A Country Road Adventure

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Dreaming of Winter in Summer

The beauty with The Man Has Style is that I am talking to a global audience, so I tend to flick between summer and winter in my coverage. Currently, on the super hot days where I live, sometimes day after day of blue skies and blasting sun makes me crave winter. Of course, winter in Australia is not the same as the colder months elsewhere in the world, but it does get cold, so thankfully we do get to indulge in dressing to meet the cooler climate. When I was designing menswear, I loved, no, really loved the winter styles. I always felt there was so much that could be done and I became more fascinated than ever with different textures and fabrics. With a few cooler days recently (far from cold though), I have thrown myself into what’s around the Australia market for this coming season.

I was looking through the Country Road Autumn Winter 2015 collection and admiring the way they had pulled together an adventuress spirit with their signature classic styling. A little sports-luxe, a touch of military and some beautiful tones that give way to a feeling of exploration. Beautiful soft knits, which I adore, go so well with both the suiting and more casual chino track pants. The pieces all work well together and I do love to see quilted puffer and bomber jackets, especially in the mix with leather high-top sneakers. Of course, my fondness for suiting is met with satisfaction also. They have collaborated with one of Italy’s oldest and most renowned mills, Marzotto, for their suiting. The silhouettes are shown in modern and the ever-lasting classic styles.

Sophie Holt, the Managing Director at Country Road had a little Q&A around the menswear collection for this season, which while not exclusive to The Man Has Style, I wanted to share with you regardless, as it gives a good insight into the collection.

Explain how you have been inspired by the concept of Adventure for the AW15 menswear collection.

Sophie: We’ve recognised a renewed desire for authentic experiences – for adventure, for rediscovering the outdoors. We wanted the range to reflect that.

How have you balanced this influence so that men can easily incorporate the trend into their wardrobe?

Sophie: The collection is modern and versatile. A lot of key pieces are practical and utilitarian: think puffers, quilted herringbone and waffle tees that are easy to layer.

What are the other trends prevalent for AW15?

Sophie: Sportswear is influencing how we dress on a day-to-day basis. That performance-inspired aesthetic is also informing our designs in a clean, luxe way.

What are the key colours and textures for men?

Sophie: Cool grey is key for men, sitting along new neutrals of soft tan and sulphur. This season, men should look to army green, especially alongside a woodland colour palette. Details are important too: but bold patterning is taking a back-seat to subtle textures and knits.

country road menswear winter 2015

What are the essential building blocks that every man needs in his wardrobe?

Sophie: Slim-fit denim and chinos are versatile essentials. I think every man should have at least three suits: Navy, charcoal and then something a little more opinionated, like a check. Merino or lambswool knitwear makes for easy layering and a smart navy blazer is a must for throw-on-and-go style.

What is the best-selling piece of menswear for Country Road?

Sophie: Our slim stretch chino is such a great piece: effortlessly modern, and a perfect way to add a sophisticated neutral or subtle level of colour to an outfit.

What is one item that every man should wear this AW?

Sophie: The bomber jacket is a key silhouette this season. Clean joggers are a nice nod to the sports luxe trend.

Is there a star accessory for the season that every man should own?

Sophie: A pair of crisp white trainers. They’re versatile enough to wear with chinos or suiting.