Brit chic: influencers are wearing checked looks and tweed in British style this autumn
Cosmopolitan instead of petty chequered: Hollywood loves the ‘very British’ look
The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping: time for the new, sophisticated AUTUMN LOOK. The traditional British dress code is actually NEW as an unexpected autumn trend for 2024. Inspired by the English royals, the legendary fashion house Dior presents the ‘Brit Chic style’ at the cruise in Drummond Castle, Scotland. Chequered fabrics, oversized designs and casual (biker) boots are the key pieces of the new collection.
It's clear that these trends from the luxury designers are meeting with pure enthusiasm among the stars in Hollywood. Influencers are already flooding social media with creative outfit ideas. ‘Brit Chic’ is unique and “definitely” en vogue!
It's high time to breathe new life and a luxury lifestyle into the dusty image of British fashion!
What is ‘Brit Chic’?
‘Brit Chic’ essentially means “traditional British fashion”. It is characterised by coarse, high-quality fabrics such as tweed, wool, felt and bouclé. Shirts with cuffs, trousers with pleats, tartan and houndstooth designs. Those who already celebrate the layering look can also let off steam with this trend: jumpers over shirts, pullovers over jumpers, long knitted coats in an oversized cut - the ‘onion look’ is ideal for showcasing this trend in a perfect way!
Who can wear this trend? Do I have to buy a complete outfit?
In short: everyone and, luckily, no! The brilliant thing about ‘Brit Chic’ is that you don't need a completely new wardrobe to combine it. In fact, we reckon most people already have it in their wardrobe! You don't believe that? Then let's take a look!
You probably already have (?):
- Cosy, casual (loose) woollen jumpers (ideally in brown, green, grey or burgundy)
- wide fabric trousers (e.g. tweed) / pleated trousers / corduroy trousers
- classic shirts (ideally with a collar and wide cuffs)
- Waistcoats and/or pullovers
- Classic loafers and/or boots with masculine charm (preferably with a platform and biker look)
- Wool coat / felt coat / trench coat / capes
- Men: Suit or a jacket / blazer (made of wool, felt, tweed). Important: no polyester
- Key piece: a chequered item of clothing or accessory (e.g. coat, scarf, hat, shirt or bag)
Our tip: Houndstooth and Vichy check elements instead of check design look nonchalant and elegant(er) - depending on the type and occasion, these patterns are a classy(r) interpretation of this autumn trend.
Fun fact: The British are known for their very own ‘British humour’, for cynicism and for all kinds of endearing bizarreness. A feast for (all) designers! So we're not surprised that pets are also allowed to take part in ‘Brit Chic’. This season, high society, influencers and trendsetters are also presenting their dogs in chequered jackets or felt carrier bags in English country gentry style.
Brit Chic for women
MEN wear these shoes for a confident gentleman's look of the ‘fine English kind’
Brit Chic for men
WOMEN combine these shoes for the trendy, British Royal charm
These textures and patterns characterise the fashion trend
Tweed
Tweed is a coarse, hard-wearing woollen fabric traditionally worn in Scotland and Ireland. It is characterised by a robust, often mottled look that is created by weaving together different coloured wool fibres. Tweed is known for its warmth and durability, making it ideal for outdoor clothing such as jackets, coats and hats. The fabric was originally worn by farm labourers and craftsmen and is currently making a successful comeback in high fashion.
Felt/ wool felt
Felt, especially wool felt, is a textile material that is created by felting wool fibres. Unlike woven or knitted fabrics, the fibres are not connected by threads, but are consolidated by moisture, heat and pressure. This gives felt its dense, firm structure and makes it hard-wearing and insulating against cold and heat. In the fashion sector, felt is a popular material in autumn and winter and is the preferred material for making coats, hats and shoes.
Tartan, vichy check and herringbone patterns
Plaid, also known as tartan, is a traditional pattern from Scotland created by intersecting horizontal and vertical lines in different colours. This check pattern is often woven on woollen fabrics and was originally a distinctive mark for Scottish clans, regions or families. Each colour combination and arrangement of the pattern represents a particular clan. Today, tartan is used in fashion worldwide, especially in scarves and coats, and is the signature element of British-inspired styles such as the ‘Brit Chic’ trend.
Wool and wool mix material
Wool is a natural fibre obtained from the hair of sheep or other animals. It offers excellent insulation, breathability and elasticity and is a high-quality, noble material for clothing as it can absorb moisture. The most common types of wool are:
- sheep's wool: the most common type, known for its versatility and warmth.
- cashmere: from cashmere goats, particularly soft and luxurious.
- mohair: From Angora goats, lustrous and hardwearing.
- alpaca wool: from alpacas, soft, warm and hypoallergenic.
- merino wool: from merino sheep, very soft, fine and breathable.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a hard-wearing material characterised by its characteristic ribbed structure. It is usually made from cotton or blended fabrics. The surface of corduroy is divided into longitudinal or transverse ribs, which gives it a velvety feel and a striking appearance. Corduroy is often used for trousers, jackets and upholstery as it is both robust and comfortable. There are different types of corduroy, such as fine corduroy (with narrow ribs) and wide corduroy (with wider ribs). Corduroy is particularly popular in autumn and winter fashion.
