As I write this from my office desk on a hot summer’s afternoon with the oak trees at Hagley gently swaying in that Canterbury Norwest breeze – my mind wonders to the coming months events and my wardrobe. I always find the post-Christmas period to be a little like no-mans land in the fashion world. Should I be buying a new look for the coming Polo in March or should I be planning my winter look as summer will soon be over?

My tendency is to opt for the coming winter and hit the Northern Hemisphere sales like a school boy in a sweetshop. For the savvy online shopper there are always some great bargains to be had that will put you ahead of the pack in the fashion stakes during the colder months.

Introducing the Submariner

My key purchase last year was the fabulous roll-neck Submariner jumper that proved to be a staple throughout winter. The Submariner is 100% wool and the Ecru colour gives it a very ‘Scott of the Antarctic look’, which I loved.  I wore the Submariner religiously throughout the winter in a range of ways, including under tweed suits, with coloured corduroy and of course with my favourite red trackies. I’m still in love with my Submariner, not to be mistaken for the Rolex of a similar name.

So, as we sit in no-mans land, I’ve started thinking about how to wear my Submariner this year. I’m big on making a statement and a huge supporter of colour, although when I say that my underlying premise is fit and silhouette, which is most important if you are going to make a statement.

Introducing Corduroy

I’ve always been a huge supporter of Corduroy and it has remained a key feature of my autumn/winter wardrobe season after season. I’ve decided that this year I’m going to push the corduroy boat out further. Over the years I’ve accumulated a diverse palette of coloured Corduroy trousers (‘Cords’). From purple, to orange, to red and green. I’ve paired the Cords, typically with a range of jackets, from tweed to linen, always well fitted and generally being passive against the loud coloured Cords to keep a sense of togetherness rather than madness.

When it comes to Cords, my preference is the fatter cord known as whale cord, it’s less formal and it has that antique look about it, which I am very fond of. Right-now the wider leg is back on trend with the days of the skinny leg left to aging skateboarders. I always opt for turn-ups (about 1.5 inches), this enables you to get away with Cords in a more formal environment and still look very stylish. With respect to shoes, I believe that Cords and suede were made for each. I typically opt for brown suede, in a variety of styles from tasseled loafers to derby lace-ups.

 The weather outlook appears sweltering for a few months yet, however all good things come to those who wait. My tailor has just received my order for a sky-blue double-breasted whale cord suit, how fabulous, I’ll be rocking the suit with my Submariner and snuff suede loafers come May.  By that time, I’ll be planning my races outfit. How fab.

 If you can’t do it in style – don’t do it!

North Sea Clothing

Cordings (Due to current Covid-19 laws in the UK, shipping is not available at this time)