FCI’m loving the way menswear has adopted a rugged ‘Great Outdoors’ theme for AW13 – heavy duty hiking boots, rich autumnal palettes, chunky knits and fur trims – grrrrr, manly. The trend is all about layering up, beneath your outerwear and braving the elements in an oh so effortlessly chic manner. French Connection have created a versatile AW13 menswear collection ideal for dressing you for the entirety of the cooler months. This season their menswear urban uniform looks like it’s come straight out of the countryside (huzzah!).

A standout piece from the AW13 range has to be their squirrel print sweatshirt– a tongue and cheek nod to the great outdoors if ever there was one. Part of the reason I love menswear is because of prints like this – how many womenswear shirts have you seen of late with a rodent print?fc2If quirky squirrel prints aren’t rustic enough for you, I recommend looking at French Connection’s Shackleton inspired coat, even if you’re not planning a polar expedition anytime soon who doesn’t love a removable fur trim and a heavy-duty piece of outerwear that could take you on an adventure or two? Living in Sweden, where the first flurries of snow have already appeared this is definitely the coat for me, it’s got a padded body and high collar making it ideal for keeping out the gale force winds.

With Antarctica covered, FC Jeans favour water over ice in their collection, drawing inspiration from the sea with oil waxed Harrington style jackets through to classic fisherman’s shirts. As my style tends to veer towards preppy at the best of times, I’m a big fan of the Windfall quilted jacket. Continuing the wilderness theme, I love the rich and autumnal colours and repeating prints featured, giving the collection a heritage feel.09-10 0043 11On the subject of jackets, French Connection have produced one of my favourite high street bombers this season, entitled the Advent Harrington (above). With a different look and feel altogether, the bomber is part of French Connection’s Christmas collection – a pole apart from the country-vibe.

Drawing inspiration from the 80s clubbing scene (who doesn’t love an old skool rave reference?) slogan prints, psychedelic digital printed jersey and knitwear contrast with the aforementioned rustic look. Always one for a bold print, I am loving the liquorice all sorts print shirt (see image 2) – a sartorial nod to our younger years. The look is slim and sharp, with black trousers and colour block knits used to tone down otherwise busy prints.

If, like me, you have peroozed French Connection’s womenswear aisles on many occasions, I highly recommend a sidestep into their menswear section this season. With XS available, even the most petite of girls can embrace the AW13 trends and battle it out with the boys.

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