Five Lightweight Essentials From Club Monaco, Champions Of Trans-Seasonal Style

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Five Lightweight Essentials From Club Monaco, Champions Of Trans-Seasonal Style

Photography by Mr Philip White

22 September 2023

The calendar tells us we are entering autumn. But, at the time of writing, in London, where MR PORTER calls home, there is a full-on heatwave. This inevitably alters how we think about clothing. For example, today may not be the day we decide to invest a significant part of our monthly salary on heavy-duty winter clothing that will take us through to spring 2024 (whenever that may be). In uncertain times like these, versatile layers are our friend. So, we’re looking to Club Monaco and five of their new trans-seasonal pieces that we have identified as summer-cum-autumn essentials.

Club Monaco was founded in 1985 with the central ethos of “better basics”, and its philosophy around clear, confident, effortless style remains today. Its elevated essentials are made with thoughtful, sometimes non-standard fabrics and materials, with a view to making the lives of their customers easier in all matters wardrobe. All of this bodes well when we are considering clothing that is sympathetic to a form of seasonal limbo – days that could go either way where the weather is concerned.

“Club Monaco was founded with the ethos of ‘better basics’ – its philosophy around effortless style remains today”

You can see this in the refined navy bomber, which can be worn for a mild autumn day or slung in a bag if things get a little warmer. We’ve styled it with an RWS merino crew lightweight sweater, which you could easily swap out for a T-shirt, and some duck-green travel pants, which will give you a pop of colour when you’re on the move.

Alternatively, if you need something more substantial to leave the house in – especially when the forecast is telling you: all of the weather – a lightweight, classic coat is your friend at this time of year. Waterproof and padded, Club Monaco’s light grey mac is versatile, but also as sleek and stylish as the herringbone navy Sutton trousers we’ve paired it with. But you could just as easily wear some jogging bottoms or a pair of jeans.

Perhaps you don’t need outerwear at all – or rather outerwear of a different kind. The Club Monaco ribbed boucle crew light khaki sweater is versatile, too. This is outerwear when it's dry and mild. And it can be smartened up, like we’ve done, with Club Monaco’s caviar elasticated trousers. There’s a refined tee under the sweater, too, which can be revealed if the sun decides to get its act together unexpectedly.

If you need to spruce yourself up – say for a dinner date, a presentation or any other occasion that requires a bit of subtle refinement – there’s a navy blazer for that. It’s unconstructed and a little more breathable than more formal, stiffer jackets, which will help you feel relaxed and light. The cashmere textured Henley will be welcome next to your skin. And the indigo jeans anchor the look in a sober, classic feel.

And finally, a celebration of the simple T-shirt. This cropped, contemporary, beige crewneck version is for days when our arms need to be free, and the notion of a sweater or a jacket makes you hot and bothered. A pair of loose, pleated trousers will make the perfect partner. Just make sure you do actually pack a jacket, for when the weather inevitably turns…

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