THE JOURNAL
It’s a time of quiet reflection and melancholy in the UK MR PORTER office, where summer – or, to be more precise, the absence of it – seems to be defining the mood. Despite a few unseasonably warm September days, which gave us a brief flirtation with an Indian summer, there can be no denying it any longer. As evidenced by the chill in the air and the leaves littering our streets, autumn has arrived.
As with any kind of traumatic event, big or small, we might be better off if we sat with our feelings and practiced a little bit of acceptance. Repeat after us: it’s fine. We’re over it.
“Peter Millar is a brand designed for the man who is at ease with himself and the inclement seasons”
If this inner peace is proving hard to attain, though, may we suggest that you introduce some physical, empirically-felt elements to your practice? The menswear brand Peter Millar, for example, is very much at ease with the approaching season, and its assured take on autumnal style – understated, sober tones, practical cuts that speak of comfort and style – might help to settle you in rather nicely.
But first, let us introduce you to the brand. Peter Millar launched in 2001 with just a single cashmere sweater which not only gives you a little insight into its dedication to crafting clothing from the finest materials, but also to a sense of conviction that has continued to define the brand even as its offering has expanded. Its first move was into golfing attire – indeed, it’s the fairways, greens and clubhouses of the world’s top courses where Peter Millar is at its most recognisable – but, as the selection available on MR PORTER makes clear, it also does a fine line in classic items for everyday-wear.
You won’t find headache-inducing prints, desperate attempts to capture a trend, or clothes designed for ego (whether that be yours or whoever you’re trying to impress). What you will find, however, are well-crafted garments featuring traditional construction details, high-quality materials – the brand is known for sourcing from specialist mills and factories in Europe – and a timeless colour palette that will take you into autumn with confidence.
And confidence is the key word here: Peter Millar is a brand designed for the man who is at ease with himself and the inclement seasons.
You can see evidence of this in the looks our style team have put together, which are designed, first and foremost, with purpose and seasonality in mind. Take the army-green jacket pictured here, which features a removable shearling collar, a warm jacquard lining and ribbing at the hem for a closer fit. Warm enough for navigating even the briskest back nine, its vintage military looks give it.
Our styling suggestion (and it is only a suggestion, mind) is to contrast the earthy tones of the jacket with a smart pair of white trousers. Neither jean nor chino, these trousers are a hybrid style made from cotton and modal-blend sateen for a touch of extra flexibility.
Alternatively, if you wish to approach this business of dressing for autumn with an attitude that is a little more relaxed and carefree, why not fall back on that old failsafe, the quarter-zip sweatshirt worn over a soft-collared shirt? Peter Millar’s version is tailored from a blend of cotton and modal, a semi-synthetic fibre which lends the fabric a touch of stretch and gives the sweater a sportier, more flattering shape. We’ve channelled summer skies by pairing it here with a pair of blue trousers.
If you find yourself somewhere where in the middle of all this, we also have some suggestions courtesy of Peter Millar. Not quite ready for a jacket, but also happy to welcome a new approach to your wardrobe? Plump for a plaid shirt and traditional beige chinos, finished off with some classic desert boots.
Speaking of classic, that’s a word that could easily apply to the whole of Peter Millar’s ready-to-wear range. It doesn’t take many risks, but that’s sort of the point: it’s the a brand designed for the man who doesn’t feel any great urge to stand out, who is a little more at peace with who he is, and who accepts the nature of change – even if it does bring darker nights and colder temperatures. Peter Millar might be known for the golf course, but it’s taking us, with quiet confidence, into whatever autumn many bring.