Autumn/Winter FAshion
The weather may be cooling but Luxury
Life International’s James W Phillips has
the trends to make you hot fashion news…
TasTe
of the season
WITH AUTUMN UPON US and the last vestiges of sunshine,
we are finding ourselves contemplating the transition to
our winter wardrobe. No matter how painful this sounds
we have to face that fact we have a good five months of
cold weather ahead – but never fear, I have some tips to
keep you attired in good taste.
Ditch the flip flops – please. Summer is over, and I am not
even sure they were a good idea to start with, if you don’t
have a tan! Working in the City I see so many mistakes; but
having said that, while a man in a well-tailored suit was once
a rare sight, I do spot at least two gentlemen a day with a
double-breasted suit with wide lapels and smart shoes.
Cotton suits are becoming the borderline choice with the
cold weather blowing in. Reach for your winter wools now, or
if you only have cotton, grab yourself a knitted tank top from
TM Lewin to wear underneath. This passes for the waistcoat
look and is hugely smart. But do make sure you colour code it
with your suit. I have three – navy, black and grey.
When wearing wool suits, match your tie up in the same
fabric and keep the colour tones throughout, but never
wear the same pocket square colour as your tie. Keep the
bright colours for the ’90s, they have no place in your
wardrobe. Oh, and please, please bin the comedy socks. (But
I know I can trust you, right?) Going sockless has been in
the news lately and you can still get away with it up until
November. After then your socks should match your loafers.
always a winner, or a simple fitted white shirt and blue v-
neck jumper. But wear those show stopper sneakers you
have saved up for, leave the double monk straps or lace-ups
for the office, and slip on your Valentinos or Giuseppe
Zanottis, even with your blazer. If these are out of budget
go for an understated high street brand – but please, never
ever your old luminous running trainers with last week’s
mud on... just don't do it!
Remember the season; colours should be muted, tasteful
and autumnal. Feel free to wear a thin cable knit under your
biker jacket – this looks great with white sneakers. Wearing
shorts is reserved for next summer, or your next Caribbean
get-away, but let’s make a call to action right here and
agree to ban the three-quarter length cargo packet shorts…
please?
So remember, dress for the season, not the memories of
your summer holiday. Embrace this time of year and head
into autumn with your head held high, your wardrobe
showing distinction, taste and class – and show off your
new attire on Instagram for the world to see.
Follow me on instagram @james-w_phillips
Hats are making somewhat of a comeback, even the bowler.
Yes, this is true; I have seen two city gentlemen sporting
bowlers already and I am just itching to buy one! Don’t work
in the City but at your local business park or have a blue-
collar job? Well there is no difference; dress for success,
wherever you may be. Be the standard bearer for the male
race and really show the world you mean business.
And what about weekend casual wear? My philosophy is
stay sharp for business, stay cool at weekends, in skinny
ripped jeans, v-neck T and fitted light coat. A blazer and T is
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