Paul Smith is my favorite designer. Combining traditional British tailoring with a sense of whimsy that often results in unexpected details (in the lining of a suit, the turn of a cuff, or the pattern of a sock), he makes clothes that allow for exactly the right touch of youthful exuberance while still remaining tasteful.

If you’re a man of a certain age (let’s say over 40) you should consider picking up a Paul Smith suit, even if suits aren’t normally a part of your wardrobe. Sir Paul himself wears suits every day and is a model of how to age gracefully. “Classic with a twist” is the guiding principle in everything the label does. You can find suits in fun colors such as teal, pink, yellow, and lavender. His signature, “A Suit To Travel In” ($1,495), is built over a half floating canvas for improved movement, has a jacket with notch lapels, natural horn buttons, and flap pockets with a contrasting lining. It comes with matching slim-fitting pants that have a rubber grip on the waistband to help keep your shirt in place. The suit is constructed using a high-twist 100% worsted wool yarn that is crease-resistant, a boon for travelers that make frequent but limited bi-coastal trips. It looks equally fantastic with a graphic t or a dress shirt underneath and you can wear Chelsea Boots or even trainers (what the Brits call sneakers) with it. Get ready to graduate from streetwear.

Smith opened his first shop in his native Nottingham, UK, in 1970 and a mere decade later expanded the business into a global fashion label that employs over 3,000 people. Rock music has played a big part in his collections over the years. Among the many pieces of his in my wardrobe, I have a psychedelic scarf that was inspired by the rock posters from the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco and another one with a leopard print. I even got married in a Paul Smith suit.

Besides designing clothes, Smith is an avid cyclist, photographer, and collector of ephemera and toys. If you’re in London, I recommend a visit to the Notting Hill shop, which is a converted house, with collections on each floor.