Daniel RidingLooking around the clothing shops and fashion retailers, we are constantly seeing hints and tasters of new trends and styles coming in for AW13. As a typically proud ‘English Gent’, I am forever relaying my love for all things traditional that have an essence of English heritage. So if you are familiar with some of my previous articles, then you can understand my joy when it became apparent that the old English gent style and equestrian trend was making a return this autumn. As much as we are trying to resist the urge to utter ‘tally-ho old bean’, we at MFM are become slightly obsessed with this seasons version of an English Country Gent. Think Downton Abbey with a modern feel.
This particular style has been showing up in the collections of designers such as Valentino, Daks, Versace and Saint Laurent; all high flyers when it comes to design and style. In a previous Autumn Luxe piece we spoke about the introduction of checks and tartans into our wardrobes, and this is a wonderful introduction and transition in embracing the full country gent style. Current weather forecasts would also suggest that it may be time to begin considering layering up as the days get colder and we move into the golden months of autumn.
High street fashion retailers such as New Look have really hit the nail on the head with their AW13 Menswear look book. The trend is about patched blazers and flat caps; mixing autumn tones with tweed and pocket squares. This trend does bare some resemblance to the winter preppy trend; however this gent is more like to reside in a county manor rather than a university professor’s office. Both trends are wonderful if you love English heritage, so the crossovers will be apparent but it is up to you which side you gravitate towards more. The colour palette for this trend is as you would expect a reflection of all the wonderful colours we normally associate with the autumn season. Golds, oranges, yellows, greens, maroons, as well as browns and the hint of an occasional grey and navy tone. It is an excellent colour palette to work with and the way in which the majority of these colours complement each other, should allow for increased ease in outfit building. Layering is also key this season, as it is every year but with this particular trend it is vital in creating the right look. A layered knitwear piece is a perfect way to incorporate this trend, and who doesn’t love a good piece of quality knitwear?
Accessories
It goes without saying that we must not forget about the accessories, this kind of trend calls out for them in abundance. Flat caps and gloves are go to pieces, as are bags and shoes. Boots are also a possibility this season, and they fit in well with the country gent trend seamlessly.
Finally
This is a wonderful trend for this autumn and really encompasses the idea of a dapper country gent. There are many more pieces available than our favourites that we have shown you, and we can guarantee there are many more none of us will have seen that will drop into retailers and time soon. Is this a trend you are looking forward to wearing as much as we are? I don’t know about you, but I literally cannot wait for it to get colder so I can layer up like a good old English country gentleman.