My style

Paul Costelloe, designer

Describe what you're wearing:The white shirt and the jacket are both Paul Costelloe menswear, the jeans are from Gap and the trainers are Converse.

What about suits?I do wear suits, but it's the exception rather than the rule. I wear them when I'm seeing my bank manager or going to court. A suit is a multi-functional item. You can wear the jacket on its own or with jeans and a waistcoat with jeans – you can use every item with something else except perhaps for trousers. It's how women wear their clothes: a Chanel jacket with jeans.

Are you a shopper?I shop rather like most men – when needed. I would only go first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, it can be tiring otherwise. Men don't look in the mirror that much, it is a completely different kind of vanity to women. We think we can get away with being two stone overweight.

Do you wear ties?I do but undone, left loose and away from the neck, with the top button of the shirt undone – it looks cool that way. A black or dark grey tie and a white shirt is not for funerals any more, it's Brad Pitt. Ties should be narrow, but not too narrow. Most of mine are Italian – Armani does a lovely tie range.

What's the most you've ever spent?If I find jeans that fit, I buy three pairs, if I find shoes that fit, I buy three pairs. I might have bought a shirt for £100 the odd time. I like evening shirts worn during the day with a pair of jeans.

Do your sons influence the way you dress?No, and I don't influence them either. They are more formal and fitted than me, and they're a lot slimmer. I am probably more risqué than they are.

What about shoes?I love trainers because you can move around quickly in them and I cycle a lot. I probably have at least 12 pairs at different stages of wear. I also wear suede brogues. They look good with jeans and I like them slightly battered and used-looking.

What about Irish male style?Irish men get away with murder because of their exuberant personalities, unlike the English, who overall dress better, but the Irish outshine on their personalities. Words can mean more than appearances. Younger Irish men are taking fashion much more seriously.

What about accessories?I like watches and think they should be chunky, they should make a statement. You don't have to pay a lot for them. I shop at airports for watches as I'm always breaking them.

Is there anything you wouldn't wear?Neck jewellery – I'm not Tom Jones. Shirts open too far down – if you've a hairy chest, have it shaved. When you're older, watch your neck and don't wear skimpies at Seapoint. I hate seeing men wearing shorts too short or sandals with socks.

What about colour?Men should be more adventurous with colour and step away from navy and grey into other colours in mufflers and fine-gauge knitwear. I've been wearing a pale plum sweater with a pale blue shirt and jeans. Instead of dark green, try olive or paler green and different shades of blue.

What do your clothes say about you?They say I am relaxed, not pretentious and, I hope, approachable and generally probably easy to get along with.

Paul Costelloe menswear is stocked in House of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14