Backpacks a New Trend in Mens Bags

Messenger bags have made bags for men a fashionable and functional accessory. The flapover messenger is not stuffy or rigid like a briefcase, and has a certain amount of street cred about it. The backpack has traditionally been associated with trekking, school children and tourists. This is all set to change though as fashionable backpacks from designer brands are offering a smart and trendy alternative to the messenger.

The commute to work can be a long and arduous one. If you are carrying heavy equipment such as a laptop and books, it can be even more tiresome. There is no doubt that carrying these items with a backpack is the most comfortable and economical way. But can a backpack look smart and trendy I hear you cry!! Well the answer is yes, as designer brands such as Calvin Klein, HUGO BOSS and Knomo bags have designed mens backpacks for exactly this purpose. They are using more sophisticated materials and designs to give a more structured and sleek look. Gone are the bright and garish designs, and in come minimalistic designs in blacks, browns and greys.

Of particular note is the Knomo waxed canvas backpack, which has a moulded protective core to cushion your laptop.

Double up this Winter with Two Jackets

With the big chill creeping upon us, we are all thinking about wearing overcoats again. Many fashionable overcoats though are not designed to keep us super warm on the coldest of days. Jackets that provide extra warmth can be bulky and look cumbersome (such as puffas and skiing type jackets). I am a huge fan of doubling up with two jackets, one thinner underlayer (such as a jean jacket) and a main overcoat over the top.

It has always been considered fashionable to wear two jackets, and this season it’s hitting the high street in stores such as G-Star Raw. A jean jacket underneath a long overcoat is my favourite pairing although you can wear zipped outer jumpers, windbreakers, summer weight jackets and hoodies as well. It has the benefit of looking great and being highly practical. Wearing two jackets will definitely keep you warm outside, whilst you can choose to wear the thinner jacket inside. In winter it can be quite cold in some museum, galleries and restaurants and so it is very useful to have a thinner jacket to wear.

You can choose to pair up two jackets of your choice, or alternatively some designer brands are offering jackets with an inside layer that can be zipped together. If you are choosing two jackets of your own choice, be careful that the colours do not clash or feel uncomfortable. A high collared under jacket always works well with a lapel overcoat.

Add Life to your Ankle-wear with Argyle Socks

Last blog I wrote about the reinvention of the double breasted suit for a new generation. I thought I would continue this theme and write about the resurgence of the argyle sock to a modern fashion garment for men. I personally really like the argyle pattern. I think it works particularly well with socks as the pattern is quite bold and can add some subtle detail that doesn’t dominate a whole look.

Traditionally the argyle pattern was adopted by golfers, and hence was not always deemed the height of sophisticated elegance. In the 80s and 90s though fashion brands such as Pringle and Burlington utilised the pattern in men’s fashion knitwear. I sense that argyle socks are becoming a fashion piece once again, with Burlington recently advertising on London buses.

Whilst argyle socks offer great versatility in classic colours such as charcoal and navy, it is the seasonal and more unusual colour combinations that really look great. One of my favourites is the hunting green by Burlington socks, which really has a trendy ‘English gent’ look about it. As we are now in Autumn, the Burlington extra soft sock will keep your toes warm and comfy. I am not a fan of completely plain socks, particularly for a casual outfit. So add some life to your ankle-wear with a pair of men’s argyle socks.

The Double Breasted Suit is Back for a New Generation

Fashion has a very interesting way of bringing back forgotten classics, reinventing them for a new generation. The double breasted suit represented the glamour age of the 1930s and 1950s, and was revitalised in the 1980s for the yuppies obsessed with power dressing. As fashion has become more casual and covenient, the double breasted suit became outdated.

I think we are starting to see the double breasted suit making a comeback though, with top designers (Tom Ford, Prada, Zegna) and the high street (Top Shop) offering their own designs. A new generation that hasn’t experienced the double breasted suit may have a new and invigorating attitude towards the garment. In many ways, bringing back an old classic is a way of subverting the garment itself.

The double breasted suit has a wonderful look of sartorial elegance, making the wearer look ultra confident and smooth. Whilst this may have been overused in the 80s (and leading to its demise), perhaps we are ready for this look again. What is interesting is whether the double breasted suit will be worn traditionally, or tweaked for the 21st century consumer. A skinny tie and trilby could add a whole new dimension to the double breasted suit.