Jackets: The 2014 Edit
You’re back from your holidays. Your tan hasn’t yet faded, you’re only half way through the accumulated emails at work, and the weather is showing the first signs of change. Sorry to add a bit more pressure to the season, but shall we talk transitional style?
Without going on and on about building the perfect capsule wardrobe, this time we picked a single item that will take you from summer to autumn with full dignity: the jacket.
Today we’re set to discuss the different types of transitional jackets on the market for 2014 and what they can do for you. There’s sure to be one in this guide you’ll identify with…
Why Do I Need A Jacket?
We don’t want to nag, but this is important. It’s OK during summer to sport a t-shirt alone, or even a jumper with a peaking collar. A jacket, however, has that armour quality: wrapping you up for days of uncertain weather while offering you additional pockets to store your smartphone, keys, wallet, comb, lighter, cigarettes, glasses, etc.
But that’s not all. When it comes to style, outerwear is the most prominent piece of clothing you’ll wear once the sun turns its back on you. It’s also potentially the strongest style identifier of a man’s wardrobe. One new jacket every season is enough to keep you looking your best throughout the year.
Have we convinced you to get a new one yet? If so, check out the silhouettes you should be considering for autumn 2014:
The 2014 Blazer/Sports Coat
This is a no-brainer. A blazer, which for autumn should be in textured, practical materials such as flannel, tweed, wool-blends or twill cotton, is the smartest option available to you. It’ll quickly upgrade any of your current looks and dress up your sloppiest self.
After multiple seasons of short, skinny-fitting designs, this AW14 you’re likely to find more traditional, fuller-cut versions out there, which are ideal for layering shirts and knits underneath. Opt for grey, navy, dark earthy shades or, for the more adventurous, rich autumnal hues such as burgundy and bottle green.
If you come across one you really like, purchase without hesitation. Wear it as your makeshift jacket until you can’t possibly do without an overcoat. Try it over a polo with jeans/chinos, or with tailored trousers and a shirt – just make sure you get as much use out of it as possible.
Lookbook Inspiration: Textured Blazers For Autumn
Key Styles
- He By Mango Tailored Double-breasted Blazer
- Allsaints Sano Blazer
- He By Mango Herringbone Wool-blend Blazer
- Reiss Jackson B Textured Modern Blazer Deer
- River Island Khaki Green Blazer
- River Island Green Blazer
- Asos Slim Fit Blazer In 100% Wool
- Topman Brown Twist Skinny Fit Donegal Blazer
- Blue Harbour Pure Cotton 2 Button Corduroy Jacket
The Leather Jacket
This is a jacket that requires one of the highest levels of investment. You’re unlikely to wear it to the office unless you’re impossibly cool (although they look great over an Oxford shirt on dress-down Friday), and you’re also not likely to wear it on a really rainy day.
That said, the right leather jacket will add a rugged and masculine edge to any off-duty ensemble, and they have long been a calling card for some of the most stylish men on the planet, including Steve McQueen, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Ryan Gosling and Alex Turner.
The options on the current market are numerous and will strongly influence the message you send out to the world. While a brown or tan leather jacket gives you an outdoorsy, somewhat wholesome, ‘good guy’ vibe, black leather is associated with rebellion and screams “watch out”.
Bomber jackets and straight-cut, over shirt-like designs are more conservative and go well with cashmere jumpers, beautiful shirts and well-cut trousers. But if you’re really set to embrace the leather look, channel your inner rock star and go for a zipped biker silhouette. They are just as timeless, but stand in a whole different league – and so will you.
Aside from these classics, motorcycle jackets are also on-trend right now and make the perfect antidote to your wardrobe staples – nothing beats a simple t-shirt and jeans pairing when it comes to this item.
When purchasing a leather jacket, go as soft, buttery and refined as your budget allows. They should be viewed as an investment and will only get better with age, developing their own unique character and patina as the years go by.
Finally, don’t be afraid to explore coloured leather in contemporary shades of grey, oxblood or navy – all three hues are just as versatile as black and brown, and have a modern yet timeless feel to them.
Leather Jacket Lookbook Inspiration
Key Styles
- He By Mango Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket
- Allsaints Blythe Leather Bomber Jacket
- He By Mango Leather Biker Jacket
- Reclaimed Vintage Leather Biker Jacket
- Nudie Leather Jacket Jonny Biker
- Reiss Patriot Belted Leather Jacket Black
- Band Of Outsiders Leather Bomber Jacket
- Acne Studios Oscar Leather Biker Jacket
- Ted Baker Aerys Leather Jacket
The Mid-Length Jacket
Regular readers will know that lightweight, longer length macs and raincoats have been trending since spring.
