That Dapper Chap

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Five Cool Coats by Next

That Dapper Chap shows us his top five favourite coats for this winter by Next

With the days getting colder and wetter its a good time to make that one seasonal purchase that we all do and invest in a new coat. Keeping it at the more dapper end of the range here are my top five coats from Next.

Looking like I own it. Image by PhotoByIan

Number 5 - The Pea Coat

With its large collar that can be turned up against the elements, the pea coat has stood the test of time as a classic coat. Double breasted and unbelted is gives a clean silhouette.

With its design firmly rooted in naval history it has stood the test of time, so if it's been a solid wearable coat since its origin in the 1700's it's good enough for me.

Mine is a green colour but other colours such as black, navy and grey are available too. Next also offers one with a cosy Borg collar.

I love mine but I would love it more if it were longer and I find the wrist straps somewhat fussy, hence it sits at number five.

The classic double breasted Pea Coat by Next
Image by PhotoByIan

The Next pea coat with Borg collar £85

The basic black pea coat available at Next for £85

Number 4 - The Double Breasted Trench

Again with its roots in military design, I love this classic trench coat, with its collar slightly smaller than the pea coat it's still big enough to provide you with protection from the wind when turned up.

It's also slightly longer than the pea coat too, so it'll keep the tops of your legs warmer than the pea coat would.

Again, its the fussiness that keeps it at the lower end of my list as belts on coats can irritate me and I wear my own trench coat less than I should as the belt has a habit of twisting at the back which is most annoying.

Me wearing my own Trench Coat, Belt untwisted!

Trench coat available at Next £110

Also available in brown

Tie the belt on your trench coat for a different look

Number 3 - The Fur Collared Coat

At number three we have a single breasted coat with a cosy fur collar. Perfect for wintry walks and long enough to keep out the chills this example is made from 59% wool and 33% polyester. The lining and collar are 100% polyester. It's a great buy at just £99

Turn up the fur collar against the snow

A closer look at the detail

Number 2 - The Covert Coat

It was the colour that drew me to this piece. It's a little unusual to find a burgundy coloured coat so I jumped at the chance to get my hands one one. At just £99 it is available in grey, brown and of course burgundy. Made from 50% wool, 20% polyester, 15% nylon and 10% acrylic it has a 100% polyester lining.

Worn just as easily over a suit as it would be jeans and a sweater the only thing that stops it being at number one is the contrast collar. I dont know why it troubles me, it just does.

That Dapper Chap sporting the burgundy Covert coat
Image by PhotoByIan

Number 1 - The Epsom Coat

Made from 70% wool and at a good length the Epsom coat wins on the warm stakes. Classic in its design there is nothing fussy about this coat, no belt or epaulettes and with three simple pockets it has a super clean silhouette.

I bought mine a couple of years ago and it still wears like new and looks great. yes I've had it dry cleaned and stored over the summer but even so, it still looks fresh.

Priced at just £95 you get a lot of class for the cost.

I love my Epsom coat and my Instagram account is testament to that

The classic navy coloured Epsom coat from next £95

A close up look at the details of this classic coat

Also available in Khaki

Well, I hope that this article has whet your appetite and opened your wallet and that you are now waiting for your new coat to arrive. Once it has, be sure to post a picture to Instagram and tag that_dapper_chap or leave a comment on here! All the best.

THANKS FOR READING!

And The Winners Are....

That Dapper Chap introduces the winners of the October #ThatDapperChap style contest who take advantage of some great goodies from Kjøre Project.

This month we teamed up with the stylish guys at the Kjøre Project, makers of fine leather men's accessories. Take a look at my full article on them HERE

The first prize, handmade leather iPhone and card wallet

Your Winner - Evan

We love Evan's slightly quirky style, he's not afraid to try something different and is happy to stand out from the crowd which is an admirable trait.

Evan wins a smashing wallet of his choice from KjøreProject.com

I asked Evan who inspires him and he told me "I have several style inspirations: the first is a Los Angeles artist and "taste-maker" named Igael Gurin-Malous (http://www.igaelart.com/bio.cfm). We used to teach together at the same school in San Francisco. I was going through a challenging time in my life, and I found some comfort through taking my mind of the "big picture" and focusing on details. What colors go with what? What fabrics go with what? What rules can be bent and what rules can be broken? He was endlessly patient and yet encouraging"

He goes on to say "He will forever be my mentor in anything style related, and when I do StyleUps for others (interviewing men about their relationship to style, shopping with them and assisting them in assembling a great, updated look), I try to channel Iggy" Click HERE to see his styleups.

