Winter coats for men
A coat is a season staple, and will be worn every day for months. Whilst it is essential to keep warm on the coldest days, there is no need to compromise on style. Vast selection of styles and colours are available to choose from, and there is a fashionable, practical coat for every man and every budget.
Choose a quality wool or wool-blend fabric in neutral colour. Remember that the coat will be worn on a daily basis for as long as the cold weather holds out, so it needs to go with other outfits and accessories. Shades of black, grey or brown are ideal.
There is an array of styles available on the high street. The traditional overcoat is a classic and will always look stylish worn over a business suit or formal wear. Its longer length makes it ideal for commuting on the coldest days, and it remains the ultimate sophisticated style. The duffle coat is making a comeback and is selling fast for its timeless style and versatility, as it looks good worn over a business suit by day or with jeans by night.
Funky, fashionable and smart, the pea coat is perfect for work and play. The coat should be hip-length. Choose a double-breasted style with sharp pocket detail, and finish with a scarf.
For extra warmth as the cold sets in, a coat with a funnel-neck gives a little extra coverage, but still allows room for a scarf.
If business suits are not required, the biker jacket is a wardrobe classic, and can be found in a variety of styles and fabrics, although the iconic leather biker is the ultimate men’s jacket. This is definitely worth a little extra investment, as the right piece will be loved for a long time for its versatility and elegance.
Mens coats
A guide to mens formalwear
As the party season is now upon us, perhaps it’s time to have a look at mens formal attire, the dos and don’ts. Formalwear can be quite easy to master however you will probably find sticking to the basics a bit boring if you have quite a flair for fashion so it’s good to know what is okay for formalwear and what isn’t, if you want to push some boundaries.
Shirts
White shirts are classic however just because its classic, doesn’t mean you should stick to it opting for a colour can give your whole suit a fresh look plus it will help you stand out from the crowd and look less like a cater waiter. You should always try and stay on right side of conservative with your Republic shirts and opt for muted colours and light patterns. Remember though some colours don’t always look right with black so look for a shirt that does or opt for a different colour suit.
Suit colour
So you can go for traditional black which works in most setting, however opting for a different coloured suit is becoming more popular. You should stay away from light coloured suits, such as grey and pale blue these do not look good on anyone, instead opt for navy blue, dark brown or burgundy to change it up a bit. You can get away with slightly brighter coloured shirts too with coloured suits. Make sure you tie in you tie so it goes with both your suit and shirt, pocket handkerchiefs are having a bit of a revival so why not add a matching one to your outfit.
Sizing
There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting suit, either one which is too big and baggy or one which is on the short/small size. If you have an old suit make sure it fits correctly if you haven’t worn it for a while, don’t leave it to the last minute and make do. Suits can be expensive but making sure you wear one which fits you correctly will be value for money, what’s the point of wearing a bad fitted suit only to look stupid?
Accessories
Finally make sure your shoes and accessories match your suit, so no brown shoes with a black suit and vice versa. If you have opted for a coloured suit then look for shoes which will compliment them; brown suit with brown or tan shoes which also work well with burgundy. If you’re going for a blue suit then go foe navy shoes and make sure your belt matches. Finally get your socks right, no white socks only black, brown or blue depending on your colour scheme.
Simple
Forties Glamour
This autumn/winter 2011-12, is seeing a rise in forties fashion. With retro fashion items such as: furs, pearls, gloves, shrugs and of course the pencil skirt, all increasing in popularity. Why, you might ask? Well, this season has seen an increase in a variety of famous designers, including: Frida Giannini at Gucci, Miuccia Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier and Donna Karan who have all tried to influence the return of forties fashion.
Donna Karan exclaims “This collection was about the empowerment of women, their words of wisdom and their ability to be strong and take a stand without giving up their femininity.” And she explains this is what has influenced her to bring back the bold statements pieces such as the famous, knee length skirt.
Other designers, such as Gaultier, kept it sexy and included a slight modern-edge to the collection, by adding a revealing thigh-high slit to pencil skirts, while Jonathan Saunders used a series of unexpected colour combinations to help and an ‘upbeat vibe.’
Whatever your fashion style, you would be stupid to miss out on ‘forties fashion’ this season. For those who aren’t as confident when it comes to fashion, you could always start by adding just a few pearls to an outfit. Once the confidence is gained, you can always go the extra-mile and go for the complete look!
