In my role as Men’s Style Editor of this parish, it never fails to fascinate and confound me in equal measures just how frightened men can be of clothes. So last year, when Prince Philip's Duke of Edinburgh scheme published a list of advice to young people, it was encouraging to see him recommend - alongside veganism and digital detoxing - that we should ‘dress for ourselves and not others’.

With the sad news of his passing this week at the age of 99, his sage words are a reminder of his sensible approach to daily dress. It’s sound thinking from a man who had an impeccable manner of dressing; always polished and appropriate but, crucially, never overshadowing his wife. And more men should take his words to heart.

There’s a misconception that taking pleasure in clothes, enjoying clothes and wearing things outside a rigid perimeter of ‘acceptable’ marks a man out as vapid, conceited or a vain peacock. So many men dress for what’s ‘expected’ of them: a smart suit and crisp shirt for the office, a checked shirt and unassuming knit for the weekend. Perhaps a dinner jacket if the occasion calls for it.

Which is all fine and well, but rather like limiting yourself to cod, chips and peas every day until you’re on your deathbed, wondering why you didn’t try that Middle Eastern restaurant down the road.

Dressing because you enjoy it and you’re curious about clothes is liberating and thrilling. And while - possibly because of my profession, possibly due to growing up gay in small-town Scotland in the ‘90s - I’m in the curious position of not caring what people think of how I dress, it’s something that can apply to all men.

There can be a certain apologetic, don’t-stand-out-from-the-crowd approach to men’s dressing, which is a shame. You should feel proud of how you present yourself, which clothes do, rather thank shrinking into the shadows.

By that I don’t mean putting on the Ritz necessarily, although a changing definition of how men dress is certainly one option and I applaud any fellow who does. But it can also mean caring about your clothes and how they make you feel; a standard black coat for example, but in the best quality wool you can afford. Fabric is a good place to start - you can be wearing the simplest grey sweater, but if it’s in a quality fabric you’ll know the difference.

In fact, there’s something pleasing about the fact that only you will know - that’s real dressing for yourself. The Duke was never a flamboyant dresser, just a considered one who appreciated good tailoring and solid, British-made materials that were built to last.

On a tailoring note, I think every man should experience a tailored suit fitting at least once in his life. A tailor molding a suit to your frame will manipulate and enhance your silhouette. Accessories are also a good place to start - a subtle paisley scarf will add a bit of oomph, likewise colourful socks. Call me superficial, but there’s something about them that lifts the spirits.

Dressing for others isn’t always a bad thing. I think it’s a sign of respect to wear a dinner jacket to a black-tie event, for example, because it’s enjoyable for others - Prince Philip was no stranger to those. But dressing to fit in or because you think a certain image is expected of you takes a chunk of pleasure out of a fairly significant part of life - we all have to put on clothes every morning, after all.

Doing so in a way that puts a spring in your step, instead of slotting in with the status quo, is no bad thing. Prince Philip was singular in his approach to so many things, and how he viewed his wardrobe was just one of them.

Read more: Prince Philip's style at 99 shows his sentimental side and nostalgia for his military past

Read more: Classic, appropriate and very British: Prince Philip's timeless style

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