The 5 style trends men should know about this autumn
Wondering how to style yourself through AW20? We take a look at the trends poised to hit wardrobes around the world...
Words: Jonathan Wells
You must be annoyed. After buying all those new lightweight linen shirts and pairs of patterned swim shorts earlier this year, the pandemic hit and you didn’t get even one chance to show them off in public. We know. The injustice of it stings.
But, with lockdowns lifting and self-isolating turning back into socialising, the autumn and winter months are promising to make up for your wasted summer style.
And that means being prepared. Designers and big brands have, as usual, foretold the fashions and fads to come this year. So below, we’ve outlined the five most important trends winging their way to your wardrobes — and how to get them right…
Check out big checks this autumn
Let’s start simply — because checks never really go out of style. Still, it seems that everyone’s favourite pattern (sorry, stripes…) is shouting even more loudly than usual this year. Checks look set to square up, bulk out and take over our wardrobes come autumn — in forms from tartan and windowpane to the classic Prince of Wales check.
Speaking of, this Gieves & Hawkes checked greatcoat is exactly the sort of statement outerwear that you should be thinking of investing in — something to turn heads while keeping you cosy. Alternatively, you could pare down the pattern; bringing checks into the office with one of Turnbull & Asser’s choice cuts. Or, if you’re going all in with the latest check trend, these woollen New & Lingwood trousers are the threads for you.
Ensure you’ve got your neckwear all tied up
You hear that? That’s the sound of everyone clamouring to get back into the office. It’s been nice to work from home — but there’s only so long you can wear pyjamas before the novelty wears off. At Gentleman’s Journal, we can’t wait to tie up our ties once more — so when designers from Tom Ford and Dior to Louis Vuitton and Gucci heralded the humble necktie’s return earlier this month, we couldn’t loop our Double Windsors quick enough.
Of course, not any old necktie will do. This is autumn, after all — and the colder months call for textured accessories. That means something like Emma Willis’ brown grenadine offering — or perhaps a suitably autumnal hopsack tie in orange from Hackett. And neckwear doesn’t end there. From Fendi to JW Anderson, designers have also foreseen the return of chunky knit scarves, such as Loro Piana’s cosy cashmere option.
It’s time to see red in your wardrobe
But it’s not all specific clothes, patterns and accessories. Colours come and go year-on-year, waxing and waning in popularity. And, where ‘rust’ and ‘mustard’ had their moments late last decade, 2020 looks to be the year of simple, basic red. From burgundy to crimson to scarlet, the colour of passion, desire and medium-rare steaks is soon to sear its way into our wardrobes.
It’s a good, autumnal choice. So why not pair it with that most essential piece of cold weather knitwear, the roll-neck? Our go-to would be Luca Faloni’s softer-than-soft option. Or, if you want to add a pop of colour under your suit, Emma Willis’ brightest button-down comes in a colour called, rather charmingly, ‘raspberry’. Of course, a deeper red is more versatile — as suavely evidenced by this smart-casual coat from Gieves & Hawkes.
Leather, suede and shearling will never go out of style
As with checks, shearling crops up on these trend lists every year. But, yet again, designers at recent fashion weeks delivered on leather’s chunkiest cousin — with houses from Hermes and Berluti to Prada and Lanvin earnestly waving the fuzzy, furry flag. We can see why. Shearling has a singular look, is yet to fall from fashion and will see you through even the chilliest spells this season.
But we’d leave the huge, statement collars for the catwalk. Something like Tom Ford’s more slimline take on the style is an excellent option to hop on the shearling bandwagon this autumn. Or, to forgo the fuzz altogether, Paul Smith’s simple suede option offers texture without the tuft — and you know how much we love a suede jacket. You can even join in if you don’t wear leather — with Sandro’s elegant cotton aviator jacket.
The humble cardigan is finally having a moment
Now here’s a fun one: Cardigans. The much-maligned, estranged cousin of the knitwear family, it would appear that these button-up jumpers are finally getting a look-in. And why not? In times of transitional weather, there are few layering pieces better to throw on than a thick cardigan. Somewhere between a coat and a light sweater, they’re highly practical and — if you choose wisely — surprisingly stylish.
That means no loud colours or patterns. Keep your newfound red colour palette and loud checks away from your cardigan. Instead, opt for neutral, versatile colours — such as this cream shawl neck from New & Lingwood, a deep, dark navy from Turnbull & Asser, or a mid-grey from Brunello Cucinelli.
Wondering what shoes to lace up this season? We’ve stamped out the best boots here…
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