Forties fashions
Accessories for men
Accessories are often associated with ladies’ fashion, but they form an important part of every man’s capsule wardrobe and no man should shy away from accessorizing. As well as being essentials that he cannot live without, accessories also complete an outfit, adding style and flair as well as helping him make a look his own.
During the winter months, every man needs a good scarf. Make a statement with a bold design scarf from brands such as ETRO, or for a more subtle effect, try a lambswool or cashmere mix design, from the range by Dents.
When choosing gloves, it is wise to select two pairs, one for work and one for the weekend. Piping gloves including the range by Aquasutum are ideal to complement a suit and overcoat whereas plainer gloves such as the collection by Linea are very versatile for downtime.
Hats are back and bigger than ever, if this season’s trapper hat is anything to go by. This is the ideal choice for ultimate warmth, and looks great with jeans and a jacket. During the working week, a knitted hat in a single neutral colour adds style.
A wallet needs to be practical but an eye-catching piece will make an impact and is a great style statement. Check out the collection from Fred Perry or Hugo Boss.
And finally, they may come free at the station, but there is no need to settle when it comes to travel-card holders. The department store is a great place to start hunting for one.
Mens top accessories
Iconic British fashion brand – Firetrap
When thinking of contemporary British design one fashion brand comes to mind and that is Firetrap. The iconic brand which capitalises its birthplace; London takes aspects of youth culture and trends from London plus major cities around the globe such as Paris, New York and Tokyo to create their style.
Firetrap was founded in 1993 just when Britpop was forming and on the tail end of grunge style, so these elements were taken into consideration when the company was defining their style. Over the years the company have always stuck with a dark, edgy style perfect for those with a rebellious attitude to fashion which can easily be seen in their standalone stores.
Firetrap have not only standalone stores, but also numerous concession stores, selling in over 30 countries with 1,500 outlets worldwide as well as a huge online presence, you can get Firetrap clothing from Designerwear as well as many other online stores.
Like other brands Firetrap also champion new music as a way of communicating with their customers, looking into underground music talent at venues around the country. During 2009 Firetrap were heavily involved in many of the definitive music and fashion events. They offer endorsement to up and coming artists and Firetrap have also been headline sponsors of the Stag & Dagger festival, plus they were also the sponsor of Bestival’s first ever signing lounge and press area.
Firetrap clothing for A/W 11/12
Paul Smith receives fashion’s top award
British designer Paul Smith has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards.
The title is the BFA’s highest honour, and acknowledges Paul Smith’s innovative and unique contribution to the British fashion industry during a career that has spanned four decades, beginning when he left school at the age of 15. He opened his first clothing store in 1970 and unveiled his first menswear collection six years later. Today, there are twelve collections under the Paul Smith label.
Paul Smith’s spring/summer 2012 collection was unveiled at London Fashion Week, echoing the classic British essence that has made Paul Smith a national favourite. The collection fused colour blocks of bright orange and navy hues. Layering featured strongly alongside blue jeans and tapered trousers. Sharply tailored jackets gave way to striking shirts with skinny ties in coordinating colours. Belts stayed skinny and shoes were glossy and black – or a daring leopard print. The collection is wearable and the result is slick, sharp and stylish. It seems that Paul Smith has done it again.
Paul Smith
Striking Slacks: A Stand-Out Summer Staple
Cocktail trousers for men may be difficult to pull off but are undoubtedly the most fashion-forward piece of clothing for summer 2012. Long before Paris Fashion Week opened its doors, Prada had presented floral trousers for men and more recently, Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten exhibited wide horizontal striped trousers in gallant gold, nautical navy and crisp white. Cattle ranch chic trousers also helped to lead the way, teamed up with oversized blazers, sporty macs and trench coats.
Dries Van Noten’s show featured paint-splattered effect bleached denims in creams and light blues and peach plaid pants combined with loose fitting cardigans and mohair/angora, ripped sweaters – a highly marketable collection that will be both practical and stylish in nature if you wish for a tame take on punk. Long shorts worn with high black boots and black socks were Dries Van Noten’s alternative to the long trouser look.
Lanvin, meanwhile, chose to close their Paris catwalk show with a memorable pair of wide trousers sporting vertical stripes. At YSL, designer Stefano Pilati showed smart suit trousers equipped with pockets akin to those found on combat trousers, combining formal and casual to create one unique, easy to wear look. Pilati saved his best creation to last – a wild pair of animal print slacks. Regular commuters may notice this print as being akin to that found on Métro train seats. Dior Homme’s cropped turn-up trousers proved themselves to be a true tailoring triumph. Outside of the catwalk show, men enhanced their bravado with bright-chinos.
