The coming season will make you want to go outside without even realizing it, lured by the spring weather. What will lift your spirits is a spring outfit that allows you to enjoy lightness. British Made will be offering a wide variety of new products this season based on British elegance. We asked popular stylist Shikata about the latest fashion techniques.
[Point 1] Use "Linen Safari" instead of a jacket
A jacket can give you a sophisticated, grown-up look just by putting it on. A navy blazer is a good example of this, but if you want to create a light, spring-like look, Shikata recommends a safari jacket.
"It has lapels like a tailored jacket, so it gives off a neat impression, but it's made light like a shirt, so it's appealing for a relaxed fit. What's more, the four pockets and waist belt, which are derived from military styles, give it just the right amount of casualness. Cotton is the classic material, but if you want to wear it more elegantly, linen is recommended. The key point is that it doesn't look too bulky, with a gorgeous luster and a refreshing texture.
This is a styling with the theme of "a replacement for a blazer." It's a basic combination of a navy sweatshirt, gray slacks, and loafers, but just by changing the top layer to a safari jacket, it creates a sophisticated and relaxed look. I left out the cufflinks to create a relaxed look for my hands."
Jacket: Safari Jacket / Southampton ¥51,700 (BRITISH MADE)
Sweatshirt: Sweatshirt / Leicester ¥20,900 (BRITISH MADE)
Pants: Officer pants / Portsmouth (with belt loops) ¥38,500 (BRITISH MADE)
Shoes: Hudson ¥92,400 (JOSEPH CHEANEY)
[Point 2] Enjoy the elegance of spring and summer with "colonial" colors
"When it comes to British style in spring and summer, 'Colonial' is a classic," says Shikata. He also recommends this outfit, which makes the khaki "Southampton" the main piece.
"Colonial style refers to the clothing worn by British people when they visited places like India and Africa during the colonial era, and the safari jacket is a symbolic item of this style. It has a taste that is also common to classic resorts, so it has a unique elegance that is appealing. Originally, the standard is to use pale tones such as beige and off-white as the base color, but this time I added a little twist to it. I was conscious of the classic colonial taste with off-white pants, while adding a bit of sophistication with the khaki safari jacket and brown innerwear. It's an outfit that fits in well with city wear as it doesn't have too much of a resort feel."
Jacket: Safari Jacket / Southampton ¥51,700 (BRITISH MADE)
Belt: Long ribbon belt ¥17,600 (GLENROYAL)
Pants: Officer pants / Portsmouth (cotton drill / with belt loops) ¥26,400 (BRITISH MADE)
Shoes: Hudson ¥92,400 (JOSEPH CHEANEY)
[Point 3] Pullover shirts are as casual as T-shirts and are very useful
In recent years, it is not uncommon for the weather to feel like summer even before the rainy season. More and more people are taking off their jackets early and wearing light clothing. However, wearing just a cut-and-sew top or shirt can make your outfit feel monotonous. That's where the "pullover shirt" comes in handy. "Pullover shirts are characterized by the fact that they can be worn by putting them on like a polo shirt. They look more relaxed than a regular shirt, but the collar is a real shirt, so they can be worn more elegantly than cut-and-sew tops or polo shirts. The combination of a shirt and gray slacks is simple, but it gives a fresh impression. I left two buttons open at the collar to create a sense of openness, while layering a white T-shirt over it for a traditional look. I casually rolled up the sleeves to create a cool feel."
Shirt: Pullover shirt blouson / white ¥22,000 (BRITISH MADE)
Belt: Long ribbon belt ¥17,600 (GLENROYAL)
Pants: Dress wide pants / St. Ives ¥39,600 (BRITISH MADE)
Shoes: Hudson ¥92,400 (JOSEPH CHEANEY)
