The autumn/winter fashion season is always a bit of a shock to the system. It doesn't help that the clothes start to appear in the shops at a time when we feel that we should be basking in shorts, tees and sandals (even if the weather is so bad we're reaching for a raincoat).
Forget the bright colours of spring/summer, the autumn/winter colour palette takes on a darker hue, reflecting the early dark nights and the natural world around us. As the temperature drops, knitwear also comes to the fore, a woollen layer being added to the menswear mix.
So what can we expect to see in the shops — and, subsequently, our wardrobes — in the coming months? Here are some trends, colours and key items of the moment to help you stay at the front of the fashion pack.
Collegiate
One trend that reappears every now and again is the 50s Americana look, which often crops up at a time when things are looking a little bleak, as it harks back to the post-war boom years in the US when hopeful optimism was the overriding mood. This season it will manifest itself in bomber jackets, shearling-lined denim jackets, and chunky cardigans.
Military
Whether it's inspired by a subconscious desire to align oneself with the armed forces or a sense of nostalgia military is a crucial menswear trend this season. We'll be seeing lots of military-inspired greatcoats in dark greys and blacks, shearling flying jackets, knitwear with shoulder patches, shirts with pockets and epaulettes, layering of dark greens and browns, and boots — lots and lots of boots, both ankle — and calf-length, many with para-style straps.
Rustic/nomad
The great outdoors takes on a different complexion in the winter. If you're in the country in autumn/winter, you need to be wrapped up well. Big boots, hardy tweeds, lumberjack shirts, walking boots, quilted jackets and waxed coats are very much the order of the day and this season they have a grungey bohemian/nomadic twist.
Lots of dark colours are in evidence, with browns in particular being used for knitwear and suiting. The slimmer silhouette also seen in the season's other trends lend an air of sharpness, ensuring that countryside-oriented pieces don't look out of place in town.
key colour — brown
Brown was big in the 70s and, after years of struggling to make a big return, this season its impact will be felt strongly. If you're looking to be smart and on trend this season, you can't go far wrong with a brown suit. It also offers an intriguing new background for the rest of your clothing, with printed and patterned shirts blending perfectly with its earthy tones. Accessories also have a new dimension, with brown and tan footwear, satchels, and scarves and ties also helping to create a classic, sophisticated look.
key item — knitwear
When the chill sets in over the autumn and winter months, you can't beat knitwear made from high-quality wools to create a feeling of cosiness. Fleeces are all well and good, but a chunky jumper or cardigan made from a good Merino or cashmere feels great. They also have a certain pulling power: a quick snuggle with a cashmere-clad man on a cold evening will help kick-start more than one relationship.
This season, expect to see: lots of chunky jumpers worn over shirts, some with military-style patches on the shoulders and elbows; shawl-collared chunky cardigans, many tying in with the 50s collegiate trend; a fine-knit rollneck and luxurious, soft cashmere scarves worn around the neck to give a cocooning feeling.
key item — boots
What will we be wearing on our feet this season? In a word, boots. Boots are the ideal autumn/winter footwear, protecting our feet against the puddles and cold concrete we have to negotiate at this time of year. Taking a cue from the military trend, this season we'll be seeing lots of tall boots with buckles that will look very cool with rolled-up, slim-legged trousers.
The countryside is also a source of inspiration for footwear, with walking boots (paired with chunky woolly socks) providing an air of masculine robustness — great with a lumberjack-style plaid shirt and quilted gilet.
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