How to look Bold in Autumn
Mango wool grey coat | Massimo Dutti wool and cashmere rollneck | Brooks Brothers burgundy cotton chinos | Berwick tan Chelsea boots | John & Paul cashmere scarf
The title may say Autumn; however, I write this post with the knowledge that outside temperature is rushing down extremely fast. And as always it wouldn't be me if I did not try to come up with some tips for you how to look good and yet with a warm feeling. Therefore I want to introduce to you two outfits - one very elegant and comfortable, which is the connection you may not have in your vocabulary - till now. And the second outfit, which has its roots in the British way of thinking and even though I'm wearing a suit, I promise you it will be practical and enjoyable.
The very first outfit consists of a wool coat which is presumably the first thing you will notice. The classic grey coat is easy to find, and there are only two points you need to be careful about - material and cut. Please do not consider specific coat if it is composed of anything else than natural wool or cotton if you are looking for water-repellent adjustment. Being said wool means it can be classic lamb wool, alpaca, vicuna or cashmere. Only then you can be sure it is going to be much warmer, comfortable and long-lasting than any other non-natural material.
Then cut, which is a thing that depends on our taste. We, however, may say with certainty that too loose or too tight is regularly wrong. I aim for a comfortable, slim cut but to be sure that jacket or suit can still be fitted underneath. I prefer generous lapels and length. The extra length will help you to be more resistant against cold and is also more elegant. Should you aim for something more practical and sporty, I recommend a short pea coat. It is important to say, that coat chosen with care will stay with you for many years if not decades and the possibility of combinations are endless.
What is very important here is soft sand wool and cashmere rollneck supported with a checked cashmere scarf. This outfit could be winter right away! But since it's almost freezing out there, I don't mind a little bit more warm layering. What is, on the contrary, not essential to me that much are the trousers. I opt for classic cotton chinos as I like to switch to woollen trousers later in the winter. Burgundy colour is an excellent combination with a grey coat. And finally, tan Chelsea boots are a synonym for comfort, elegance and versatility. All complemented by wool pocket square.
Barbour Beaufort wax jacket | Blazek grey pinstripe suit | Massimo Dutti black brogue boots & wool and cashmere sweater | John & Paul silk and cashmere tie
The second possibility is using British heritage. Barbour is a brand founded in 1894, which is quite a long time. Since then, the label climbed a social ladder to the top, and their iconic wax jackets are recognizable all over the world as a mark of the great taste of their wearer. Everyone from the British royal family to the mortals value the brand for its comfort, water-repellent and long-lasting performance. Possible to wear with a shirt, sweater, suit or kilt its casual look became eventually elegant. And I decided to show you one of the possibilities of how to wear it, that being said, use Barbour jacket as protector of a suit.
In inhospitable conditions, Barbour jacket may perfectly protect you from cold and rain while having many pockets inside and outside, probably even more than you need. Thanks to that, you may no longer adjust your clothing to the weather. I choose a light grey pinstripe suit together with my winter brogue boots. As a base layer, I wear a plain cotton shirt with knitted silk and cashmere tie and sweater from wool and cashmere.
As you see, you may change your city look thanks to one piece as this jacket to the sudden country look where you are prepared for unwelcoming conditions and all day relax and comfort. And at the top of it, you will look damn good.
The summary is, in Autumn, I don't step down from looking good. I only advise you to concentrate on your base layers to keep yourself warm and on the outer layers to look good while having on mind its advantages. Let me know which look you like more and why. Should you have any questions or want to piece of advice regarding anything, do not hesitate to let me know.
Yours sincerely,
Denis
