Ridley Gilet: £98 crewclothing.co.uk

I’m joking, of course – all past negativity surrounding the humble gilet has long since disappeared, or at least temporarily been forgotten. Unless you’re planning on wearing your gilet with a baseball cap – in which case the gilet is the least of your problems – then you’re guaranteed to look right on trend. This item of clothing is relatively unique in that it fuses both fashion and practicality – something which I rarely encourage. However, if you are keen to keep warm (and seeing as it’s nearing winter, the chances are that you will be), then it’s all in the padding. When it comes to warmth, wearing a down-filled gilet is not dissimilar to wrapping a feather duvet around your torso – an enjoyable prospect on an icy winter’s day, I’m sure you’ll agree. Whilst gilet colour should always be considered in relation to the items worn beneath it, it is worth remembering that red is a key colour this season – and if you can manage not to look like you are wearing a lifejacket, this is undoubtedly option which is will look right on trend.

Left to right: Criminal Damage Chipper Gillet Stone Cream: £50 mainlinemenswear.co.uk; Penfield Green Tweed Leather Yoke Stapleton Gilet: £215 my-wardrobe.com

If you want to make absolutely sure that everyone knows you are wearing this season’s gilet, and not simply something you dug out of the loft from years gone by, then opt for one with distinctive yoke detailing, which can be essential in creating a look which is effortlessly up-to-date. For those with a penchant for pockets, the gilet is something of a godsend; like I said, practical. Lastly, this item also provides the perfect platform to exploit some of this season’s trendiest looks without, y’know, overdoing it. If you’re keen to try tweed, for example, but want to simply create an air of farmer-chic rather than looking like you might genuinely own livestock, then the gilet is a good way to incorporate just a touch of this trend into your overall look.

There are two fashion buzzwords you’re sure to hear doing the rounds at the moment: ‘vintage’ and ‘neutral’. Throw either into conversation with fellow fashion-minded folk this Autumn/Winter and you’ll more or less sound like you know what you’re talking about. Better yet, take a look at the new arrivals over at Firetrap for a chance to practice what you preach. That’s right – the vintage look no longer requires hours of traipsing around trendy backstreets, drinking green tea and buying clothes that smell of mothballs. Designers have well and truly cottoned on to the fact that the trend for vintage is here to stay, and kindly provided a number of ‘vintage-inspired’ creations, which smell just lovely.

Left to Right: Cctv Bonewhite (White) Men’s Graphic T-Shirt: £30 Firetrap;  Dogma Burnt Olive (Green) Men’s Check Shirt: £65 Firetrap

Don’t worry, you won’t be wearing a paisley shirts and flared trousers any time soon – unless of course you want to, in which case, go right ahead. The rest of the fashion world will be keeping their vintage styles basic this season – that means clean-cut shapes and neutral tones. Start with a graphic t-shirt which ticks both these boxes, and you can’t go too far wrong.

Graphic tees are the perfect statement piece – they’ll do all your fashion-thinking for you. Remember how, back in the day, you might have been able to get away with wearing a t-shirt which depicted a certain band or musician, thus informing the world of your musical preferences, as well as giving a general idea of the ‘image’ you were going for? Same thing. Only much cooler. You might not be able to instantly let people know that you saw Megadeth play live back in 1992, but that’s probably a good thing.

Left to Right: Landfall Black (Black) Men’s Military Overcoat: £180 Firetrap;  Drake Sand (Yellow) Men’s Classic Chino: £62.50 Firetrap; Galaxed2 Black (Black)Men’s Long Sleeve Jumper: £57.50 Firetrap

Check shirts and chinos are still a key style combo, but steer clear of primary colours and, for the love of God, please resist the urge to ‘mix it up’ with a pair of fluorescent trainers. Instead, opt for understated military boots or a military jacket – although, unless you actually happen to be representing Queen and country, you probably won’t want to be wearing both. Replace last Autumn’s indie-kid cardigan with a classic crew-neck jumper, and you’re good to go.

Fashion Monkey is happy to announce the Firetrap secret can be found by visiting HERE.

Not only can benefit from huge savings but also Free Delivery and Returns on all orders.

The Secret sale Ends midnight Monday 30th November.

Additionally to get Free Delivery on orders over £30 use the Voucher code SALEFREEDEL (expires 24th June 2009).

Discount code: NEWJUNE
Valid: During June 2009

Visit Firetrap.com now!

Firetrap have also launched a ‘15% off your order’ discount code for students, avaiable for a limited time. Type in the dicsount code at checkout to receive 15% off your order.

Discount Code: STUDENTJUNE15
Valid: Limited time only

Please note: 15% discount will not be applicable to sale/discounted lines.

Visit Firetrap.com now!

Our top 3 winter coats

Firetrap Carlisle Checked Coat

- Double breasted wool mix check coat
- Large collar with hook & eye neck fastening
- Button tab cuffs and back belt tab
- Brand badge on sleeve and back lining

£165.00

Retailer: USC

Farah Lyon Duffle Coat

Snuggle up in this extra warm hooded duffle coat from Farah with zip and toggle closure, finished with contrast check lining and two large pockets at hips.

£170.00

Retailer: Urban Outfitters

Firetrap Marx Melton Hooded Coat

- Heavy double breasted long wool hooded coat
- Large feature flap front pockets & side pockets
- Button tab sleeves and shoulder epaulettes

£150.00

Retailer: USC