BRING SOME THRILL TO THE APPROACHING CHILL. OF BARBOUR JACKETS AND THE RIGHT PIQUE SHIRT

(Waxed cotton Barbour jackets and pique from Fred Perry are available at  Cockney Rebel Fashion, 43-45 Bridge Place, Worksop, Notts, S80 1DT)

REWIND: After spending 8 days in the south to visit my mom who is currently undergoing dialysis and a side trip to the family mango, durian and purple mangosteen orchard, I noticed I didn’t pack much, only bringing with me 3 trusty pique shirts out of almost 17, 3 pairs of shorts and a pair of khaki trousers in cotton twill.  People who know me well know I only wear my pique shirts to the beach, the farmers market or during casual weekends usually paired with shorts and loafers and never during cocktails. But again…

PAUSE:  Rummaging through my old closet

FAST FORWARD: A month before the year ends, I have come up with a few easy steps to increase (clueless guys) your closet’s productivity. Start with these smart multitaskers that easily create a slew of distinctive looks.

(Oxfords, knit tie and pullovers. Photos from Close up and Private)

Scratch the matchy-matchy. Yes, loosen up your rules and watch your wardrobe horizons expand. A knitted tie paired with an oxford shirt don’t seem like the typical office combo (as opposed to the silk ties you’re used to and wrinkle-free shirts), but with the right fiti and the right accessory (think tan leather belts), they look pulled together.

(A huge selection of waxed cotton Barbour jackets are available at  Cockney Rebel Fashion, 43-45 Bridge Place, Worksop, Notts, S80 1DT)

Hello November! Layer unexpectedly – bring out your cashmere pullovers. Invest – a black or gray pullover may go with everything in your closet, but it reads “dullsville.” Meanwhile, a red one (or lime, navy and purple) single-handedly adds pop to whatever you wear even if it doesn’t coordinate exactly. Keep it all cohesive with the right pair of brogues in either black or tan.

Just because it shields you from the elements doesn’t mean it has to be elemental!  Cleverly conceal your wrinkled (unironed haha) shirt sleeves with the best fitting waxed cotton barbour jacket. Paired with the right slim (not skinny – there’s a difference!) trousers and the right bag ( Filson, Jack Spade, etc.), the look doesn’t become cookie-cutter but still sleep and sophisticated.

(Pique from Fred Perry are available at  Cockney Rebel Fashion, 43-45 Bridge Place, Worksop, Notts, S80 1DT)

Finally, make your outfit last past 5 o’clock. Relax a little and pullout your trusty pique from Fred Perry. With shirts cut like a dream, whyi not? Perfectly-cut pique shirts from subculture brand, Fred Perry, paired with the right tailored blazer, a great pair of dark jeans, canvas sneaks or loafers = timeless!  A staple among the mods in the 60’s, the best thing about Fred Perry is the fabric - they do not stretch nor shrink. In fact, I still have a couple from my dad’s closet in navy, white and black.

Dressing well and looking good isn’t rocket science. Now, impress me.