Spring Showers
One of the most versatile essentials you can add to your wardrobe is undoubtedly a classic belted trenchcoat. While this year is all about bold colorful parkas, the timeless panache and unique silhouette portrayed by the trench is, in my opinion, unmatched. It’s just one of those pieces that will endure for eternity as a staple of menswear elegance, so it’s worth splurging on a model that will likely last you for life.
This version by Paul Smith in a trademark khaki shade, has been with me for about 6 years and is definitely one of the most heavily rotated garments throughout the year. Besides the impeccable fit and exquisite details, it features a detachable wool inner lining perfect for colder months, which easily gives place to a lightweight version come Spring time. The muted lighter shade is perfect to contrast with darker bottoms such as charcoal wool slacks, while allowing to go bold on other pieces or accessories for extra flare. Here, burgundy was used to brighten things up and bring visual coherence to the look, with the pale pink shirt providing a clean background.
Details: belted trenchcoat by Paul Smith, cardigan by H&M, dress shirt by Hugo Boss, 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman tailors, leather boots by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, silk tie by Vicri and watch by Rolex (GMT Master II).
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Once you’ve got your basic shades of navy and black covered, investing in an unexpected topcoat such as this in herringbone brown spotted wool is definitely worth it. Tailored to my liking it’s a fresh take on this classic and a perfect match for darker shades such as navy, burgundy or charcoal. Love how the subtle understated navy and purple details on the tie match the shades on the cardigan and scarf…
Spotted brown wool herringbone topcoat by Gentleman, slim fit dress shirt by Hugo Boss, navy merino wool cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, grey wool slacks by Gentleman, vintage plaid wool tie, patterned wool scarf by Èpice and watch by Rolex.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira Photography: Rita Lino
Layering it up
Lately we’ve been experiencing some harsh weather, pairing both rain and temperatures of about 5ºC. The art of layering is crucial to withstanding the worst winter days, but even more so when rain joins the picture, as most waterproof garments such as trenches or macs are not the best when it comes to keeping you warm.
Layering consists of wearing several garments on top of each other, in order to increase your body’s thermal insulation. In some of the world’s coldest regions this is vital to your survival…in others, it’s just an amazingly stylish way to stay comfortable. By combining different pieces on distinct “levels” of your outfit, you are able to add visual appeal as well as functionality and versatility, by letting you adjust the number of layers to any given situation.
However, pulling it off may prove to be a harder task than it may seem at first. As a rule of thumb, the thickness of the layers should increase towards the exterior, keeping the thinner pieces closer to your body, as in: tee - shirt - pullover - cardigan - blazer - topcoat (you don’t need to wear them all at once, obviously). Mind you, every rule has exceptions and you can leave it to the Italians to find them…puffed vests over blazers anyone? Other than that, it all comes down to personal taste and experimenting with your pieces to see what works well together.
This is something I wore to work on a cold rainy day. Although this trench has a warm inner lining, it is still not enough, so I paired it with a chunky heavy knit cardigan, a brushed cotton vest, shirt, tie and a reversible scarf. One of my favourite things about this look, besides the color palette, is how the tie remains perfectly framed among all the layers. Also, notice the versatility I mentioned above, as it adapts to more casual (chunky knit), or formal occasions (shirt and vest alone).
Beige trench coat by Paul Smith, navy chunky heavy knit cardigan by Massimo Dutti, vintage brown cotton vest, slim fit pink dress shirt by Hugo Boss, dark blue jeans by Levi’s (511 slim), distressed brown loafers by Lottusse, reversible scarf by Fred Perry, polka dot pink tie by Vicri, brown braided leather belt by ACNE and watch by Gucci.
New Year’s attire
Here are a few pics of both me and my brother on New Year’s Eve. Taking into account that we spent the night outside, cruising the streets of our hometown in what consisted of a more casual programme, our outfits were adjusted accordingly: blazer, shirt and tie combination and slim fitting jeans. I was struggling with whether I should risk a bowtie but in the end I went with this regimental tie. How about you? What was your outfit for the night?
Me: Charcoal blazer by Rice, white button down oxford by Ralph Lauren, v-neck pullover by Massimo Dutti, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim), brown brogues by Henry James, argyle socks by H&M and regimental tie by Gentleman.
My brother: Vintage navy velvet blazer, pink dress shirt by Hugo Boss (slim fit), pink v-neck pullover by Massimo Dutti, jeans by Levi’s (511 slim), Portuguese boots, vintage tie, gold pocket square by Labrador and scarf by Épice.
