The history bit:

The use of the poppy was inspired by the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields'. It refers to the many poppies that were the first flowers to grow in the churned-up earth of soldiers' graves in Flanders, a...

Walking to work in London, it amazes me how little people care about what they look like as they turn up to the office each day. I want to talk ties with you... I'm of the opinion that if you've decided to wear one,...

Pens. We all use them, and even in a world that is becoming evermore reliant on computers, iPads, iPhones, the web and email, to my mind, receiving something that is hand written is still held in a higher regard than from any of the...

Fieldy's top five:

• Good shoes illustrate style and attention to detail.

• When buying, think of them as an investment. It's a false economy to buy cheap.

• Use shoe trees to maintain their shape.

• With a new pair, let the...

Fieldy's top five:

- Consider a very midnight blue cloth for the suit. It will appear darker than black.

- Wear a real bow tie and avoid the ready tied versions.

- Only wear a cummerbund with a single breasted jacket.

- Always wear a double cuff shirt.

- Make...

Fieldy's top five:

· Be simple. Be respectful. Be smart.

· Some funerals will request not to wear black, but for the majority it's all about being conventional and understated.

· Wear a dark suit. It needn't be black but is should be dark. Navy or charcoal grey will look...

Fieldy's top five:

• When choosing a suit for a wedding choose a plain suit.

• If you're likely to go to a host of smart weddings in the next couple of years, consider buying rather than hiring a morning suit. It will work out cheaper.

• For your shirt...

Fieldy's top five:

• Important are the shirt and the shoes.

• Iron the shirt, not just the collar.

• One shirt button is reserved, two buttons is relaxed, and three is awful.

• Wear colours that suit and you enjoy.

• Shoes, shoes and shoes.

Job interviews, weddings, parties....

Fieldy's top five

• Invest in a new interview outfit

• Look like someone who already works there

• Go white shirt and safe tie

• Pay great attention to grooming - hair etc

• Get objective feedback from others

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It takes a...