my take on how to wear a velvet suit and jacket.

Navy or damson Bloomsbury Italian velvet suit jacket £249 and matching trousers £119. White pique slim dress shirt £89. All from Jigsaw Menswear (other clothes property of Grey Fox).

Photography by Nick Maroudias. Styling by David Evans, Grey Fox Blog. Please get in touch if you'd like your products featured in a Grey Fox photoshoot.