Trend Watch: A/W 2013

It might not feel like it right now, but the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections are about to land in store. The last of the summer clothes have been wittled out in the sales and we are getting a preview into what we will be wearing in the coming months.

If you are a menswear enthusiast (which I will assume you are), this is where you will really be coming into your own, because let’s be honest it’s much easier to dress in tailored pieces and long sleeve shirts when the temperatures drop a tad. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer weather, but I adore winter garments.

Below is a concise overview of my favourite trends for the coming A/W season – from the menswear collections, of  course.

The Prints:

Let’s talk big statement squares and exaggerated shapes. Whilst the women’s aisles are championing a punk variation of the kilt, the menswear collections are producing oversized plaid and bold check patterns galore. The chess board trend will be popping up on tailored suits, jackets and jumpers – if you thought the red chino was bold you’ve got another thing coming!

Where to shop the trend: Jil Sander  and Hackett.

Hackett
Image: Derek Rose

The Colours:

Whilst women’s magazines are flirting with blushes of pink, particularly for outerwear, the masculine trend has adopted a sultry palette of blues, greys and deep shades of blood red. The S/S 2013 double denim trend has paved the way for a more classy blue-on-blue look, from pastel shades to brights we are talking bold tones rather than an allusive navy. In fact instead of opting for navy for you formal attire, the trend is charcoal, ideally worn from top to toe.  And, reds? Think claret, Bordeaux and scarlet – the same shade as a vintage Barolo, and packing an equal punch.

Where to shop the trend: Topman Design, Richard James, YMC, Rake.

Topman Design
Image: ID Magazine

The Fabrics:

Womenswear has always flirted with fur, but this A/W the fabric really come into its own for the men.  The fur trend no longer lends itself exclusively to Russian oligarchy and the Inuit, this is a menswear trend set to be chic and highly wearable. From rabbit to mink, dashes of the material will be popping up on sweaters and outerwear in varying shades. Ever a contentious issue, the fur trend does not need to isolate those reluctant to wear the real deal, there will be an equal number of brands providing plush man-made alternatives.

Where to shop the trend: Jonathan Saunders and Emporio Armani.

Emporio Armani
Image: Made in Brazil

The Must Haves:

Every season there are a few stand out pieces that serve as a requirement for the coming months. A/W 2013 sees outerwear take centre stage, with the baseball jacket and the cape claiming their places as the must have garments for the colder months. Unlike its S/S 2013 predecessor, the A/W baseball jacket is slimline and created from wool blends, cashmeres, leather, suede and lambswool lining. The cape has been gracing the ladies lines for a while now but it had yet to step firmly in to menswear, until now. A statement piece if ever there was one, a cape creates a crisp and sophisticated look which is sure to make an impact.

Where to shop the trend: Trussardi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Oliver Spencer, Calvin Klein Collection.

Oliver Spencer
Image: Show Studio

The Footwear:

I have an unhealthy obsession with shoes but have minuscule feet, so I am overjoyed that women’s brands are championing masculine inspired footwear this season. The brogue and the loafer continues to be on trend, but what’s really turning heads is the monk strap. Last year they were all the rage with men, but this year the women’s aisles have nicked the trend and the double monk strap is set to be prevalent.

Also of note, is the hiking boot. Whilst your monks will channel prep, elegance and city slicking, think icy tundra and last year’s big, burly beards (a hard one for a woman to channel) for the chunky boot trend. The rugged explorer look continues, and the hiking boot is at its forefront.

Where to shop the trend: Russell & Bromley, Bally, Topman Design

Bally
Image: derriuspierre.com