Trends to try from the Autumn/Winter 2013/14 shows

Have you thought about your winter wardrobe yet? Or are you one of those that leave it till it gets really cold and suddenly you notice you don't have a winter coat?

Well, here's my guidance to the trends from the shows that you might like to try this winter. Yes, there's lots of far more directional pieces on the catwalks, but I've chosen the ones that I think the majority of men would actually wear.

Checks, tartans, and plaids

........are absolutely everywhere this winter. An easy one to incorporate into your wardrobe, you could go for a full suit in a subtle grey Prince of Wales check for the office, an olive check hacking jacket to wear at the weekend with a chunky sweater, jeans and tan brogues, or some Black Watch tartan trousers to dress up with a velvet blazer and white shirt for cocktails. If you plan on mixing your checks then vary the size to get the best result.

  Hardy Amies                                     Tom Ford                                       Louis Vuitton

 

   Valentino                                                  Ami                                             E Tautz

Textured coats

Keep cosy and comfy this winter in a textured coat. There's the luxurious Astrakhan fur ones to add an elegant layer on top of your suit or dinner jacket, or soft, boucle wool ones to add a comfortable cardigan like layer to your weekend attire. Take your pick and turn into a big softie this winter, and notice how many women want to come up and stroke you!

  Canali                                                               Hermes                                   Dsquared2

Louis Vuitton                                           Neil Barrett                                               Z Zegna

Shades of grey

Serene, expensive and elegant, this is a colour most men will feel comfortable with. I admit it's not the most attention seeking trend, but it's quietly taking this winter by storm. Make sure you start with a grey shirt or rollneck which is what gives it a modern edge, and then layer on a sweater/waistcoat/jacket, tie or scarf and overcoat to build your look. Boring it ain't.

Bottega Veneta                                          Brioni                                     Calvin Klein Collection

 Fendi                                                    John Varvatos                                Neil Barrett

Aviator jackets

Based on the original Irvin flying jacket supplied to the RAF during the Battle of Britain and through most of WWII, the modern take on this classic jacket are seen in  tweeds, and wools as well as leather and suede. A versatile and warm piece to rev up your weekend wardrobe, style it with a chunky polo neck knit, loose cut jeans and biker boots for retro appeal, or go altogether sleeker with tailored wool trousers and a fine knit rollneck for casual chic.

Nicole Farhi                                           A.P.C.                                               Berluti

Tom Ford                                                        Gucci                                   Hardy Amies

Military

We've gone from airforce to army and I'm not entirely sure that this style ever seems to go out of fashion. Judging by the amount of military styled coats on the catwalks for autumn winter though it's a definite favourite for the coming season. Go for an impeccably tailored grown up version and it will look just as great over a suit as with slim leg indigo jeans at the weekend.

Belstaff                                                    Burberry Prorsum                                  Canali

Gucci                                                   Jil Sander                                 Diesel Black Gold

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