‘Proper Dressing For Men’ – How to dress for Autumn & Winter 2012

For Autumn & Winter 2012, DE&S have decided to take things back to basics, in a way that reflects classic elegance in menswear.

We want to focus on what we’re calling ‘Proper Dressing’.

This will also be known as ‘The Isherwood Influence’ because to help get our message across, we wanted to pin point an era and a stylish gent from that era to reference.

We’ve chosen celebrated British writer Mr Christopher Isherwood to represent our ideal look.

Born in Chesire but mostly an American resident up to his death in 1986, Mr Isherwood’s personal style epitomises a time when the style we are referring to as proper dressing was de riguer but it is his own way of clothing himself that shows us a style icon of his era.

‘Proper Dressing’ is an idea we have always seen as our brand concept and we feel now is the right time to bring this concept to the fore as we’re on the brink of Autumn, when we can look forward to wearing more clothes and to the return of layering!

These images show the way Mr Isherwood and his contemporaries were ‘properly dressed’ every day.

Each outfit is finished off in a simple, elegant way whether it is done by layering and creating visual interest, adding a specific detail like a hankie to the top pocket or by the simple act of putting a little prior consideration into an outfit which is evident. Tucking everything into a leather belt, being well groomed and having polished shoes all play a part in our idea of ‘Proper Dressing’. It is really a very simple concept which is nothing new but we think the care taken over these things is something that has been lost over time and should be held on to.

It is about investing into quality as we used to in the past and avoiding gathering piles of sub standard quality garments. Choosing high quality/handmade knitwear, 100% cotton shirts and garments which have been made with care by highly skilled craftspeople all add up to being properly dressed because the quality will speak for itself. This is the antithesis of the way things have been going of late in the clothing industry with the reign of cheap throw away garments. This ties into our ‘Made In Britain’ ethic which we will always stick to whenever the British option is the best we can get. Reinvesting into our own economy is a big part of ‘Proper Dressing’ as it is the way it always has been and will obviously help us all out in many ways.

Of course, fashions have changed and the times we are looking back at will always have a nostalgia to them which makes them seem more elegant and it’s heightened because of the black and white photographs but the concept is the same. It applies to everything. Back then most guys wore suits all the time which always adds a ‘proper’ edge but regardless of the garments, it just takes a bit of attention to detail to finish off an outfit properly. And that’s where we come in!

Here is a selection of looks from our ‘Proper Dressing’ pieces. There are more images to come soon but this is our interpretation of how to do Proper in 2012. We must stress that all fits are slim and and modern. This is one aspect of modern garments which is not related to anything of Mr Isherwood’s era. Anyone who has tried on the average charity shop tweed jacket would know this. You can get lucky from time to time but generally there will be a tell tail sign of the era of a garment by the fit and the styling…(large lapels, generous shoulders, a general bagginess!)

The looks featured here include our new Italian knitted wool ‘Bachardy’ jacket in navy, available in store. A perfect casual piece for crisp autumn days and eves, it’s a combination of a heavy knit cardi, a classic blazer and a dressy lightweight winter jacket. Take your pick!

The ‘Pater’ checked trouser is also in store. All knitwear is made by Inis Meain for us in the Aran Isles in the way it has been for many years by the local ladies. There is a separate post HERE about it.

Our shirting is Made In England and all off the peg jackets and trousers are made at our bespoke makers in Tuscany. Knitted silk ties are also Italian as they are the best we can get. The Italians also know a thing or two about ‘Proper Dressing’.