DS Dundee

Classic style is timeless, so is said. But who would have guessed that an 82-year-old woman could be a cutting edge style icon? Lizzie Windsor, or ‘Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ as she prefers to be known, is a somewhat unexpected fashion choice for the East side massive. But if we are to believe what Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Dolce and Gabbana have been telling us for the past season or so, fashionable and functional, heritage is big.

If your eyes are blinded by the array of multicoloured tartan or lumberjack shirts that once seemed cool but have been reworked and re-coloured and even, shock horror, found in River Island and Next…And if you are not too keen on a Mockney Cockney Guy Ritchie-esque tweed cap, there are other routes to follow to perfect that ‘just come from shooting pheasants’ look.

Barbour jackets, easily snaffled from an old relative’s wardrobe, less easily searched out in vintage shops, are an obvious but staple choice. ‘Urbanising’ the look, perhaps with a pair of chav earrings or lots of hairspray will help you to avoid taking the look to Sloane ranger.

Luke Roper

Luke Roper (Image above) hit the mark with their men’s Manic Progressive range, bringing in an element of mod while maintaining a luxury feel through high quality fabrics. The cricket style cardigan is great for adding instant heritage factor to any outfit, lovely and cosy for a brisk winter night.

D.S.Dundee, newly relaunched, have a beautiful men’s collection, be it a little on the pricey side, an investment maybe? Or just take some inspiration if your wallet is a little tighter, or emptier. I had a teeny dig at tartan before, but the Dundee collection of 100% wool tartan trousers are practically perfect, just don’t put them on a hot wash or you’ll end up with perfect tartan shorts. The tweed shooting jacket stands out as a wearable and warmer alternative to the classic mac, and the semi brogue boots are a smarter version of the scruffier 1950’s style variety that are all over the high street, and probably work better with drainpipes.

Still channelling the outdoors, but for those more likely to shoot with a lens than a rifle, Howie’s has a wide range containing all the right buzz words… ‘organic’, ‘itch-free’, ‘no hazardous wastes’ etcetera. The men’s ‘Scrumper Jumper’ not only has a great name but also comes in loads of colours. The women’s ‘River Jacket’ is a perfect anorak to save you carrying a bastard wet umbrella everywhere you go, then probably defiantly leaving it in a bar only to buy a new one the next day you find yourself soggy and seeking safety in a nice dry shop.

If you are seriously poor, try cutting some old scraps of leather/leather-look material into ovals and stick them on the elbows of a moth eaten woolly jumper like English professors circa 1950 (maybe even still now at Oxford?). Very heritage chic

Words: Amelia Phillips