SUMMER AND STYLE WITH MT JONES: THE ART OF EFFORTLESS COOL

We find ourselves in Peter Kavanagh’s, the Liverpool institution more commonly recognised as ‘a great pub.’

Amongst its retro charm and eclectic decor sits MT Jones at the piano, bathed in light from the stained-glass windows.

MT Jones channels a 60s and 70s vibe, both in sound and style. His look today screams “pre or post-gig”—workwear with a streetwise twist. The suit is posh and smart, courtesy of Rhys’s collection, passed down from his dad. It’s a grey-blue viscose fabric that exudes classic charm.

The shoes are vintage M&S, Italian leather, in a rich burgundy oxblood hue. These old-school loafers and Dr Marten-style shoes feature a slim silhouette with a touch of heel. “The shoes aren’t super common,” Rhys remarks, but that’s the essence of MT Jones’ style—forward-looking nostalgia. Skinny laces thread through the loops, a nod to sharp stage aesthetics despite the current trend for chunky laces.

Like his music, MT Jones is timeless. His smooth, stylish vocals have taken him around the globe, playing live with artists like Jalen N’Gonda, who he met at university and went on to tour everywhere with, from festivals in Europe and the US, even supporting Lauryn Hill.

This summer-ready, heat-friendly look is smart yet relaxed. The shirt, bought from Soho’s (@sohos_liverpool) on Bold Street, gives off a vintage workwear vibe—navy captain meets postman. The open collars and crisp baby blue fabric are lightweight and breathable, perfect for those soul scene nights and sweaty dance floors at weekenders, where polished boots and Ralph Lauren polos reign supreme.

His sunglasses, a modern frame with a classic look, are from Barcelona by El Bourne/Charlie Therapy. He adjusts his tie—a clip-on from Rhy’s nan, who served in the Liverpool police force—while ordering a Guinness and chatting with the pub landlady.

MT Jones often dons bowling-style shirts,each selected with a keen eye for detail and uniqueness.. “It’s all-natural, and he just ‘gets away with it’,” says stylist Rhys. Accessories are key—the belt is MT Jones’ own, a braided fabric vintage number from Next, filched from his parents’ drawer. The black socks, from golf brand Pringle, sport the iconic blue penguin.

MT Jones dresses sharp, balancing formal and informal effortlessly. His tailored suit ensures the sleeves don’t overlap the guitar’s neck. His hair, cut in local Liverpool barbershop John Clue, is a sweep-back 60s style he maintains with a bit of gel, brand unspecified—highlighting his carefree, effortless vibe.

Rhys’s advice is pivotal: you can find suits in charity shops and have them tailored to fit perfectly. MT Jones exemplifies this ethos, blending past and present in both his music and style, always looking cool and staying true to his roots.

MT Jones is a straight-up singer-songwriter influenced by greats like Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye. He doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but aims to write great pop songs. His easy charm and old-school elegance lend an authentic air to his persona and music.

Discussing his work is as relaxed as the pub itself. With sold-out tours on the horizon, he’s excited about the future. “Sonically it’s improving!” he says. His organic rise mirrors his outfit—with the BBC DJs picking up his tracks, catapulting him into the spotlight.

Rhys, the stylist, highlights key elements of MT Jones’ look: thinner points, longer edges—reminiscent of the soul music scene at its peak when it was all about the sound, not the clothes. Rhys advises, “Always dress smart, always wear trousers, always wear shoes, always wear a belt.” For MT Jones, it feels cooler and breezier, “I’m into fashion, and a show is a nice excuse to wear something smart,” he says.

MT Jones is currently working on his debut record, collaborating with select producers to perfect the recording. With two tracks already out, the four-track EP, set for release on 28th September, will be housed in a beautifully warm-toned gatefold vinyl. Excited about promoting and playing, he relishes the studio time working towards a complete record.

MT Jones masterfully blends the past and present in both his music and style, staying effortlessly cool this summer and, above all, true to his roots.

Photos by Kieran Irvine (@aka.keeks)