Who else inspires Evan? "The second is Thom Browne, who both designs for his own label and for the Black Fleece label with Brooks Brothers. Brooks Brothers sometimes reminds me of stodgy old bankers’ clothes, but Black Fleece draws from vintage styles, twisted with a bold, edgy aesthetic. I find it thrilling, actually thrilling to wear"

"The Last is my grandfather. My parents (dapper folks, themselves) had these photos of Gramps around the house, which probably first planted the idea that that’s what a gentleman does: he puts on a good kit when he goes out. (Legend has it that when he was a young man, he painted the wheels of his car purple 'because the ladies liked it')

I asked Evan to describe his style "My style has evolved a lot in the last few years, and I owe a lot of that to my girlfriend, Gabi Moskowitz (BrokeAssGourmet.com). She's encouraged me to stretch my own creativity and think about style as being about identity and not just about cloth. I just turned 40, and exploring style in times of transition makes a lot of sense. It makes a new beginning meaningful, marks change and even celebrates it"

"These days, I enjoy putting together an outfit with high notes (Thom Browne, again), but with a little bit of cheeky attitude: something that says I take style seriously, but I don't take mySELF too seriously. A great bow tie, a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse, mashing up patterns: I want it to look great, and I want it to be fun to wear"

"My goal is to put a smile on others' faces, and maybe inspire people to try something new and fresh for themselves, as well. Style isn't just for fashionistos, it's for everyone. I was thrilled, this year, when a few of my male students wanted my advice for suits for prom. Skip the expensive, awful tux rental and invest in a well tailored dark suit - that will serve for many years. And a great tie, of course"

"I explore the ways that Style and Self cooperate in StyleForDorks.com, and when people contact me and share what their own discoveries are, I feel like we're talking in code: this is all about evolving into our most fantastic selves"

Where does Evan get all of his clobber? "I started with a lot of mail order, since I was shy in stores, years ago. Now, my favorite place to shop is any used clothing store, since the hunt is most of the fun"

What does style mean to Evan? "Style is about Self Expression, and it's the first thing that people learn about you when you walk into the room. Why not dress in a way that says something great about who you are? Why not dress in a way that turns a meal at a restaurant into a special occasion, which turns going to work into an aesthetic adventure? I find great joy in these things, and this is what inspires me to write StyleForDorks.com - to share the joy of it with my clients and my readers"

Find Evan on Instagram as @stylefordorks

Blog: StyleForDorks

Twitter: @stylefordorks

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Your Runner Up - Justin

We chose Justin because he isn't afraid to wear a hat and a hat is one thing that can take a look to the next level. Without it a look may be considered ordinary. Add a hat and its something else. Justin clearly knows this and dons a 'titfa' on a regular basis.

Justin wins a 20% discount at KjøreProject.com

We asked Justin about his blog "I launched my men's style blog, originally titled "Way-Out Style" but recently changed to "Man Wears Hats", in January 2014. My only goals were to showcase my personal style and provide men with tips and encouragement to experiment with their own. As far as my style, I like to compile both classic and modern elements into my looks"

"I also enjoy being able to switch my style up and take risks. I may go from a smart, dapper look one day to an urban, street look the next. I feel that adds a level of versatility. And of course, a hat is always my go-to item"

Where does Justin get his inspiration? "I draw inspiration from just about anywhere. I utilize colors, films, music and everyday people. As a blogger, I am also inspired and fully support other bloggers. They introduce me to new places to shop all the time. With me being a college student, it's nice finding nice quality products at affordable prices"

Where do you shop? "Some of my favorite places to shop at the moment are Gap, Asos, H&M, Forever 21 (21 Men), Uniqlo, American Eagle, and J. Crew"

Instagram:@manwearshats

Blog: manwearshats

LookBook: lookbook.nu/manwearshats

Facebook: justin.tucker.10420

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Your Runner Up - Raymond

A dapper gent, Raymond is an Instagram regular, sharing his daily look and style inspiration. He is also a fan of a bow tie, which in turn makes me a fan of him.

Raymond wins a 20% discount at kjøreproject.com

I asked Raymond to tell me a little about himself. "My name is Raymond, I am a father and husband who likes to create dapper looks on a budget. I define my style as a vintage modern mix. I enjoy finding a vintage look and modernize it but also like to take a modern piece and add a vintage feel to it"

Where do you shop? "I shop local thrift shops and shop the mall clearance racks for great deals and great styles that I can create on my own. I like a mix of stylish celebs like pharrell Williams, David Beckham with a the Latin fire of Pitbull"

Where does your inspiration come from? "I like to keep my look fresh never the same and I always seek new inspiration from instagram. I started my page putting looks together and taking professional pictures to showcase my style and concept photoshoots"

"I have modelled for some companies on instagram and have loved creating great shoots and letting others see how easy it to dress dapper without breaking the bank account, I encourage people to share their style using #iamonpoint and I like to help others feel that they can be 'on point' with their style on a budget"

Find raymond on Instagram as @Reycreate

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Thank you once again to everyone that took the time to enter and if you were not lucky this time, make sure you keep entering and come back next month for more exciting prizes!

Thanks for reading!

The Brushed Cotton Check Shirt

Keep warm this season in an Autumn Winter staple: The brushed cotton shirt

If you're going to keep out the chills this season you'll need to layer up. Trapping air in between layers of clothing is the most effective way of keeping warm. Wearing a brushed cotton shirt makes heat retention more effecting, not only that but you'll look stylish and on trend too!

A brushed cotton shirt styled with a waistcoat for warmth and dapperness. Image courtesy of GQ

One staple layer for most of us gents is of course the shirt. Wear a T-Shirt under it, add a waistcoat, cardigan or sweater over that, then a blazer before an overcoat and scarf and okay, you may not be able to move but you won't freeze either!

A brushed cotton shirt can be dapper too. Image via Pinterest

Woodhouse Clothing are offering a great range of brushed cotton shirts this season from some pretty cool designers. Throw one on with a pair of jeans or go more dapper and add a waistcoat and a bow tie.

Don't just consign them to the weekend, wear then to work with some chinos and smart boots and wool tie and blazer.