We might still be over a week away from its hotly anticipated release, but Scorcese’s latest film, The Irishman has already got more people talking than most of the ‘must-see’ movies released this year (one notable clown flick aside…). A passion project long in the making, The Irishman will see Scorsese reunited with Robert De Niro for their ninth collaboration — alongside stars Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Stephen Graham. And, while this film (thanks to its veritable galaxy of Hollywood stars) will no doubt go down as one of 2019’s most important pieces of cinema, its significance does not begin and end with a cracking 3 hours and 29 minutes of entertainment.
In fact, you should be taking some serious style notes from legendary costume designer Sandy Powell, who has worked her magic to transport The Irishman’s cast back (then forward, then back again) in time. From the non-ironic return of the Cuban collar, to the trench coats to see you through the season in style — these are the tips you should be taking from 2019’s most fashionable film.
A flannel shirt makes for perfect layering
The humble flannel shirt is incredibly versatile. The term itself refers to any wool or cotton that has been brushed to raise the nap — and can be traced back to 17th century Wales, when farmers would use these warmer garments to protect themselves from the wild Welsh weather. Today, however, its style appeal has been herded out of the fields and into the mainstream.
One of the best things about these versatile pieces is how well they lend themselves to transitional style. As we barrel towards the winter months, you’ll appreciate their insulating extra layer — and once the seasons grow warmer, wear these brushed button-downs as jackets or overshirts in their own right.
A trench coat should be a hero piece in your autumn wardrobe
The trusty trench is one of the world’s most recognisable pieces of clothing. As stylish as it is practical, this devilishly good-looking outerwear essential was first developed by Thomas Burberry as a sartorially on-point alternative to the heavy greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War.
Since then, the humble trench has been draped over the shoulders of everyone from Cary Grant to David Beckham, so it stands to reason you should have one in your wardrobe too. If you’re looking to invest in a new hero item for your autumn/winter wardrobe, look no further than The Irishman for inspiration.
A Cuban collar shirt needn’t make you look like a drug baron
If you, like us, can get a little fatigued by the daily ritual of pulling on your über-smart suit — even on a casual Friday — then it’s time to embrace a more laid-back approach to tailoring. Introducing the Cuban collar shirt. This seemingly innocuous garment has been dividing sartorial opinions for generations but is now being firmly embraced by some of the world’s most stylish men — from Harry Styles to Jude Law.
Feeling brave? A patterned, box-cut Cuban collar shirt is no longer an item reserved exclusively for British dads abroad. Team with jeans or plain chinos and your favourite smart sneakers for your new weekend uniform. Just remember to keep everything else muted so that your shirt does the talking.
A shearling coat will never let you down
There are few things as simultaneously comfortable and bold as a shearling coat. With autumn well and truly upon us, you’ll soon find that your winter coats are too warm for this weather, but your summer jackets are getting a little too light. Enter your new shearling jacket, which will zip or button up to ensure you see in the season in statement style.
If you’re worried that it’s too much of a diversion from your usual look, don’t be. Shrug on one of these furry beauties and you’ll tell anyone who crosses your path that you forge your own fashion, and aren’t afraid to go the extra style mile.
Looking for more seasonal style? These are the best leather jackets to buy this autumn…
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