Autumn is Ivy

Preparing the perfect Autumnal Ivy wardrobe.

Autumn is almost here, and I couldn’t be happier.

Many of you may think I’m ridiculous, but many of you will know exactly what I mean.
Yes, summer is great, but autumn is better.

I don’t know about you, but summer is a difficult one. I think there are lots of items in our wardrobes that we stretch in terms of, “Yeah, I could wear that in the summer; it’s light enough,” when really we’re sweltering underneath.

It forces us to be creative, but not in a way we particularly like. It’s a constant struggle to continue looking well-dressed while also trying not to pass out in the heat.

Here are some of the reasons why, in the form of a list of clothing and outfits I’m excited to wear next season.

I recently visited All Blues Co. in Leeds. As you know, this is a favourite place of mine; it’s a Pandora’s box of Ivy style and classic Americana. They are also exclusive stockists of a few brands, one in particular that I always go for is Kamakura Shirts.

I’m a big fan of the classic Ivy range made in collaboration with author Graham Marsh, co-author of Black Ivy. I’ve been wanting a good patterned shirt for a while, something a little different that has a classic mid-century look, and that will just break up my wardrobe a little. I think I’ve found the perfect shirt.

Kamakura Vintage Ivy Print Popover- Red

This Kamakura shirt is a long-sleeved popover with a fantastic mid-century print.

It looks like something straight off a Blue Note cover, and I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere before—but that’s the thing about it. I probably haven’t. It’s just so accurate in what it’s portraying that it feels familiar.

The colours of this shirt match the hues of the season; it’ll pair perfectly with browns, navys, and fabrics like corduroy and chino—autumn staples.

Kamakura Vintage Ivy Print Popover- Red

Kamakura Shirts was founded in 1993 by Yoshio Sadasue and his wife Tamiko in the city of Kamakura. Taking its name from the city it originates from, we’re reminded of the process of Ametora—Japanese “American traditional clothing”—and how the Japanese preserved American style.

A sartorial blend of Japanese evolution and passion, paired with quality craftsmanship and the finest materials, is a topic explored in depth by W. David Marx in his fascinating and brilliant book Ametora.

I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is that I love most about it, but I love pairing a tie with an overshirt.

In this case, I’m wearing a Le Laboureur overshirt with a vintage John Simons shirt, Hebtro Co Japanese selvedge jeans, Sebago Mocs/Rangers, a Felco cap, and of course, a regimental stripe tie.

The tie is in the colours of the Somerset Light Infantry; I found it in a charity shop for about £10, I think. I love the way it pairs with all the colours I’m wearing, which are quite earthy tones that work really well in autumn.

This is one of those looks that I think a couple of years ago I would never have worn due to a lack of confidence, but it has received more compliments than anything negative.

I think people genuinely appreciate it when you make an effort, and the thing is, just adding a tie elevates the look that little bit more. It works just as well without the tie, but it just seals the deal.

An item I never thought I’d wear any time soon, but seem to have just fallen for, is the hooded sweatshirt, also known as the hoodie.

I used to feel that it might be too modern for me, and when I say modern, I mean contemporary—or perhaps I just associate it with fast fashion. Either way, it always reminded me of that. But the thing is, once you look into it, the hooded sweatshirt has such an interesting history. Its roots date back to the 1930s when it was first introduced by Champion, the American sportswear brand, to keep workers in cold warehouses warm. The design was actually inspired by medieval monks' cowls, with the hood providing extra warmth and protection.

It’s such an American classic. I also love that look of someone training in the boxing gym, like Rocky Balboa.

Fishtail Shaggy Beanie

It’s all about how you style it that determines the look you want. Believe me, it can look smart, and I think this outfit here is one I’d feel really comfortable going out in. I’ve got my Hebtro Co selvedge jeans on again, and I’ve also paired them with a Fishtail Shetland wool hat. I love the pop of red, and I chose this colour purely because I was inspired by this photo.

Overall, this is just a very quick look at some of the items I’ll be wearing this autumn.

But what should the ideal autumn wardrobe include? It’s the season of the perfect blend—it’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold. Just don’t layer too much; that’s for winter, and we’ll get to that blog soon.

Cord and denim. A perfect autumnal duo.

This cord jacket isn’t as heavy as it looks, but due to the midweight denim shirt, no knitwear it needed. However, if it is still a little cold out, pair with a cardigan, like I have here. The denim combines classic Americana with a traditional Ivy staple.

Focus on one heavier garment to keep you warm. I believe your approach should be a combination of the following: choose a heavier jumper and wear it with a lighter jacket, or pick a lighter top like a shirt and pair it with a heavier jacket.

Or be daring with double cord.

Ivy style and American traditional style truly shine in autumn. If this look were a musical artist, it would be Simon & Garfunkel. It’s long walks through fallen leaves and afternoons in the pub, celebrate everything Ivy is about. It combines comfort with smartness, is accessible and understated, and works for nearly any occasion. And above all, if it were a season, it would be autumn.

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Before you go!

It's an honour to be featured in the latest issue (issue 2) of Bother Mag, the magazine by the lovely team at HebTro Co. There's everything in there, Elvis impersonators, motorbikes, menswear, anarchy, art & more - go and grab yourself a copy!

Thanks for reading!

Tom