I’ll keep this simple: these are two brilliant jackets for men for all but very cold days. These are also only smart/casual – smart clothes I must refer you The Cad and the Dandy. Cold weather clothes I will tackle later this year.
Also I must repeat I’m not suggesting that these are the only jackets that you ought to have if you are a man. I’m saying that if you struggle to find suitable jackets, here are some ideas.
My first recommendation is this Norfolk work jacket from The Carrier Company. Please ignore how they style this jacket on the website, as it’s like a Socialist Workers Party pamphlet.
This jacket looks absolutely fab on, wear over a t-shirt or even over a slim sweater when it’s a bit chillier. Please note the ample pockets.
This Field Mechanic jacket from J Crew is also a gem. Also, hello… POCKETS!
Ooo also actually while we’re here, don’t dismiss something like this – a sort of genteel bomber from Barbour:
I bought my dad something similar (though not shiny) from J Crew last year and he looked genuinely cool in it. He is 83. But that’s the power of a great jacket.
MONDAY! Shorts and trousers!
ESTHER! Pocketvana thank you!
I knew you’d be happy 🙂
I like that Work Jacket but I’ve enjoyed the website even more. What to wear for that intense, joyless picnic before cracking back on with the harvest.They have a “Mum” skirt! Bit on the nose. My husband is definitely missing a jacket, he goes from hoodies to full english summer wet weather gear and no in between. He has a linen jacket but is always unsure about how to wear it, these look much better.
I know Cindy that website utterly cracks me up
I am loving your style posts .I have a confession …I bought the denim shorts ! yes I know you warned me,but I just randomly lost my head in H & M and yep totally regretted it … screamed Brit aboroad all week .all I needed was a hanky on my head to complete the misjudged look. Not good . I Will never stray again .
Ellen it’s okay!! At least you know now. And also I’m sure you looked totally fine xx
Now I have time to reflect……I really like the Norfolk work jacket, but it is a classic example of how pockets can spoof us. They are there in semi-abundance, but with no flap/button etc the contents are far from secure. I am still traumatised by my calculator falling out of my school blazer pocket into an unflushed loo on my way into my maths A-level!
That said I love Carrier’s website you have revealed where Monty Don shops – nobody rocks French peasant chic as well as he! I may well invest in the J-Crew one however!!!!
Esther my guess is that Monday’s piece is largely written, in case it isn’t I have a plea. Can we have a section on TTANJs (trousers that are not jeans). Am reaching that stage in life where jeans may not be appropriate, they are pocket deficient anyway, and I don’t want to slip into the dad jean trap!
I had a wallet-toilet incident embarrassingly recently, Tom, so yes pockets can spoof us all right. Not quite as bad as yours though; A levels have a unique power to traumatise. I still have nightmares about the persistent hacking cough I developed during History, and having to tackle a mock with one contact lens.Very interested in TTANJs too.