However, for autumn we recommend one that finishes just below the waist, which will keep your top half dry and protected while offering slightly more versatility when it comes to layering. That said, if you want to wear yours over the top of a blazer, opt for a slightly longer mid-thigh version to ensure it covers it.
Field jackets are also worthy of consideration and, much like a mac or trench, can be dressed up or down effortlessly to suit the occasion. Look for traditional styles with multiple patch pockets for added practicality.
In terms of construction, waxed cottons and synthetic fabrics will perform better against unexpected rain showers, but you’ll find wool and other natural materials have an indisputable noble quality to them.
Whatever you opt for, don’t wear this piece as if you meticulously planned the look. Effortless, almost accidental styling will avoid you coming across too precious – throw it on over any of your current go-to outfits and forget about it.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Styles
- Asos Mac In Shorter Length
- Reclaimed Vintage Waxed Jacket In Navy
- J. Crew Tall British Millerain Waxed Cotton Field Jacket
- He By Mango Tailored Cotton Trench
- Ted Baker Coat In Check
- He By Mango Premium Field Jacket
- Belstaff Roadmaster Waxed-cotton Jacket
- Lot78 Heavyweight Cotton Field Jacket
- River Island Navy Smart Short Mac
The Denim Jacket
Although they never really fell out of vogue or lost their cool factor, denim jackets are trending again for 2014 due to the 1980s/1990s revival we’re seeing across the industry.
A classic indigo or raw denim version is completely timeless and will continue to get good wear for many more years to come. However, if you are looking to create more of a statement, why not consider adding a light wash, khaki, black, grey or even white version to your wardrobe this year? All are available on the current market and will definitely have you standing out from the crowd.
Other contemporary details that will help make your jacket more individual include shearling/borg collars and contrast fabric sleeves.
Whatever you end up going for, make sure you choose the cut that best suits your needs and body shape. For example, a fitted, slimmer version looks great dressed up in smart-casual outfits, while slouchier, roomier styles are perfect for relaxed, casual dressers.
Feeling brave? Try pulling off one of menswear’s most risky looks: double denim. No longer an automatic faux pas, so long as you don’t match your washes/shades exactly you won’t go far wrong.
As for the rest of us who prefer to play it safe, a denim jacket will help your coloured chinos transition into autumn without any problems.
Denim Jacket Lookbook Inspiration
Key Styles
- Allsaints Colbert Denim Jacket
- Allsaints Setsu Denim Jacket
- Asos Denim Jacket
- He By Mango Black Denim Jacket
- Asos Denim Jacket In Skinny Fit
- Asos Denim Jacket With Borg Collar
- River Island Dark Wash Denim Jacket
- A.p.c. Regular-fit Washed-denim Jacket
- Acne Studios Jam Slim-fit Washed-denim Jacket
The Heavyweight Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets have been on-trend for quite a while now, which is down to menswear’s current fixation with sportswear.
The autumn 2014 update calls for luxe heavyweight versions in flannel, wool, leather or suede, which should be dressed up and essentially take the place of your blazer – breaking convention and adding an undeniable sense of cool to your getup.
Neutral versions are the most reliable and versatile, with tan appearing a particularly strong choice for AW14.
Other key details to look out for include contrast sleeves, check patterns, tipped cuffs and waistbands, shearling linings and collars, and lightly padded construction.
Heavyweight Bomber Lookbook Inspiration
Key Styles
- Asos Bomber Jacket In London Cloth Company Fabric
- Asos Bomber Jacket In Puppytooth
- Reiss Caleb Padded Aviator Jacket
- Topman Tan Suede Bomber Jacket
- Collezione Online Only Suede Bomber Jacket
- Jigsaw Jersey Twill Bomber Jacket Ink
- Band Of Outsiders Harrington Corduroy Jacket
- Wooyoungmi Reversible Wool-blend Bomber Jacket
- Band Of Outsiders Brushed Wool And Cotton-blend Bomber Jacket
Final Word
With autumn on the horizon, now’s the time to purchase a new jacket. Make sure it’s different from what you already have in your wardrobe and use it to give a modern spin to whatever you wear this season.
So what do you think – have we missed anything off our list? And what was your favourite style showcased today?
Let us know in the comments section below…