A reader named Paul confirms he is subject to what he calls "a strict vetting policy". I had to check, because he was asking for help with his wedding outfit, and I didn't want to blurt the details if his partner had no idea what he planned to wear. But no, she has final approval. Hand-holding! This doesn't sound like a man who needs guidance: Paul's wedding choices are advanced and inspired. "Most of my outfit is sorted," he writes. "A black Dior Homme single-breasted suit, Dior Homme Chelsea boots and the Prada tie with stars running the length. But I'm struggling to find a white shirt."
I like a man who doesn't lose a sense of identity for big occasions. Why hire some formless morning suit for such a personal day? The white shirt is actually a key piece right now. Going back over the autumn/winter collections, so many designers sent out white shirts with no tie, buttoned to the neck. It gave an austerity to shows such as Jil Sander, Miu Miu and Dior Homme that became an important part of a continuing search for what's modern. A good white shirt is a wardrobe staple few men actually have - I certainly don't. By good, I mean one that fits neatly, with a small collar and trim placket. It's the sort of thing Raf Simons sells as a given.
Wedding guests: Jonny emailed for advice about an upcoming event, then solved his own problem by finding a slim, two-button light grey suit at Hugo Boss. I'm also a guest soon, and plan to go in a sober navy suit, adding that Prada star tie and my Pierre Hardy black patent shoes. Sobriety incarnate.
We're off to the spring/summer 07 shows this week and I'll be blogging on the background stories, themes and my inevitable wardrobe disasters at commentisfree.guardian.co.uk. My hope: for menswear to turn skewwhiff. I want chaos.
Charlie Porter is associate editor of GQ (m-f-a-s@hotmail.com).
