These autumn menswear essentials are the best of Bicester Village
As the luxury shopping destination resets and restocks for autumn, Gentleman’s Journal scouts out the best deals every modern man should be taking a trip for…
Words: Jonathan Wells
In association with:
Set your wardrobes to ‘layering’, gents — because autumn has arrived, bringing with it bundles of mix-and-match menswear styling potential. Gone are the restrictive summer days of single layers, loose weaves and relaxed cuts. Instead, we’re back to buttoning-up, slipping-on and pulling-over multiple pieces per outfit; clothes that complement and enhance each other in seasonal style.
A Brioni blazer here, say. An Ermenegildo Zegna shirt there. A pair of smart sneakers laced up with a trimly-tailored suit. A light overshirt layered under a suede safari jacket. Maybe even a T-shirt tucked under a cashmere V-neck — all tied together with a merino wool scarf. The possibilities are palpable.
And there’s no better place to pick-and-choose between brands than Bicester Village. This autumn, Britain’s leading luxury shopping destination is restocking its rails with some of the season’s finest menswear pieces. And, whether you’re building a back-to-work wardrobe or looking for a new autumn aftershave, every Bicester boutique offers significant discounts on the world’s leading brands.
There’s no a better time to plan a visit to Bicester Village. In fact, in participating boutiques this October, you’ll be able to unlock additional savings of up to 30% during Private Sale*. So, to save you precious seconds the next time you do take a trip to Oxfordshire, Gentleman’s Journal has scouted out some of the new season’s best buys. From a pair of Italian driving loafers to a military-influenced overshirt, below are the best autumn essentials on offer…
Ermenegildo Zegna Formal Shirt
Why do you need it? Every man should own a smart, well-made shirt — even if you are still working-from-home. From Zegna, this ultra-fine, wrinkle-resistant option is subtly striped and has a versatile spread collar.
When should you wear it? It’s a working week staple. Reliable and effortlessly elegant, it’s perfect for business meetings, smart casual coffees — and everything in-between. Pair it with suits, ties, blazers or even knitwear.
How much could you save? Originally, you’d be looking at around £315 for a shirt of such quality from the Italian designer. At Bicester Village, expect to pay a fraction of that price (£200) in the Zegna boutique.
Orlebar Brown T-Shirt
Why do you need it? The British resortwear brand’s ‘OB-T’ design is fast becoming a modern classic. Perhaps the ultimate cotton crew neck, it is well-cut, well-made — and never more versatile than in a soft mid-blue.
When should you wear it? Whenever you like. An ideal autumn base layer, this T-shirt could form the foundation of almost any cold weather outfit. Try it under an overshirt for the perfect late summer look.
How much could you save? It may be a basic, but Bicester Village has shaved even more money off this staple. At the Oxfordshire shopping destination, you could almost half this T-shirt’s original £75 price tag.
Reiss Overshirt Jacket
Why do you need it? This ‘Worker’ jacket from Reiss lives up to its name. Thanks to stylish-yet-rugged looks and a hard-wearing cotton twill construction, it toils and travails to be the best mid-layer a man can own.
When should you wear it? During off-duty moments. Made for milder weather, it’ll work well on the weekend — as a light jacket during spells of warm weather or as a layering piece when autumn arrives in full force.
How much could you save? A lot. In the Reiss boutique — found just a stone’s thrown from Café Wolseley in Bicester Village — there’s currently over £100 off the original price of this serviceable, sensible essential.
dunhill Titanium Aviator Sunglasses
Why do you need them? Because they’re built to last. From British brand dunhill, these classic, minimalist frames put a slightly chunky spin on the ‘Aviator’ style — and are ideal for any warmer September days ahead.
When should you wear them? When the sun shines. Thankfully, even if the clouds part when you least expect it, dunhill’s starkly cool design will pair perfectly with any outfit you happen to have on.
How much could you save? Over half the original price. When launched, these carefully-crafted dunhill frames would have cost you £379. Now, if you take a trip to Bicester Village, you’ll be able to pick them up for just £185.
Zegna Grained Leather Loafers
Why do you need them? Because loafers aren’t just for summer. They may have a reputation as fair-weather footwear, but Zegna’s chunkier spin on the style — grained leather driving shoes, no less — are autumn-appropriate.
