Words by Larry Lim.
Winter is coming which means black and grey garments, right? Think again. This season I urge you to shake things up with prints and patterns. There’s no better place to search for some new season fits than at Brisbane’s number one shopping destination – Edward Street Brisbane.
No matter the trend, quality garments never go out of style. Starting at one of my favourite fashion haunts, Mitchell Ogilvie, I knew I wanted to source a classic look made impeccably well. On the base, I opted for a pair of slim cut jeans in mid blue denim by Jacob Cohen. If you want to elevate your everyday pieces, look for finer details like this interesting stitching that indicate handmade craftmanship. Continuing the classic aesthetic, I selected the type of tailored white shirt that every man needs in his wardrobe by luxury menswear label Canali. It’s always worth paying more for an excellent dress shirt, you will wear it more than any other item you own. Keeping in the family, for the top layer (and star of the look) I chose this Canali shacket. A great way to keep traditional patterns like houndstooth fresh is to choose unexpected shades like this teal blue. The overall outfit is clean and classic but still casual enough to wear from day to night. Never underestimate the importance of versatility when it comes to your clothes.
With a blue look on lock, I wanted to continue playing with patterns but in a different colour realm. When I set my sights on this printed jacket from Scotch & Soda, my eyes lit up. If abstract patterns are outside your comfort zone, look for one in neutral tones and keep your base layer simple with block colours. This jacket’s linen material is the ideal weight for Brisbane’s weather in the tail-end of Autumn. I am often enamoured by thick winter coats, but always keep your climate in mind before splurging on a purchase. Another important factor is comfort and these chinos more than delivered. A drawstring waist can also add street style edge to a typically tailored pant.
For the final look I wanted to explore more of Scotch & Soda’s printed pieces and couldn’t go past a matching trouser and bomber jacket combo. This much print in bolder colours could have been over the top but the muted beige tones in a classic check design proved to be just right. To keep this kind of look on trend, opt for a pair of chunky trainers. Sneakers can signal too casual but the gold detailing on this jacket really elevated the whole look. This outfit is certainly confident, so wear it with an attitude to match!
Other than a pinstripe suit, in the past I didn’t often venture into the realm of prints. Though lately I find myself loving the interest these designs can add when layered with simple staples. Heading into winter is a great time to play with new patterns whether it’s hinted underneath a jacket or taking centre stage as the hero outwear. Push outside your plain colour comfort zone and you might be surprised how much you like it!
Take to Edward Street Brisbane this season to find all of my latest picks featured in this trend edit and so much more!