THE JOURNAL
When news reached us back in 2018 that The Row was finally venturing into menswear, we’ll admit that a few rather undignified yelps of excitement erupted around the MR PORTER office. For some time, the sought-after New York label had been kitting out the most stylish women we knew in a way that inspired envy. Fortunately for us, the brand’s highly anticipated menswear offering boasted all those desirable elements that made us fall in love with its womenswear – the exquisite fabrics, the Italian craftsmanship, the unmatched attention to detail. And nowhere is that synergy clearer than in its SS24 collection, for which its designers have crafted menswear and womenswear pieces that work interchangeably in a way that transcends gender lines.
In true The Row fashion, the mood is subdued, yet strikingly modern, with all those thoughtful considerations that we’ve come to expect from the label. Classic pieces are subtly worn-in for a vintage charm, while silhouettes arrive in roomy yet no less considered cuts. Neutrals abound, as with every collection, but the brand nods to the turn of the season with sober pastels and bolder moments of colour blocking. Suiting takes the fore, with exquisitely tailored pieces that promise to add a touch of Manhattanite polish to off-duty outfits. And it all comes spun from the most sumptuous cottons, wools and cashmere that underpin the brand’s best-you-can-find ethos.
Across the board, it’s the sort of unfussy, impeccably crafted essentials that will carry you through many a spring and pair effortlessly with whatever you have in your wardrobe. But should you need a spot of styling inspiration, MR PORTER comes bearing four head-to-toe looks that represent the very pinnacle of luxury – but without ever shouting about it.
01.
The leather jacket
You’ll find no better case for injecting a touch of leather into your spring rotation than The Row’s wonderfully supple Babilor coat. A far cry from the biker, it’s a no-frills, unlined design that transcends the whims of the trend cycle and goes with just about everything you can throw at it. Our styling tip? Try a contemporary spin on suiting with the label’s wide-cut Davide wool trousers, and swap shirt collars for a Steven cotton-jersey tee (note: it’s absolutely worth the hype). The Hugo suede mule will keep things effortless for down days, but in a way that’s far more sophisticated than a pool slide.
02.
The trench coat
It may be the most time-honoured of spring staples, but not all trenches are made equal. Belt buckles, hems, vents and epaulettes – each subtle variation to the classic blueprint can completely transform the final result. Here, The Row has opted for a roomy cape-like silhouette, which instantly lends an editorial feel, while the concealed placket and belt-free design create a crisp, minimal effect. To be clear, whatever you layer under it will instantly read more expensive, but nonetheless this piece finds its optimal pairing in the pinstriped Albie shirt, which is spun from 100 per cent silk. Team with straight-leg jeans and a suede slide for a one-and-done weekend uniform that requires no effort on your part yet conveys exquisite, if-you-know-you-know taste.
03.
The pink rugby sweater
There’s no more apt timing than the dawn of spring to venture out of your comfort zone and embrace a touch of pastel pink. And for those who’ve shied away from such hues in the past, The Row comes bearing an undeniably wearable, soft sweater that’s sure to lure you on side. Christened the Joyce, it’s a finely ribbed polo knitted from a cotton-cashmere blend that’s in keeping with the label’s fabric-first approach. To round it out, one of The Row’s signature white T-shirts layered underneath will add depth, while the straight-leg Kaol trouser, which comes washed for a weathered, worn-in effect, dials up the comfort factor thanks to its elasticated waistband and ultra-soft cotton.
04.
The cotton-poplin shirt
At first glance, a solid-blue Oxford shirt might not be the sort of purchase to trigger a frenzy of excitement. But think of it as the ultimate investment workhouse of your spring wardrobe, perfectly primed for layering over T-shirts and tanks, and under jackets and coats for endless combinations, or to put it simply, for whatever April throws at you. In the case of The Row, the woven Miller shirt in cotton-poplin has been cut with the utmost attention for the perfect drape, and comes finished with mother-of-pearl buttons. Partner with the label’s Marlon straight-leg trousers, a tasteful chino upgrade, for a timeless, easy-to-dress-up pairing that will see you swimmingly into the summer.