When should you wear them? Whenever you’d wear your trusty Chukka or Chelsea boots. Thanks to that thick tread, these smart-casual slip-ons are ready for any terrain, dress code or driving conditions you could throw at them.
How much could you save? A good chunk; with the Zegna boutique at Bicester Village offering a healthy £175 off the original £490 price. Plus, they’ll make the perfect comfortable shoes for a full day of discounted shopping.
Brioni Black Suit
Why do you need it? Every man needs a dependable, trimly-tailored black suit. And few brands make them slicker or more suave than Brioni (who do you think suited Pierce Brosnan’s Bond for all those years?).
When should you wear it? When the occasion arises. Whether it’s a decadent dinner, a career-defining meeting or a cosmopolitan cocktail party, this two-button, notch-lapelled suit will work some serious black magic.
How much could you save? Half of the original price — which is a big saving when it comes to Brioni. Originally £3,720, the Bicester Village Brioni boutique is exclusively offering its suit-seeking shoppers 50% off.
The Kooples Formal Trousers
Why do you need them? Depending on where you work, the black suit above may spend more time hanging in your wardrobe than being worn. But these versatile formal trousers from The Kooples? They’re an everyday essential.
When should you wear them? All-day; everyday. Endlessly adaptable, they may be smart — but these trousers will pair with almost anything. Shirt and tie? Check. T-shirt? Why not. Sweater? No problem.
How much could you save? £80 off the original price. Take the train to Bicester Village (there are 36 every weekday from London’s Marylebone Station), and The Kooples’ bountiful boutique will be one of the first you come across.
Penhaligon's Terrible Teddy Eau de Parfum
Why do you need it? Because men’s style doesn’t hinge on clothing alone. Far from it. And Penhaligon’s, as one of Britain’s leading grooming brands, should at least feature in your morning routines and rituals.
When should you wear it? Nowhere near as awful as its name suggests, this masculine scent is charged with the aromas of leather, incense and ambroxan. It’s deep, rich, hearty — and perfect for the upcoming autumn months.
How much could you save? Several pounds per spritz. Head to the brand’s Regent Street flagship and you’ll pay £204 for one of these decadently designed bottles. At Bicester Village? Try £135.
New Balance ‘Solvi V2’ Sneakers
Why do you need them? Because every self-respecting modern man should exercise. And, whether you’re a weightlifter or a long-distance runner, you need a pair of dynamic, supportive shoes. Who better than New Balance?
When should you wear them? These particular kicks are better suited to runners — with a precision ride, dual-foam midsole and responsive cushioning giving you enough assistance to endure many, many miles.
How much could you save? At Bicester Village, a destination that also boasts sporting boutiques from ASICS, Under Armour and lululemon, you’ll save almost 50% off these tried-and-tested trainers; down to £53 from £100.
dunhill Micro Jacquard Polo
Why do you need it? As evidenced by many of the menswear pieces on this list, versatility is a key tenet of your autumn wardrobe. And what could be more versatile than the do-it-all, dress code-spanning polo shirt?
When should you wear it? Cut from cotton, and finished with buttons and cuffs in a contrasting tone, this dunhill polo is an understated gem. Thanks to that subtle grey shade, it’ll pair with everything from blazers to trainers.
How much could you save? It’s another brilliant Bicester Village saving with this one; 50% off. But, with hallmark branding on the chest, it’ll still be clear that you’ve invested in the best from a heritage British brand.
And that’s not all. Gentleman’s Journal readers can also enjoy an exclusive VIP shopping experience at Bicester Village this autumn. We’ve partnered with the luxury shopping destination to offer unique, exclusive access to the Village’s invite-only VIP space, The Apartment.
Valid until December 31st, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all-day refreshments — while also benefitting from complimentary services including hands-free shopping, reserved parking, priority entry into selected boutiques and a further saving of 10% on the Village price with an eVIP Pass.
To book your Private Client shopping experience, simply email PrivateClients@BicesterVillage.com, and quote code: BV2021. Provide your name, desired date of visit, contact telephone number and your planned arrival time. And, if you plan to come by car, please also submit your vehicle registration details in order for Bicester Village to organise your reserved parking.
*Minimum spend may apply. Offers not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Exclusions may apply. See in individual boutiques for more details.
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