Three ways to wear one of AW17’s biggest trends.

From Mr Napoleon Bonaparte’s bicorn to Mr Pharrell Williams’ ubiquitous buffalo hat, the history of menswear is rich and complex, and has gone through myriad changes over the centuries. But while we may no longer don powdered wigs and gilded codpieces, there are certain sartorial nuances that have filtered down through the years that we do still wear today. Take tartan, for instance, which was banned in the Dress Act of 1746 to pacify the warring Highland clans that wore it, or tweed, that hirsute material historically favoured by the upper classes. These noble fabrics, drenched in heritage as they are, are often appropriated by fashion designers, but we’ve noticed a particularly stylish surge of them in recent weeks. Below, we offer some tips on how to keep it contemporary while wearing a piece of history on your back.

If anyone can pack unbridled amounts of heritage into an item of clothing, it’s British brand Burberry. This herringbone coat, woven with flecked Donegal wool and with contrasting tweed sleeves, is a modern interpretation of the Chesterfield overcoat (named after the 6th Earl of Chesterfield, Mr George Stanhope). Continue the heritage theme with your accessories. This cashmere scarf, made on Burberry’s 200-year-old looms in Scotland, is woven in indigo, black and white in homage to the house’s trademark check.

This wee tartan number from Stella McCartney is, if such a thing exists, the perfect understated statement sweater. Comprising two tartans, its front is pumpkin orange and grey, whereas the back boasts a punkish pop of red and black. As with all colourful patterns, be wary of wearing anything that might battle with it for attention. These black denim jeans from CMMN SWDN make for a reliably subtle pairing.

This charming Portobello jacket has a little heritage of its own, and is named after the west London market where designer Mr Oliver Spencer had a stall in the 1980s. It boasts a traditional houndstooth pattern and a slim cut to give it that up-to-date edge. Keep it smart with a polished pair of Derby shoes. We love these classic ones from Tricker’s, the distinguished British shoemaker that has been in business since 1829.