THE JOURNAL

The punchy pieces to invest in now.
Another Friday, another lot of new products landing on MR PORTER. Today, we have everything from leather jackets to fresh Nikes (and this suit, which we’re frantically trying to conjure up an occasion for. What would Beetlejuice do?) In this What’s New roundup, we’re focusing on casualwear and, specifically, how to breathe life into the clothes you dress down in. From a bomber jacket to sweatpants, via a rather interesting cotton shirt, here are three ways (other than the obvious methods) to have fun in your downtime.
01. With sweatpants
Founded five years ago by cooler-than-thou Mr Jerry Lorenzo, Fear Of God’s rise from emerging, niche Los Angeles streetwear label to fashion deity has been nothing short of remarkable. Helped by its popularity among athletes, rappers, footballers and people with more Instagram followers than the population of Luxembourg, the label captures the current feeling in fashion: 1990s nostalgia, oversized, grungy looks and sportswear. As you might expect, Fear Of God is rather good at making sweatpants, and ones that justify a price tag north of £500, too. Yes, it’s a lot to spend on casual trousers. But, from the zipped, elongated cuffs to the striking red hue, they are rather amazing. And think of it not as investing in a pair of pants, rather you are paying for membership to a cool Californian clan. If you truly belong, you’d be prepared to wear anything with these. Try a leather jacket on and see where that gets you.
02. With polka dots
If you think you’d like to invest in another area of your casual wardrobe, you may wish to look at Haider Ackerman and the brand’s take on the bomber jacket. The bomber is a menswear classic, which dates back to the mid-20th century. And, like other style icons (the peacoat, the trench, for example), it hasn’t changed a whole lot since. If it ain’t broke, etc. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t break the mould every now and then, and Haider Ackerman is one of the best brands in the business for throwing a spanner in the works. (We have already discussed its approach to tailoring. If you need more proof, look at its SS18 collection.) Embroidered polka dots and lightning-like streaks mean this jacket is not for the fainthearted. A sensible white T-shirt might be an appropriate accompaniment.
03. With Paisley pattern
Similar to Fear Of God, the cult brand Stüssy, which was set up in 1980 by Mr Shawn Stüssy, and its West Coast streetwear designs reflect many things that are popular in men’s style right now. But, given that the pieces – from corduroy shirts to shell flight jackets, to white tees – are rarely adorned with little more than the brand’s logo or a surf-inspired design, this Paisley patchwork casual shirt is something of a standout. And however daring you’re feeling, you should treat it as such. You could tuck it into some black jeans, perhaps, or let it all hang out over some simple chinos. Whatever you do, keep the noise down elsewhere in your outfit.
