There is always a chance for the advection of hot air to return to the UK, but the drizzly and chilly nature of the
last few weeks has given us the signal to jettison away our linens and light cottons. A faded green will percolate
the landscape's complexion, turning it into a blend of browns, greens and purples. To clamp on with this change it
is wise to follow at the same pace by wearing fabrics such as wool, flannel and suede, but try not to delve into
heavy tweeds or cashmere just yet.
One of the most significant attributes to have between seasons is adaptability. A major ingredient of adaptability in
fashion terms is layering effectively. For some who watch period dramas, you might be envisaging the painstaking
process of valets coordinated an outfit from a deep wardrobe including shirts featuring starch chin-high necks,
waistcoats and coats whose shapes when put together dictate an arduous and patient approach to getting dressed. This
needn’t be the case by paying attention to the thickness of fabrics. In between seasons it may be too hot to wear a
shirt, jacket and overcoat. Instead you could opt for a knit, either a roll-neck or round-neck that isn’t too thick
to be worn underneath a jacket. Milanese knitwear brand Altea have a beautiful selection in autumnal tones. Their
navy roll-neck seamlessly slots in as an underlayer to a tailored jacket. The weight and texture of De Petrillo’s
collection which come in a range of patterns from Prince of Wales to a beautiful brown check are of a perfect medium
to pair with a knit.
One of menswear’s most experienced and passionate aficionados, Chris Modoo certainly knows the scripture for
transeasonal dressing. Together with entrepreneur Richard Wheat, he has masterminded a comeback for classically
designed trousers of the old-Hollywood variety. Their brand Kit Blake produces exceptional trousers with options in
flannel and wool, which are quite possibly the most useful and stylish trousers to have in your armoury when
navigating the change in season. Equally, De Petrillo offer a very neat reverse-pleated flannel trouser in grey and
also a similar trouser in wool. Heading into the cooler section of the year it also allows you to sport a little
more texture in your trouser within reason. A discreet option would be Caruso’s dark brown wool houndstooth trouser
which is cut for a regular fit.
Despite this slightly unforgiving assertion that suede is high-maintenance, it actually is a material that has
lustful, comforting and adventurous traits and perfect for the change in seasons. Whether you’re travelling for
business or out and about socialising - a suede jacket has the ability to be cool, casual, smart and also rock 'n'
roll. The change in season is arguably the best time to don a suede jacket as it’s not too heavy, and can be worn
over as a replacement to a tailored jacket in most settings. Here on The Rake we’re lucky enough to offer a
selection of suede jackets from the some of most reputable menswear designers around the world including Alfredo
Rifugio, Schott and Valstar. Suede jackets also pair nicely with denim, which in many ways comes into its own in the
change of season. With rock 'n' roll playing a huge part in their inspiration, Barbanera have a fine selection of
high-quality denim jeans. Fellow Italian brands G. Inglese and Rubinacci both offer cool versions of the dutiful
denim shirt.
It's right to discard lighter cottons in favour of corduroy, its rugged cousin. There is a wealth of ways to
incorporate this alluringly dishevelled fabric into your wardrobe. When it comes to colour, corduroy can be a
brilliantly vibrant fabric, with great depth of tone. Not always deemed smart due to its affiliation with
impoverished artists, but here at The Rake we have a fine selection from Italian tailoring titans, Rubinacci, L.B.M.
1911 and Doppiaa which might alter any preconceived ideas on the fabric.
Transeasonal dressing isn’t as complicated as you might think. All it takes is some creative ingenuity and a clear
perception of which fabrics are going to be appropriate in terms of warmth and practicality. Transposing to darker
tones that blend in with each other will also be a key experiment to grasp.
