5 things Alan Partridge taught us about fashion

With only a few months to go before the release of Alan Partridge in Alpha Papa, it seems only fair to pay tribute to everything the great man has taught us over the years. Specifically, how not to dress. Here, with the help of Style Pilot, we do just that.

At work

Not every man has the ability to pull off Alan's famous polo neck and bomber jacket look or to brave the ahead-of-his-time clashing shirt and tie colour combinations, and indeed, most people probably don't intend to try. Call it boring, but we'd rather stick with rather more subdued colours, like this slim fit grey shirt.

On holidays

When in France, Alan suggests the 'L'Homme du Sport' look, as modelled on Mid-Morning Matters. Tube socks, shorts and a pink jumper that says, 'I'm in Paris and nothing's going to stop me' worn nonchalantly over the shoulders definitely made an impression back in 1994, but possibly isn't advisable in 2013. Ice-white trainers should definitely be worn with caution - and never, ever with pink blazer jackets and beige trousers. Ever.

In the country

Alan made absolutely sure we couldn't lose him in the idyllic Norfolk countryside while on location for Alan Partridge: Welcome to the Places of My Life. Nothing says 'look at me' quite like a bright blue oversized puffa jacket, but less adventurous dressers might wish to stick with a slightly more low-key blue raincoat instead.

Fancy dress

In I'm Alan Partridge, we saw Alan create a staggeringly realistic zombie costume using only items 'borrowed' from a hotel room, complete with complimentary biscuits sellotaped to his face for 'flaky skin.' Of course, most of us prefer to play it safe and go for the classic 'I'm wearing a tuxedo and therefore I'm obviously James Bond' approach to costume parties, but Alan's a man who isn't afraid to think outside the box.

Important meetings

When it comes to impressing your boss and securing your professional future, there's no such thing as going too far. Except perhaps cutting peepholes in a Pringle jumper, donning a leather thong and borrowing Baby Spice's platform shoes while dancing suggestively on stage. Although having said that, from the looks of the new film Alan's career is progressing quite nicely, so who knows? Maybe that's the way to get ahead after all.