Although we are sad to see summer draw to a close, we’re looking forward to overhauling our wardrobes for the new season ahead. With menswear trends coming in that we can’t wait to wear, we’ve rounded up eight key pieces to give your style a contemporary twist.
While fashion is all about moving forward, the men’s autumn/winter ’18 runway was all about looking back. From the most esteemed luxury brands to today’s most exciting emerging designers, collections took a vintage turn, with America’s Old West cited as a key inspiration. In the coming months, as the trees turn golden and the evenings bring a chill, we’ll be seeing a lot more leather, shearling, heavy duty shirts, plaid and dark denims. Wearing one or two pieces that nod to this trend amps up your style credentials without your outfit looking like a cowboy costume.
We're also seeing throwbacks to the '90s with the return of logos and slogans, but this time, it's a little more grown-up. And this is a common trait throughout many of the menswear collections this season – from beautifully tailored coats, richer fabrics and more streamlined basics, everything feels more sophsiticated, assured and refined. We hope those three qualities define our autumn wardrobe, and every season after that too.
The new season has brought an array of menswear trends that we can't wait to wear. Here, we round up eight key pieces to work into your wardrobe to give your style a contemporary twist.
The Jacket: Belfstaff Arne Shearling-Trimmed Leather Jacket, £1,295
This shearling-trimmed jacket from Fenwick favourite Belstaff ticks a lot of AW18 trend boxes. And while it’s on-trend for the coming season, with its boxy fit and heavyweight materials, it’s a classic piece that will serve you season after season. External pockets, concealed fastenings and a detachable collar help it strike that perfect balance between stylish and practical.
The Jumper: Saturdays New York City Bowery Miller Sweater, £120
Slogan jumpers are back in a big way, giving us nostalgia for the logo-saturated days of the '90s. This time round, the trend is more refined, as seen at Burberry and Fendi, and here by cult favourite Saturdays New York City. The Bowery Miller sweatshirt is this label’s take on classic athletic attire, stamped with their neat branding. Made from a medium weight French terry cloth, the sweater softens over time so the more you wear it, the more you’ll love it.
The Shirt: Rag & Bone Fit 2 Tomlin Shirt, £150
Check was the hero pattern of the AW18 offering. We saw checks in tartan, windowpane, plaid and Prince of Wales, which is why we’re adding this Rag & Bone Fit 2 Tomlin shirt to our wardrobes immediately. Its navy and red pattern is an all-round pleaser, and you can smarten it up with its button down collar, or wear it over a white tee with the sleeves rolled up for a more relaxed look.
The Boots: Kurt Geiger Bennett Chelsea Boots, £119
Leather boots are a perennial autumn/winter essential, and every year, the Chelsea boot re-emerges as a sartorial saviour, offering the perfect solution for smart and casual dressing. These Bennett boots from Kurt Geiger jump on this season’s penchant for the colour brown, and they have that subtle nod to the Old Americana aesthetic taking over the runways. Whether you’re wearing denim, chinos or something more tailored, you’ll return to these time after time.
The Bag: Etro Carpet Embroidery Jacquard Backpack, £1,200
Fashion has done an incredible job of reviving the humble backpack, transforming it from schoolboy essential to sophisticated menswear must-have. For AW18, Etro has combined absolute luxury with vintage charm in this embroidery jacquard backpack, the ultimate new-season accessory. Its rustic pattern, plush colours and durable weave give this backpack equal appeal to the suave dandy as to the rugged adventurer, while zippered pockets and leather buckles give it practical credence.
The Trousers: Polo Ralph Lauren Corduroy Trousers, £135
Light wash jeans and stone chinos have seen us through the summer, but as we welcome the new season, it’s time to break out the warmer colours and richer fabrics. These corduroy trousers in caramel are one of the shades of the season, and their clean tailoring makes them a versatile option – whether you want to smarten them up with a shirt and those Kurt Geiger Bennett boots or dress them down with the Saturday NYC Bowery Miller sweater and trainers.
The Hat: Barbour Redshore Flat Cap, £31.95
It seems a little obvious to say that hats are a key accessory for the colder and wetter months of autumn and winter, however throughout the AW18 shows, designers made a point of covering men’s heads in an array of styles – from beanies, hoods and caps through to balaclavas, silk scarves and jewelled headpieces. While we spotted lots of cowboy hats coming down the runway, we think this Redshore flat cap from Barbour nods to this trend in a far more wearable way.
The Overcoat: Oscar Jacobson Saul Coat, £599
Lots of designers showed layers of outerwear this season, stacking two or three coats or parkas at a time. This has the dual benefit of keeping you warm in the cold that is to come while also showing off your sartorial chops. Whether you decide to wear this cashmere and wool coat from Oscar Jacobson on its own or layered, it is the epitome of masculine elegance. Its double-breasted fastenings and herringbone pattern secure its timeless style, so you can return to it season after season.
_Image courtesy of Belstaff_