ON TREND

Fashion is meant to be fun and not something to be taken so seriously. Just look at "football's best dressed player" Hector Bellerin at London Fashion Week Mens from January. Arsenal's right-back was centre of attention despite being sat next to Slick Rick The Ruler who was as ever suited and draped in audacious jewellery. I love the Fear of God plaid trousers, denim jacket, hoody and hat ensemble, but I'm never going to like those stupid chunky Balenciaga trainers. He also looked great in golden pyjamas and Gucci slippers and importantly he looked like he was having fun.

As an adult I've been somewhat of a chameleon really, and I keep saying the older I get the more comfortable I am in my own skin. I'm well aware of trends and follow a number of brands but I don't think I could be accused of being very fashionable. Still, the awareness allows for appreciation and on rare occasion I might even consider trying something out but inevitably by that time the trend has passed. Obviously there are exceptions and I thought I'd share a couple.

One example of it not quite working out would be the hooded cape. I bought one from Zara at the tail end of popularity and though it is comfortable (and reversible!) it doesn't really do all that much to any outfit and well looks kind of silly.

An example of it going better would be the damaged and oversized sweatshirt trend, which I loosely attribute my interest to Kanye West and his Yeezy collections. The military meets Mad Max aesthetic stirs something in me. I have a couple sweatshirts by Other and a hoody by Represent that get lots of wear. These two brands from the UK are producing outstanding collections season on season and are definitely making waves. Check their sits and Instagram for visuals.

Well since that success I've gone and fallen head first into another current trend, the sheepskin coat. Not that sheepskin coats haven't always been a thing, worn by the likes of legendary football commentator John "Motty" Motson to Dunkirk actor Tom Hardy. It's not like I didn't take a bit of time to think it over but the desire was overwhelming and in my defence I did it my way and didn't just buy something new. It's not like I got it right the first time either.

A regular authentic shearling coat will cost a pretty penny, and the cheaper faux high-street versions don't really appeal to me. By the way during the time I've taken to finish this post someone dropped 11k via Grailed on a AW13 YSL coat owned by Hedi Slimane. Crazy. So anyway I tried my luck with a vintage coat from ASOS Marketplace. Sadly the style was not to my liking despite the condition being really quite good for it's age and it was warm as all hell. I couldn't give up and kept my eyes peeled for an affordable coat more in the style of those in brand newsletters and magazines. I'm a recent convert to the selling app Depop where I happened upon another vintage jacket this time in a more contemporary biker style, and in far better condition. I was hesitant but remembered just how difficult it can be to find something perfect so I pulled the trigger. 

What I got was even better than I could have imagined. Like I've said before with regards to my leather jacket, when its the right one for you it can send your confidence skyrocketing when you wear it. So I might well look like a trend rider but damn it if a sheepskin coat isn't the most timeless, comfortable and practical thing ever. Wearing it makes me stand up straighter, shoulders back and head held high. You can't put a price on that. 

Now my attention has been drawn to what was 'athlesiure' now turned 'luxleisure' trend of wearing tracksuit bottoms. I've found a pair by Universal Works on sale an think I'll give them a try. There really may be no hope for me as long as I have a wifi connection and a desire to have fun with what I wear, which is the whole point no? Don't get me wrong my wardrobe isn't filling up, for every piece I bring in something goes to a new home to help pay for it. And seeing as I'm not bringing home Premier League footballer wages I will leave the high end labels to those that can afford them.

-Bossman75