The Menswear edit
From eye-popping knits and 70s twists to an homage to Americana, menswear makes a defiant stand this season.
After a tumultuous first half of the year, find out how designers are fighting back with a heady mix of expressionism, nostalgia and realism, and a colour palette that will give you reason to smile
Get into the groove
Retro suits, polo necks and oversized knits? The 70s are back.
If you thought tailoring was the remit of the 9-to-5ers then think again because this season the suits are the creative bunch. Charcoal uniformity is out and 70s-inspired suiting is in, with retro cuts by The Kooples being paired with multi-coloured knits and polo neck jumpers by River Woods and Tommy Hilfiger. Trousers ditch the tapered look in favour of wide flowy styles, while cardigans come slouchy and embellished with vibrant prints. The tie (remember that?) takes a back seat as geometric print polos by Calvin Klein gazump the old idea of ‘smart’. All hail the 70s!
Contemporary corduroy
Cord is making a comeback. And these are the key pieces to make pulling this look off, easy.
Once the predilection of geography teachers, corduroy is now well and truly a fashion fabric and we can get behind that. The super tactile cloth has been rejuvenated by the likes of Suitsupply and Van Gils in tailoring, trousers and oversized outerwear, adding texture and depth to baggy silhouettes. At McArthurGlen outlets, you’ll find stunning co-ord suits in rich autumnal hues by The Society Shop and Gentiluomo, but the real head-turners come via Van Gils and Suitsupply in the shape of funky cord outerwear. Sophistication is a tonal look of browns and beige, but be sure to break it up with a few pops of bright blue, orange or yellow hues.
Function, meet fashion
Take cues from utilitarian styling with protective layering, oversized fits and functional details.
If 2020 was the year we had to be ready for anything, then designers took note with a utilitarian trend that focused on functionality. Brands such as Diesel took a protective approach with oversized padded layers, quilted outerwear, and more pockets that even the modern man could fill with personal gadgets. With coordinated commuter trousers reinforcing the streetwear-inspired look, there’s nothing that this aesthetic isn’t ready for. Pair it with your favourite sneakers and sweatshirts and you’re good to go.
Welcome to the wild west
Channel your inner cowboy with denim jackets, chequered shirts and oversized silhouettes.
There’s comfort in nostalgia this season as designers from Calvin Klein to The Kooples took a trip to the midwest in a celebration of Americana. All the classic motifs are there: the shearling collars, oversized capes, Buffalo check, fringe details and Stetson hats, but it has all been rounded up with a modernist’s lasso, with some strong outerwear silhouettes by Karl Lagerfeld. The trick here is incorporating big layers and mixing up your textures, so think suede, leather, faux fur, corduroy and denim to achieve that rugged, outdoorsy look.
Suave and sophisticated
Shine through this autumn-winter with embellished finishes and plush fabrics.
If there was ever a year to to be defiantly glamorous it’s this one. Designers such as The Kooples are taking a stand with a sophisticated and seductive take on evening dressing. With a dark but tactile palette that combines velvet, satin and lurex with metallic embellishments, we’re loving the tuxedo blazers and evening suits by Van Gils. While there’s something inherently masculine about dark sartorial shapes, this season’s cuts are balanced with sequins, crystals and sparkly fabrics, perfect for those special occasions.
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