23 Pro Tips to Elevate your Autumn Style
As decreed by me, and some of the best-dressed people I know
Breath hangs in the air, hands deliciously pinked, and the cashmere in our wardrobes mewls to be freed from its vacuum-packed sarcophagi. It’s official, cold weather season is here, and it’s time to get serious about looking our best.
But don’t just take my word for it. To make this column as useful as possible, I’ve enlisted advice from some of my most impeccably dressed friends. Together, we’ve compiled the easiest, most effective tips to help you nail your look this bullet nip season.
1 | Just get a sweater
Many men seem to overcomplicate what to wear under their winter coats and jackets, but the solution is incredibly simple: a fine-gauge sweater. Whether it’s an affordable option from Uniqlo or a luxe piece from Prada, it’s a versatile essential. Breathable in warmth, insulating in the cold, and effortlessly timeless, “a well-cut Merino wool crew neck sweater will go with everything,” confirms stylist Catherine Hayward.
2 | Don’t forget - it’s all about Brown
Right now, it’s all about dressing like a Twix. “Embrace chocolate brown. It’s quite chic to match the leaves on the trees, non?” Says menswear designer Daniel Fletcher. “Don’t be scared of wearing lots of shades of brown together.” Agrees the editor of Drake’s Diary, Finlay Renwick. It’s something I’m trying to embrace myself.”
3 | Remember, white denim looks better in winter
While I often reach for my favourite white jeans - be it a close-cut pair from L.E.J London or the slightly roomier Jil Sander - in the warmer months, I firmly believe they look even better in winter. The crisp brightness of a good white jean adds a burst of bright freshness to the potential schlumpiness of a cold-weather look. For proof, look no further than Tonne Goodman.
4 | Seek new Inspiration
Stop looking at red carpet images of over-styled celebrities, and instead broaden your moodboard horizons, says Finlay Renwick. “Look at vintage photos of old Italian men in the mountains or Japanese men fly fishing and just copy them.”
5 | Sort your hair out
Nothing looks worse than an unkempt, flyaway head of uncut hair. “Keep on top of haircuts!” agrees style director of Gentleman’s Journal Zak Maoui. “Get a good haircut.” says stylist Catherine Hayward. The best way to do so is by finding a hairdresser you trust and sticking with them. Mine is Joe Mills at Woolf Kings X and no, you can’t have him.
On styling, Angelo Mitakos, fashion editor of GQ, suggests; “Embrace messy hair. Wind and rain is going to mess it up, so lean in to Mother Nature.”
6 | And get it cut regularly
Equally as important as a good haircut is maintaining it with (very) regular trims. “Increase the frequency of your haircut.” Says British Fashion Council board member and founder of the Outsider’s Perspective, Jamie Gill. “I’m going every two weeks, which works so much better. I thought dragging it out for longer was possible, but it’s not.” Daniel Marks, founder of Townhouse Consultancy, agrees. “Get a really good haircut regularly.”
7 | Add a colourful full stop
Once you’ve got your haircut, it's time to cover it up! “Buy a colourful cashmere beanie, such as a ribbed one from Connolly - to keep you warm, even if you’re only wearing a light jacket, or to brighten up a boring suit.” Says style director of World of Interiors, Gianluca Longo. Begg & Co makes a good pop colour beanie, too.
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