Topman gets suited and booted

A smart capsule collection from Topman proves that the high-street label can still add a touch of finesse to proceedings

High-street brand Topman has long made a concerted effort to prove that it can cater to fashion-forward customers by showing its Topman Design label on the catwalk during the menswear shows in London. Soon it will be adding another string to its bow, and proving that there is more to the label than the checked shirts, jeans and printed T-shirts that its cool and casual customers love so much.

Launching next week, the new Lux collection is a capsule wardrobe designed to create an elegant evening look, with the distinctly modern edge that the store's youthful customers so desire. As such, silhouettes are skinny and lines are sleek while due care and attention has been paid to the finishing touches. Modish single-breasted suiting forms the centre of the collection – with dobbie satin and jacquard wools used to create a refined finish to the sharply cut pieces – and looks great worn with a crisp white shirt from the collection for a formal look.

There's a strong sense of continuity to the blue lightweight knits in the collection – they may have been designed to look great when worn with one of the suits but the classic designs will also stand alone and look great with more casual chinos or jeans too. Slim lines and the use of a fine yarn make them just right for layering without adding too much bulk to the torso.

Many men may forget about outerwear when it comes to formal dressing, but the design team certainly hasn't – a stone coloured mac is the ideal cover-up to pair with one of the suits while leather jackets available in bomber and biker versions will look great for every day. Basket-woven leather accessories, including backpack and high-top trainers, complete the look with polish and panache.