With the cooler months upon us, it’s time to pack away those light linens and pastel hues and embrace richer textures, layers and colours. As always, Autumn-Winter 2024 will be a blend of familiar and fresh. Timeless seasonal trends, like layering, return once more, though this time with new fabrics and contemporary cuts. Meanwhile, exciting newcomers, such as the TikTok favourite “Grandpa-core trend”, have emerged, driven by cultural shifts and the limitless creativity of today’s fashion houses.
It’s a complex landscape out there, gents. So, to help navigate these trends, we’ll break down the key styles of the season and show you how to incorporate them seamlessly into every setting, from boardroom to bar.
Trend 1: Discreet luxury
Discreet luxury (or quiet luxury) is the art of understated elegance – and it’s huge this season. Forgo the flashy labels and embrace timeless fabrics instead, such as organic cottons, silks, cashmere, merino wool and textured leathers. Sharp lines and refined silhouettes will reinforce quality and let it speak for itself, so everything should fit impeccably, nothing too tight or short.
But this trend isn’t just about fit, it’s also a masterclass in subtlety. Remember the small details: hand-stitched accents on a tailored blazer, gold and pearl buttons, silk linings and premium leather belts.
How to wear it: The client dinner
Strike the perfect balance between professional and relaxed while making a lasting impression by investing in elegant, streamlined pieces that let the texture do the talking. For instance, a tailored wool coat in a neutral tone or a cashmere cardigan layered over a silk shirt. It’s minimalist chic with a masculine edge.
Trend 2: Go green
While the leaves outside may be turning gold, the AW24 catwalks have taken a different route, going all out on green. This season’s greens are deep, sophisticated and earthy, so think deep forest hues, mossy tones and olive shades that add a refined touch to your wardrobe.
How to wear it: The casual business lunch.
Lunch meetings are where deals are made and alliances are formed, so it’s important to hit the right tone: comfort with class. Make a statement without raising your voice with a deep green blazer paired with a muted roll neck and tailored trousers in a complementary shade, such as a soft grey or classic navy, to ground the outfit. Sharp, yet comfortable.
Trend 3: Grandpa-core
What started as a Gen Z anti-fashion statement has transformed into a fully established trend for gents of all ages this season. This trend is all about mix-and-match, so concentrate on separates and bold layering. To avoid genuinely looking like a grandpa, focus on channelling the cosy charm of this trend – earthy tones such as rich browns and deep oranges, chunky knits in high-quality wools and vintage-inspired outerwear. Remember, keep it tailored, and you’ll always look contemporary.
How to wear it: The weekend away
This trend works perfectly for a country retreat; simply layer a tweed blazer over a fine-knit cardigan and complete the look with a quilted waistcoat and sturdy brogues. If you’re staying in the UAE, where temperatures don’t tend to call for knitwear, you can channel the trend’s nostalgic charm and focus on refined textures with lightweight tweed and linen blends, quilted waistcoats paired with breathable dress shirts or simply pair a grandad collar shirt (mandarin collar) with impeccably tailored trousers and an overcoat in earthy tones.
Trend 4: The perfect fit
The era of athleisure is, finally (and thankfully), on the way out and tailoring is back – and better than ever. This season, we’re breathing new life into the classic suit, focusing on more structured and streamlined silhouettes, refined textures and rich, luxurious fabrics.
How to wear it: The boardroom
Boardroom attire needs to be crisp, confident and commanding – and you can achieve this with a perfectly cut double-breasted jacket in navy or charcoal. Textural fabrics such as cashmere or wool will add depth, while subtle detailing on your lapels or cuffs assures those in your company are constantly reminded that you’re a man who never forgets the details.
Trend 5: A velvet revolution
Velvet is having a moment this season, and it’s all about embracing its opulence. Luxurious, tactile, and undeniably eye-catching, velvet brings a rich texture to your wardrobe, perfect for those who want to make a statement. Red made a dramatic comeback in 2023, and it’s going nowhere this season, though we’ve moved on from cherry reds to darker hues, like deep burgundy and oxblood. Red works well with velvet, so if you’re not afraid to turn a few heads, you can tick off two trends with a red velvet suit.
How to wear it: The gala dinner
There is nothing subtle about velvet, so if you don’t feel ready to switch your daytime tweeds for this more flamboyant fabric, an evening event is a more forgiving environment in which to experiment. Pair a velvet dinner jacket with a crisp white shirt and slim-fit trousers, or go all out and opt for a velvet suit. Black is timeless, but deep jewel tones such as burgundy, orange and emerald green are bang on trend.
Trend 6: Layer up
Layering has always been the cornerstone of Autumn-Winter fashion for very good reason. As well as offering practical warmth in cooler temperatures, it’s a good way to add dimension and texture to your look. Even in the milder climes of the UAE, you can channel this trend by focusing on lightweight layers: open-collared shirts paired with cashmere overcoats, polo necks and tailored blazers, and so forth.
How to wear it: The business lounge
Layering is key in those awkward in-between spaces – whether you’re waiting for a flight or a casual business meeting. For a polished, put-together look that ensures you stay comfortable as you move between clients, climates and settings, layer with a fine-knit polo neck, lightweight cashmere cardigan and tailored blazer or overcoat. Fitted jeans or tailored corduroy will complete the look.
Final thoughts
Autumn-Winter 2024 marks a return to more classic styles and palettes, but with a modern twist. The key to nailing the season’s trends is balance, so select pieces that combine textures, colours and silhouettes in a way that feels personal yet fashion-forward. Whether you’re dressing for a boardroom meeting, a gala dinner or a casual business lunch, this season’s trends offer something for every occasion. It’s all about selecting versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night, from formal to casual, while maintaining a sense of quiet sophistication.
So gents, go forth, layer up, and confidently make your mark this season. And if ever you’re in doubt, simply pop into an Ascots & Chapels store, where expert advice and a tailored touch will ensure you master your look this season with total ease.
Author: Gary Sweeney
