Our Favourite Autumn Fashion Trends For Men | AW20

The weather seems to have turned in almost an instant, swapping warm, sunny afternoons for brisk, chilly mornings. This year it's almost as if Summer didn't truly exist, with many holidays cancelled and 'staycations' being our only escape. Alas, we are now in October and while some may not appreciate the change in temperature and the miserable weather that comes with it, others will be loving the chance to wrap up warm and embrace the new season. Of course, with a new season, there comes a chance to transform our wardrobe once again. Our latest new arrivals are the best ways for you to channel some of the hottest trends this autumn, and today, we’re looking at some of our favourite pieces.

1. Puffer Vests & Jackets

Once a forgotten trend from the late 90s/early 2000s, the puffer jacket is back for 2020. Not only are puffer jackets and vests a style statement, but there’s practical benefits in keeping you warm during the chillier months too. Fred Perry is one brand that’s certainly jumped on the bandwagon with this trend, as illustrated in their Hooded Insulated Jacket, with a luxurious quilted insulation to get you through the colder months while still looking stylish. For those who prefer something a little more traditional, Barbour is a brand that combines both the puffer trend and the classic autumnal theme. The Tartan Liner is set to be a big hit this winter, with an allover design creating a traditional country look. Pair with a basic sweatshirt and jeans, and you’ve got yourself an effortlessly cool look that matches the masculine energy of this season.

2. Striped Sweaters

The preppy style has been a popular trend through spring and summer, so it’s no surprise that aspects of it would seep into the autumn/winter collections. There’s no denying that sweaters are one of those wardrobe staples that layers well with shirts and polos, so there’s no excuse for not incorporating one into your repertoire of smart casual looks this year. When it comes to how to wear the trend, this season is all about contrasting colourways, as indicated in this Fred Perry Colourblock Sweat, which features a warm, autumnal palette of mustard, mahogany and navy.

3. Beanie Hats

As we enter the chillier months, many of us will be immediately reaching for stylish headwear to protect us from the elements. In particular, beanie hats are a classic accessory for this season, providing plenty of warmth and comfort. Barbour in particular has some great offerings for those is much cooler climates, such as the Seaton Pom Beanie, crafted in a chunky knit style and finished with a branded patch. Similarly, there’s the Carlton Beanie which is a timeless, versatile hat that’s available in three colourways. In terms of how to wear it, you can opt for a more snug fit by rolling the bottom of the hat upwards, or wear it towards the back of your head to create a more relaxed streetwear look.

4. Bright Blues

While contrasting colourways seem to be taking the lead this season, one colour that’s set to dominate the latest collections is bright blue. Fred Perry is one brand in particular that makes use of the vibrant shade, with pieces such as the Stripe Neck Track Jacket and the Graphic Sweatshirt in Nautical Blue. There’s also the likes of the Taped Ringer T-Shirt which not only features a splash of bright blue, but also a touch of contrast with the neck, cuffs and taped shoulders. But how much blue should you be going for? Well, sticking to one key piece is the best way to go with this trend, so pair any one of these with a classic pair of jeans to create a smart, casual look with a splash of colour. Alternatively, you can add subtle hints of the colour through your accessories rather than the clothing itself.

5. Utility Fashion

It’s no secret that the utility trend has been one that’s dominated most of 2020, and it’s set to stay that way as we enter AW20 too. While the usual aspects of the trend still apply, this season places an emphasis on layering, so opt for pieces such as this Fernon Gilet by Barbour Lifestyle and pair with a simple sweatshirt or one of these Soft Lambswool Crew Neck Sweaters for extra warmth. Colour wise, we can expect to see militia inspired colours such as khaki, brown, and jet black - with pieces such as this Lyle & Scott Zip Detail Overshirt, ideal for layering with your favourite tee. You could even go for a white tee to really amp up the contrast too. The change in weather will also bring with it arrival of utility-style coats and jackets in many collections too, one of our favourite pieces being this Barbour International Endo Jacket, capturing everything we love about the trend all while keeping you shielded from those chilly mornings and evenings.

6. Autumn Essentials

So what else can you be looking to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming season? As always, chunky knits are the unisex trend that everyone can get into, providing plenty of warmth, comfort and above all, style. Barbour is one brand that is known for creating pieces designed to withstand the angsty British weather, so it’s no surprise they’d bring us some quality knitwear to don this season - we especially love this Chunky Cable Knit Sweater by Barbour Lifestyle, crafted in a luxurious lambswool blend with a classic cable knit pattern for that all-important chunky texture. While we’re on the topic of textures, it’s not just knitwear that’s going to be popular this season either. Corduroy is a material that we’re seeing more of in autumn collections, and while it once was thought to be one that was only acceptable to be worn by our grandfathers, it’s now considered a versatile, heavy-duty and stylish textile to have in your wardrobe. The Maddison Corduroy Shirt by Carhartt is a prime example of how cords are making their way into 2020, and being cut to a regular fit, it’s incredibly easy to wear no matter what your usual look entails. Style it with a pair of Carhartt trousers and your favourite sneakers for a relaxed, casual look.

Finally, we can’t look at autumn fashion trends without a nod to the wonderfully autumnal trend that is tartan. Barbour leads the way this season with a wide variety of stylish tartan pieces that celebrate the Scottish roots of the brand, one of our favourites being the Coldwater Jumper. Not only does this cosy jumper fit right in with the tartan trend, but the contrasting sleeves and hem also help to make it a must-have piece this season. Additionally, Fred Perry is another brand that appears to have incorporated the tartan trend into their AW collection, with the likes of this Bold Tartan Shirt which can be dressed up or down. Layer with a plain tee, jeans and sneakers for a more neutral city look, or pair with smart trousers and brogues for a stylish, countryman vibe.

There’s no denying that this autumn, there’s plenty of variety in what you can introduce to your wardrobe. From tartan prints to thick knits, it’s clear that autumn is well and truly here in the world of men’s designer fashion. If you’re feeling inspired to upgrade your autumn wardrobe this season, be sure to check out our latest batch of new arrivals for even more seasonal style.

Written by Amy Jackson - 30th September 2020