6 style lessons to learn from Tom Hiddleston this September
From lacing up suede shoes to pulling on knitted polo shirts, we’ve taken style inspiration from our latest cover star…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Photography: Tomo Brejc
“I miss the land and the air in Britain,” admitted Tom Hiddleston during our latest cover interview. “The smells and the sounds of the parks and the country in every season. The way the birds change their tune and routine. The feeling, when you’re home, of knowing the way”.
It’s profound stuff. But, for all of Britain’s green and pleasant virtues, Hiddleston’s home nation remains terrifically tricky to dress for. Whether it’s damp springs or tepid winters, Britain’s weather is more unpredictable than even man’s most comprehensive wardrobe can contend with. And the most fickle month? September — as the heat of summer heat struggles and scuffles with autumn’s chill.
Thankfully, our pub-bound shoot with the British actor sets the pace for September style, with Hiddleston slipping on suede shoes, mid-layer knits and the perfect pair of jeans. So follow in his well-dressed footsteps and learn these six style lessons…
Wear a knitted polo shirt with your suit
It’s September; and that mean’s it’s back to work time. But, while we’ll always hold a torch for ties, the best style bet for your suiting this year is the cosy knitted polo. Soft of handle, and here to bridge the gap between your work-from-home wardrobe and old officewear, it’s a new late summer staple — and can be worn everywhere from the boardroom to your local bar (as Tom Hiddleston will attest).
Our choices run the gamut; and include a silk-woven, short-sleeved option from New & Lingwood, an Italian-made cotton offering from Sunspel in anthe evocatively-named ‘Pepper Melange’ colourway and perhaps our most office-appropriate choice — a long-sleeved ‘Cashwool’ polo shirt from Aurélien with mother-of-pearl buttons and a slim fit.
Don’t be afraid of chunky, patterned knits
It was a bold move; putting Tom Hiddleston in a chunky, pastel-coloured pullover for our summer issue. But it’s a gamble that paid off handsomely (as most things do when the actor and his movie star curls are involved). Late summer, then, is the perfect time to dig out the knits you usually reserve for the dark days of winter; jumpers with bold patterns or touches of playfulness.
Like Hiddleston’s sweater, we’d go for stripes. From Aspesi, this 100% wool option has autumnal colours woven through every thread. From Toast, we’ve opted for a sleeveless Fair Isle style — ideal for any slightly balmier September days. And, perhaps closest to the actor’s knit is this gently-striped sweater from NN07, which swaps Hiddleston’s bold blue bars for softer, more neutral tones.
Classic denim jeans are a seasonal staple
September means it’s time to stash your shorts away for another year — and pull out your most trimly-tailored trousers. But forget the natty checked suit Hiddleston buttoned up for our latest cover shoot, and instead follow his lead by investing in a timeless, dependable pair of denim jeans.
And one brand that knows the value of tradition is Benedict Raven. Crafted from a cotton-stretch blend, the British brand’s ‘Clifton’ jeans are ideal September staples. Aubin, too, has the perfect pair for the late summer season; woven with hemp fibres to add some green credentials to your blues. Or, for a wider leg option, try A.P.C’s ‘Leo’ design.
Add some warmth and texture with suede
With the weather cooling down slightly, September offers you the chance to dig out slightly heavier fabrics and materials. Hiddleston here wears a sophisticated overshirt in that softest, most supple of leathers; suede. It’s rugged-yet-refined, and the perfect weighty way to bulk up your shirts before jacket season hits.
Paul Smith, like Hiddleston himself, is a British institution; a quintessential gent and a designer with an eye for a fantastic field jacket. Reiss, too, has a similarly napped navy option — with a zip that makes it perfect for these transitional months. Or, if you’re looking for more natural tones, try New & Lingwood’s overshirt; cut from goat suede and stitched to life in Austria.
And go for suede with your shoes, too
Suede isn’t just for shirts. Here, Hiddleston slipped on a pair of perfectly seasonal lace-ups from Edward Green — slightly brogued shoes that find a style sweet spot in September. Because, when the hot days of summer are behind us and the rain-soaked winter months are yet to burst their clouds, that’s when suede shoes really hit their stride.
Whether you wear Edward Green’s ‘Chelsea’ Oxfords — shoes with capped toes and twin-stitching — or opt for Crockett & Jones’ ‘Lanark III’ Derby shoes, you won’t go wrong with versatile brown tones this September. Or, if you’re looking to make slightly more of a statement, why not pick up a pair of green ‘Dalby’ shoes from Cheaney?
Try out tonal dressing in autumnal colours
Getting your September shades right is important across the autumnal board — as Hiddleston’s neutral-toned outfits here prove. We’d recommend keeping things relatively bright for these final days of summer weather, but opting for ochres, tans, light browns and beiges to ease your wardrobe elegantly and effortlessly into autumn.
This zip cardigan from Aurélien is the perfect piece of transitional style; softly woven in Italy and designed with versatility in mind. New & Lingwood’s bamboo trousers, similarly, will step you from warmer days to winter months in breathable, sustainable style. And, for a tailored shirt in these tonal colours, try Turnbull & Asser.
Want more summery style advice? Here are David Gandy’s new rules of swimwear…
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