Men’s Double Breasted Jackets and Coats
Double breasted jackets and coats can conjure images of 80’s power suits and shoulder pads when the goal of the double breasted look was to add volume to give the impression of overpowering size and intimidation. In 2011-2012 however, the overbearing reputation of the double breasted jacket has been turned upside down and made fresh for Autumn with a toned down tailored cut. The new double breasted look lets a man’s natural shape speak for its self, creating an overall more approachable look.
Jack & Jones clothing black double breasted coat which is below is streamlined to create a more toned down version of the classic cut. The new paired down version is universally wearable due to its conservative good looks as well as its increased functionality. With more material closer to the body around the body’s core, the new double breasted coats are warmer than the older oversized version.
With the coat fitting closer to the body cool air cannot get inside of the coat and the body’s natural warmth is kept in. The more tailored, lower profile cut is also universally flattering allowing men who may be shorter in stature to wear this look without the heft of the coat overpowering a smaller frame. Republic clothing has a great selection of coats and jackets ready for winter some are featured below.
Mens coats from Republic
Men’s Fashion Designers
Every year we see several new fashion designers emerge from the darkness, but very few stick around for the long haul. These four top fashion designers have made a huge impact on the men’s fashion industry in the past few years.
Michael Bastian
New York based, Michael Bastian is known as a very basic designer. His original mission was to create a clothing range that was so broad that it would appeal to almost anyone. His main look focuses around American style clothing, but with subtle flairs. Over the past five years, since the creation of his very own menswear range, Bastian has managed to cement his place in the industry as one of Americas fashion elites.
Michael Bastian
Tim Hamilton
Tim Hamilton is primarily known as a menswear designer. After winning the CFDA/Swarovski award in 2009 for best men’s wear designer, his clothing range has been stocked in some of the most prestigious fashion shops in the world. Hamilton is known for his preppy, yet masculine designs that simply serve as an upgrade to the everyday man’s wardrobe.
Tim Hamilton
Keanan Duffty
One of the most eccentric British designers of all time, Keanan Duffty is known for his rock ‘n’ roll inspired designs. With a cult following and large host of celebrity fans such as; David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Billy Corgan, Duffty has established himself as one of the world’s most important designers. His range has been credited as one of the most fun and cutting-edge of all time, often using strange fabrics and industry taboos to create a sense of individuality.
Ozwald Boateng
London based designer, Ozwald Boateng has quickly made a name for himself in the United States, having designed specialist outfits for celebrities such as; Laurence Fishburne, Mick Jagger and Jamie Foxx. After opening his first Savile Row store at the age of 23 he has gone from strength to strength. His range oozes sophistication, focusing heavily on luxuriously designed suits.
With the past decades emergence of so many men’s fashion designers, the industry has seen a boom in interest that was lost in past years and with the rise of these designers, people from all sorts of backgrounds have started to take more of an active interest in what they’re wearing.
Metallics
Have you noticed the subtle increase in metallic colours within our wardrobe? Now that you have thought about it, they seem to be everywhere. Metallics are going in the way of sequin Republic dresses, with liquid shades of silver and gold becoming a popular colour for skinny jeans and shiny shades of blues and reds are cropping up on everything from pencil skirts to woolly jumpers.
The key to conquering this look would be to avoid going OTT. One shining piece is all you need to ensure your look is stand-out without looking like you are from out-of-space. You should aim to mix you metallic piece with simple shirts, basic knits and matte, leather accessories.
It is important to remember, you don’t have to wear this look to ensure you stand out from the crowd. Metallic jewellery in the form of necklaces or cuffs can be a nice addition to an outfit, without being too much. You don’t have to steal the show.
On the other hand, it can be nice to stand out, especially if you have a nightlife event or a special occasion to go to. Sequin dresses, can be bold statement, and are proving to be very popular this season. When wearing a sequin dress, you should wear minimal jewellery and minimal make-up; you don’t want to distract the attention from your lovely (and most likely expensive) dress!
If a dress isn’t really your style, but you really want to try out the look, then be a bit different. There’s certainly nothing wrong with pairing up metallic jumpers or a blazer with a pair of tailored trousers! Go for it!
Metallics and glitter
