Fashion Correspondent is a monthly column curated by recognised voices from within the world of style. This edition is curated by Menswear Style Director Gareth Scourfield. Discover his chosen looks that will stand the test of time and are all available from the shops at King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard.
Investing in the right menswear pieces can transform your wardrobe into a versatile and adaptable collection that lasts beyond a single season. Wiser men want to learn about the nuances of enduring style, not just the quick fix of a fickle trend. They want to overcome style conundrums like: how can they layer a look successfully? What makes a great tonal outfit? How can they get the most wears out of their favourite coat?
Thankfully, menswear has never been in ruder health, both on and off the high street, thanks to a spattering of trends and brands that are considering the longer game and not just offering fleeting fashion. So, whether you’re in a dilemma about the new dress code for work, thinking about what actually makes a great weekend outfit, or wondering if you can you really wear a coloured suit (you can btw) there is one shopping destination in London that has your back.
Coal Drops Yard in London’s King Cross offers some of the best curated menswear brands in town, many of which not only align with seasonal trends but also consider longevity and sustainability, giving you the flexibility to invest in buying clothes that reflect your personal style and stand the test of time.
Photo credit: Tom Green.
Tailoring that takes a leaf out of autumn
Paul Smith
One of the best things about autumn is the fiery colour change nature brings. This melding of russet colours laid out like a leafy patchwork carpet has inspired a number of brands this season. The master of colour blending, Paul Smith has imbued his collection with a rich mix of burnt orange, russet reds, and conker browns. The brand has built a loyal fan base over the years with its less conventional approach to tailoring and offers a more individualistic approach to dressing. Embrace the colour codes of the season by adopting these autumnal shades into your tailoring and outerwear. Play with the scale of the wool check fabrics as you layer up and offset this pattern mix with a solid colour shirt and tie or knitwear. Wear a classic leather lace up derby shoe to give your outfit a polished and considered finish.
4. Silk Tie
5. Derby Shoes
Want to elevate your style? Layer up in tonal colours
MHL.
I’ve been a big fan of Margaret Howell’s philosophy towards buying new clothes; the more considerate the buy the longer the wear. This approach to building your wardrobe with resilient pieces that transcends fickle trends is in the DNA of the MHL. line by Howell. It often plays on the workwear theme of durable and practical pieces, which never go out of fashion, and each piece works effortlessly with pieces from the previous season. Understated and crafted in the finest fabrics, this is ‘quiet luxury’ at its best. The carefully considered colour palette makes for an easy win if you want to elevate your style with little fuss. The many utilitarian pieces offer endless possibilities for mixing and matching, allowing you to maximise the versatility of each garment which will become firm favourites in your wardrobe.
8. Poplin Shirt
10. Walking Boot
Why wardrobe essentials are always in style
LESTRANGE
I first wore a pair of LESTRANGE 24-hour trousers some years ago on a trip to New York. They were hands down the best pair of comfortable trousers to travel in AND they look super smart when I arrived, thanks to the crease-resistant fabric. The brand has gone onto expand the quintessential capsule wardrobe with a responsibility to the planet being just as important as the clothes themselves. If you need to start building a wardrobe with minimal effort and maximum impact, this is a pretty good place to start. Using a very limited colour palette (a good thing) means every piece can work seamlessly together, from the regenerative cotton blazers and organic cotton shirts to my favourites, the smart bomber and flannel wool trousers. Pared back or layered up, these pieces will see you though this season and beyond.
11. Wool Trousers
12. Bomber Jacket
13. Jersey Shirt
Get your gorpcore on
Outsiders Store
As we embrace the great outdoors this season, one question you should ask yourself is: What would Bear Grylls or Ben Fogle wear? Thanks to the continued trend of Gorpcore, a group of traditionally practical but less sexy brands have made their way off rugged mountains, down into cool urban hang outs. Some of the best looking and most functional of these can be found in Outsiders Store, a shop which offers more Gorpcore brands than you could shake a carabiner at. It has outerwear that combines style with practicality, think Gore-Tex jackets with adjustable hoods and multiple pockets. Cosy button up pattern fleece tops, functional trousers and a range of footwear that grips to any terrain, whether you’re descending a rocky hilltop or traversing an urban cobbled street. These functional layers not only keep you protected but will add an element of style to your outdoor adventures this season. Though you’re just as likely to see these outdoorsy brands pop up at your local pub as you would inside a pop-up tent.
18. Kavu Fleece
Many ways to wear two shades
COS
Investing in the right clothes, shouldn’t always mean a raid on your wallet. High street favourite COS offer the best seasonal wardrobe essentials with thoughtful detailing. Look for those pieces that never go out of style, like a long winter coat, cosy knitwear, tailored trousers or a good chunky boot and THEN stick to a monotone pallet. There’s a reason the fashion pack dress in black. Timeless simplicity. Paring black & white clothes together, allows for multiple outfit choices, layering up pieces will add interest with texture and pattern and don’t shy away from mixing in stripes, checks and spots. It will give a depth of interest to your outfit.
21. Wool Overcoat
22. Half-Zip Jumper
23. Wool Trousers
24. Chelsea Boots