- BRITISH STYLE -

Tempered Season

British style in fashion is that almost magical way the English have of looking simultaneously elegant, eccentric, and nonchalant, as if they'd thrown on the first thing they found, except that everything fits perfectly. In practice, it's based on a few well-established codes. There's a strong emphasis on quality, perfectly tailored suits, checked blazers, and Burberry trench coats. Often, there are improbable combinations, like pairing a hunter's tweed with a floral shirt or Doc Martens with a tartan skirt. Contrast is practically a religion. You can also add a touch of "chic nonchalance": tousled hair, slightly messy hems, and oversized sweaters. Nothing is too polished, otherwise it's no longer English.

As the Industrial Revolution swept through Britain, it brought innovations in textile production such as mechanized looms and advanced dyeing techniques that enabled the creation of fabrics that were both robust and refined, most notably the iconic tweed. This sturdy woolen fabric, with its distinctive patterns and earthy hues, became a cornerstone of the country wardrobe, embodying both practicality and sophistication. The iconic Harris Tweed, handwoven in the Outer Hebrides, represents the pinnacle of tweed craftsmanship. A classic tweed jacket features a three-button front, notched lapels, and flap pockets.

British weather demands adaptability. To stay comfortable throughout the day, you need to know how to layer vests, jumpers, and jackets. The preferred headwear is the flat cap. The tweed jacket is almost always complemented by the waxed cotton coat, an essential outerwear item popularized by British brands like Barbour. These country coats have a waxed cotton outer layer that repels water while allowing for breathability.

Patterns and textures are often based on checks, stripes, tartan, velvet, wool, and leather. All of this is frequently in muted tones (camel, navy, burgundy, gray) with a striking detail. Finally, the punk and rock heritage should never be overlooked: the rebellious touches of Vivienne Westwood, leather, pins, and boots. Even in the most demure outfits, a hint of irreverence is often found. British style can also be expressed through colored trousers (red, mustard, etc.) and a matching cap. One can wear a polo shirt or a T-shirt that clearly celebrates England (a famous band or the Union Jack, the British flag).