Journal

As Future Islands so aptly put it: “Seasons change.” And oh, do we love it when they do.

Especially when colder weather starts creeping in. We might miss the long, easy-breezy days of summer, but autumn opens up a whole new range of sartorial possibilities. Layers, heavier fabrics, richer textures and, frankly, some of the best clothes in the wardrobe.

We’ve compiled a short list of the pieces and fabrics we consider autumn essentials.

The Waxed Cotton Jacket

Probably the definitive autumn jacket. This country-sports classic is incredibly versatile.

The waxed outer fabric makes it resistant to rain, while the relatively light construction makes it ideal for layering. A good waxed jacket should be cut generously enough to accommodate a knit or sport coat underneath.

Best of all, it only gets better with age. Holes and scuffs? Patch them up and apply more wax. The patina becomes a badge of honour – proof that you actually wear it.

Brands to Look Out For

Barbour

Probably the best-known maker of waxed jackets. With a long history in British country clothing and Royal Warrants to its name, Barbour has become almost synonymous with the style.

Belstaff

Founded in the early 20th century, Belstaff has a slightly more rugged character. Its association with motorcycles has helped make the brand a favourite among everyone from Steve McQueen to Liam Gallagher.

Other Honourable Mentions

The Trench Coat

A coat developed to withstand the conditions of First World War trench warfare was obviously built to endure. Without diminishing its serious history, we can still appreciate what has become one of the great autumn staples.

Traditionally made from a tightly woven, weather-resistant cotton fabric, the trench coat manages to be both practical and elegant. Beige is the classic choice, providing a muted canvas that works with almost any colour, texture or pattern.

It should preferably be long, finishing below the knee. Not only does this give it the right drape, it also allows the coat to actually do its job when the weather turns.

Wear it over a suit, tailoring, denim or almost anything in between.

Brands to Look Out For

Burberry

Aquascutum

Valstar

Stylish Ways of Wearing it

Denim

Denim jackets, jeans, chore jackets – denim everything.

Its workwear origins make denim particularly well suited to autumn, especially in heavier weights. It is durable, easy to combine with other seasonal fabrics and, perhaps most importantly, gets better with wear.

For denim enthusiasts, achieving the perfect fade can become an entire science. For everyone else, simply wearing it regularly tends to do the trick.

Notable makers

Classic Denim Looks

Tweed

Perhaps the single greatest reason to welcome the changing seasons.

This historic woollen cloth comes in a seemingly endless variety of weights, colours and weaves. Closely associated with Scotland and the Hebrides, tweed is generally characterised by its durability and rougher texture compared with finer suiting cloths.

Earthy shades are natural choices for autumn and combine beautifully with other seasonal fabrics, while a colourful check or tartan can add considerably more character.

Wear a tweed sport coat with flannel trousers, corduroy, moleskin or jeans, or go all in with a full tweed suit for the true lord-of-the-manor look.

Classic Cloth Merchants and Makers

Iconic Tweed Looks

Flannel

Like tweed, flannel comes into its own as temperatures drop, but its softer appearance makes it a little more refined.

It works beautifully for both trousers and full suits, but if there is one piece worth owning, it is a pair of grey flannel trousers. Few garments are as useful in a classic wardrobe. Wear them with a navy sport coat, tweed, knitwear or simply a shirt..

Cloth Merchants

Iconic Flannel Looks

Corduroy

Another autumn favourite with its roots firmly planted in workwear.

Today, corduroy is equally at home in refined classic clothing, from trousers and sport coats to complete suits. Traditionally made from cotton, it can now also be found in wool, cashmere and blended fabrics.

Like many good cotton fabrics, corduroy develops character with wear. Its pronounced texture also makes it particularly easy to combine with other autumn materials such as tweed, flannel, denim and knitwear.

A pair of brown corduroy trousers embroidered with pheasants? It doesn’t get much more country classic than that.

Style Inspiration

Brands

Of course, we could keep going. Knitwear, boots, scarves, gloves, shirts – autumn is arguably the best-dressed season of them all.

But that’s fodder for another post.