The new Crockett & Jones collection is made for whatever life throws at you

Words: Zoe Dickens

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It’s a tricky thing, knowing what your wardrobe needs right now. Last week we were heading to the tailors for that back-to-work suit and now we’re looking at the distinct possibility of six more months of working from home. Those winter festivities for which you’d normally invest in new footwear – boots for Guy Fawkes night and loafers for Christmas parties – are looking decidedly shaky. And yet you can’t go on wearing the same pair of battered trainers until next spring.

This is the exact train of thought running through Crockett & Jones’ mind when it set about creating its autumn/winter ’20 collection. Designed with both style and practicality in mind, the British brand’s team set about building a collection that gathers together its 140 years of expertise to offer shoes that can be dressed up should we return to the office, dressed down for the weekends and, perhaps most importantly, are comfortable enough to tempt you out of your slippers should you be venturing no further than your home office.

“The autumn/winter collection from Crockett & Jones is a really great mix this year,” says James Fox, head of marketing at Crockett & Jones. “This season we are recognising a demand for the smart casual more than ever. Our customers don’t want to compromise on quality just because they are not ‘dusting’ off their suit to go to the office.

“Over the past decade Crockett & Jones has become world recognised for not being a one trick pony for business classics. OK, for those in the know, we have always been strong in the smart-casual or smart-comfort sector, but over the past few seasons we have really started to attract a customer base who come in looking for our products for stylistic reasons. This season sees some serious style contenders and as is always the Crockett & Jones way, they remain wearable! We always ask the question; would we wear them?”

So what’s new this season? First let’s start with an absolute autumn/winter essential: boots. There are no fewer than seven new boot styles joining the Crockett & Jones main line this season so you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your needs. Foresee socially distanced hikes in your future? The hardy suede Ross and Shannon designs, with their thick soles and supportive lace-up detailing are perfect. For something that transitions easily between weekday and weekend look no further than the Upton and Aldershot boots. The first, available in black calf or brown suede, has a slightly lower rise and minimal detailing so it works brilliantly with a suit or chinos while the second, with its grained leather construction and bolder design, will be you go-to come rain or shine.

If a classic Chelsea boots is more your thing then Crockett & Jones has got your covered there too. As the name suggests its Chelsea VIII is as traditional as they come and is crafted in burnished chestnut calf leather and finished with Crockett & Jones’ signature City rubber sole for durability. The Cranton boot, meanwhile, is cut slightly shorter than the traditional Chelsea boot and comes in a choice of dark brown pebble grain leather or snuff suede.

And so on to shoes. Crockett & Jones hasn’t forgotten its history as a fine purveyor of Oxfords and Derbys – but this season they come with a modern twist and a nod towards the troubling times we’re in. It’s Sandhurst lace-up, for example, comes in durable Scotch grain leather and with a Vibram cleated sole sturdy enough to make you feel you can take on anything. Likewise the new Henley III and Whitby shoes are chunkier takes on the ever popular penny and monk strap loafers and, with their deep brown hue, designed to make you feel both smart and strong.

If you’re still feeling optimistic about a return to the office – or simply think it’s time you stepped up your work-from-home game – three new additions to Crockett & Jones’ exceptional Hand Grade collection give you plenty to choose from. Perhaps it will be the hand-finished Lawrence III, an elegant buckled loafer in chestnut antique calf? Or maybe the tassled Vincent II loafer takes your fancy? Both are equipped with a tanned leather sole for supreme comfort both at home and outdoors. The most versatile of the new additions, however, is undoubtedly the Kew boots. With a low ankle rise and supple willow grain leather upper, you’ll cherish them winter after winter.

Finally, if you really can’t bear the thought of going through a festive season without slipping into some black tie, you’ll want Crockett & Jones’ iconic Albert slipper. This season it’s been reimagined in both green velvet and Blackwatch tartan and, we promise, will still look great next year if you don’t get to show them off this time around. Happy shopping.

Take your style up a gear with Crockett & Jones driving shoes…

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