THE JOURNAL

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
It might be as obvious as Mr John Lennon’s coat of human hair (Google it), but, like a haircut, well-chosen outerwear has the ability instantly to transform your look. With more styles on offer than you can shake a broad-shouldered hanger at – from puffers to truckers, overcoats and lettermans – and a glut of trends to keep tabs on, you might be a little perplexed as to what to add to your coat rail next. So grab your jacket and take some cues from the gents who have nailed their outerwear A game.
01.
Double up on blue

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
Does anyone ever look bad in blue? We don’t think so, but this guy is wearing it particularly well, pairing a seasoned denim wash with a deep, rich indigo hue. This nous for tonal accord is secondary to his layering savoir faire. That rugged denim trucker and sporty quilted jacket combo is an unexpected but sartorially shrewd move.
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02.
Take the practical road

Photograph by Mr Jonathan Paciullo
LOEWE’s stellar Eye/LOEWE/Nature collection takes the rugged Gorpcore look into runway-worthy territory. This cagoule is a case in point, showcasing creative director Mr Jonathan Anderson’s judicious use of colour-pop panels to command attention. It’s the sort of piece that embodies the en vogue taste for hiking gear, but has the high-end credibility to suit the man more likely to be found sipping a flat white on a city pavement than scaling a Peak District tor.
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03.
Keep your stripes in harmony

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
Despite the pinstripes, this look manages to sidestep any comparisons to Gordon Gekko. The crisp white shirt and solid black tie have a far cleaner, contemporary guise than the brash separates favoured by the fictional 1980s power broker. The centrepiece is that double-breasted overcoat, which, from the drape of the cloth, looks distinctly Italian. Its linear windowpane check works in parallel accord with the pinstripes of the two-piece.
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04.
Try a varsity update

Photograph by Mr Jonathan Paciullo
The varsity jacket, which evolved from the letterman sweaters worn by college jocks in the early 20th century, is enjoying another moment in the style limelight right now, although it’s never really fallen out of favour. The difference this time round is a brassier take on those signature appliqué patches. Here, the initials denoting your alma mater lineage are swapped for bold and bright scriptures and symbols with a more tongue-in-cheek attitude.
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05.
Trust your animal instinct

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
Rather like the cats that sport it, animal print is big at the moment, with brands such as Jil Sander, Wacko Maria, SAINT LAURENT and even TOM FORD tapping in to their feline sensibilities. When you’re employing a look as unashamedly outré as this, it’s best to go the whole hog or go home. With this oversized, ankle-skimming number over his shoulders, this guy proves his animal instincts are as fierce as his cover-up.
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06.
Give matching a chance

Photograph by Mr Vincenzo Grillo/IMAXTREE.COM
Matching your bag to your shoes might have been the style mantra for many a mid-century pearl-clutcher, but this gentleman has turned that notion on its head by skilfully harmonising the tone of his technical bomber with his shirt. The result is a pleasingly vivid ensemble that stands out in a sea of muted shades for all the right reasons.
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07.
Diversify a classic

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
The camel coat has been a fixture of the classic side of the wardrobe for decades and while old-school purists would say it works only with tailoring, as this style-astute gent shows, it can be a worthy a companion to casualwear, too. In this instance, he’s opted for a dropped-shoulder raglan style, which, with its agreeably slouchy fit, has a more laid-back insouciance than your standard strong-shouldered number.