Autumn/Winter menswear trends 2011

This A/W sees menswear really come into it’s own.
With confident designs and eye-catching new ways to wear old classics, there is a look for everyman to take him into the coming months with informed style and confidence.

Velvet jackets

Inspired sartorial luxury. Velvet jackets are the sophisticate’s choice for eveningwear this season. Seen in single and double-breasted designs on the catwalks of Lanvin, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, the velvet jacket captures the very essence of masculine elegance.

Traditional knitwear

Part of the heritage trend, traditional knitwear as seen in Raf Simons and Burberry Prorsum’s collections focuses on patters such as Fair Isle and cable knits for a warm texture and eye-catching depth of design.

Polo neck jumpers

Polo neck jumpers are an ideal way to capture retro style with a modern twist.
Worn on out and proud or underneath tailored jackets, the look was distinctly lounge lizard.
Salvatore Ferragamo used polo neck jumpers as a key feature in their A/W 11 collection teaming them with blazers and jackts for a layered effect.

Tartan

One of the most famous checks tartan is back with a vengeance this A/W.
From subtle dark hued pieces in Maison Martin Margiela through to the full on red tartan outfits of Moncler Gamme Bleu’s collection, an army of designers had created their version of the tartan trend. Whether it’s a whole tartan jacket or just a tartan side, this trend is one for every braveheart of style this season.

You're cordially invited…to wear corduroy!

With the autumn chill having firmly gripped the nation it’s time to reach for the warmer fabrics.
The once much maligned corduroy fabric is one of this season’s key trends and features from everything from trousers, shirts through to shoes and hats.

Corduroy has been a much loved favourite of farmers and good countrymen alike and often comes in vivid shades such as burgundy red, moss green or bottle blue.
In the USA there is even a corduroy appreciation society that involves mottos, secret handshakes and even strange rituals!

Aside from dove tailing with autumn menswear’s hot heritage trend, corduroy gives you excellent warmth with the deliciously soft cord texture of the fabric.
The velveteen-esque corduroy gives a cosy feeling on wear as well as screaming ‘touch me, touch me’ to others (making it a perfect choice for those hot dates).
Wear classic corduroy trousers with a check flannel shirt for a ruggedly rustic look or wear a corduroy shirt with jeans for a laidback style.

Mixing corduroy with other touchable fabrics like chunky knits, chambray and flannels really makes a simple yet effective statement. Perfect for keeping those autumn blues well at bay.

Tweet

You're mad if you're not a hatter!

Newsflash! Hats are back! Hurrah!

Autumn is well underway chaps.
Hats for men are enjoying a much needed renaissance. With retro styles and Mad Men inspired looks there has never been a better time for jumping headfirst into headwear.
I’m not talking about baseball caps and beanies; I mean a proper man’s hats.
A gentleman is merely a man without a good hat.

With this in mind it’s time to straighten up and fly right with the perfect headwear.
Hats are wonderfully versatile when worn with confidence and panache.
A flat cap is a great option for casual days. You can go for a classic country gent style and wear it with knitwear and a quilted or waxed jacket or modernise it with a t-shirt, casual tailored jacket and jeans for urban cool.
The trilby hat is one of the most popular styles and this is perfect for wearing with your workwear such as a suit and trench coat for a traditional city man-about-town flair or you can easily take it down the indie route by wearing it with jeans and a leather jacket.
This season the pork pie hat is the style of choice for the foppish, painfully hippest of cats. A favourite with jazz aficionados and 'Ol’ Blue Eyes' himself, Mr Frank Sinatra, the pork pie hat is perfect for those who want to get ahead of the pack.
I recently got my very first brown felt pork pie hat from a wonderful online store called Village Hats . With high quality, reasonable prices and a wealth of styles to choose from I found it to be one of the best sites for hats. The hat arrived in less than 5 days and was professionally packaged. And the hat itself fits like a dream and looks the business quite frankly.
Whatever style you go for there is a hat to suit you and your personality.

Tweet