Friday, 22 November 2013

Some Autumnal Essentials

The autumnal run into mid-winter is arguably the most difficult season to dress for - it's intermittently rainy and dry, and intermittently swaps between both freezing cold and more manageable temperatures. Furthermore, these changes can happen instantly and often several times a day. Such conditions make it distinctly difficult to remain dapper. With this in mind, I have some suggestions for seasonal pieces to get your hands whilst the autumn/winter collections are freshly in the shops.

At the top of the bill, are your two outerwear staples. Every man needs a good quality water-resistant trenchcoat, its perfect for the seasonal showers, before the truly freezing temperatures descend in late December and January. Whether in the rain or snow, heavy weight trenchcoat in a water-resistant cloth (ideally a thick, waxed cotton drill), is the perfect way to avoid arriving at your destination damp as a dog. For more on what to look for in a trenchcoat that will both work practically in the rain, and still look sharp - see my previous post here.



There are any number of overcoat styles, cloths and colours that I could call upon as the ultimate go-to coat of the season, and really, the central point to take away here is that every man needs a well-cut, luxurious overcoat in his wardrobe for winter. This camelhair polo coat by Aquascutum is my pride and joy, and fits the bill perfectly; mixing a timeless camelhair cloth with a sharply waisted cut which ensures that the coat sits well and holds shape over a suit, jumper or just a simple shirt, depending on whether its being worn formally or casually.


There is no more luxurious cloth than flannel for the colder months, and autumn temperatures are perfect for donning rich, soft and warm mid-weight wool flannels (look for 11-14 oz cloths) in wintery colours and patterns. This blazer is cut in a woollen flannel displaying a quintessentially autumnal hue of rosy brown, very on-trend. So to are these thick, double-milled classic Prince of Wales check flannel trousers.

Another piece that works very elegantly with casual tailoring is the polo neck jumper. In classic navies and charcoals, they make a suitably stylish accompaniment to well-cut blazers and separates.

Whole-cut shoes and some simple, yet solid boots are also autumnal essentials. I prefer whole-cut shoes over shoes with broguing or punched details during autumn, because such shoes have no decoration to capture or gather mud and dirt. Whole-cuts are also more water resistant and polish up more easily, making them easy to care for in poor weather - save the brogues for mid-winter, once the weather is crisp, clear and the rain has abated.


One thing you may have noticed running through these photographs is the use of Autumnal colours; oranges, browns, terracotta and rusty tones are truly seasonal choices. This final ensemble aims to demonstrate how you can explore this seasonal colour palate in your formalwear. Here, chocolate shoes and 11oz sharkskin wool trousers are matched to a soft taupe checked jacket with a burned orange overcheck which is brought out by the matching textured orange tie.



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