Summer is that time of the year everyone looks forward to for obvious reasons such as the festivals, trips to the beach, park hangouts and BBQ. I mean who wouldn’t love doing BBQs all year round right? Unlike our Australian, Bermuda, sub-Sahara African and other countries around the globe that enjoy all year round sunshine, Europe is only bless with a couple of months where decent weather is somewhat promised. Promised being the operative word as even the two months of continuous decent weather is not guaranteed. As Trevor Noah puts it in one of his comedy sketches, the UK only get 5 days of summer.  Trevor Noah, we love your shows and all but you don’t need to rub it in dude. To all my UK people, stay strong and keep your head up.

The thought of entering into autumn and eventually winter could make anyone feel a bit nostalgic about the summer sun.

Even though there is nothing we can do to change the weather conditions around us especially colder months of the year, there are certain things we can do to prepare for them. Autumn season generally starts at the end of September which means the air is chilled, nights are colder whiles days are shorter. This is a sign of things to come in winter when thoughts of the glorious sun are nothing but a distant memory.

Don’t get me wrong autumn in my view is the most beautiful season of the year with all its vibrancy and colourful leaves on trees. Even when leaves fall, they form beautiful carpets of colours which seem to be in unison to the ones still on the trees. This is nature at work showing us a beautiful art form and it’s all free of charge.

Unfortunately as nature redecorate our surroundings, the air gets chillier and it becomes practical to start wearing layers. When it comes to layering, nothing looks more elegant and stylish than the all-time classic, waistcoat. The waistcoat is one of those garments that has been around for centuries and have been evolving ever since its introduction into the Western society from Persian by traveling English men.

Referred to as the vest at the time, King Charles 11 proclaimed in 1666 that the waistcoat should be recognised as proper court attire. The waistcoat was worn in bright colours with intricate decorations on it. Since then, the waistcoat has been worn as part of formal attires with its design and look varying and evolving over time. It modern day use has been extended to the smart casual look which has assimilated very well into trends and styles.

The waistcoat works very well as a layering garment and it happens to be one of my favourites because of it versatile. It is a garment that seamlessly brings together and connects a look whether it is smart or smart-casual. It is perfect for days when the weather is chilled enough to add an extra layer of garment but not cold enough to carry a coat or blazer and still look stylish. Apart from your three piece suit, a decent waistcoat is a must have for every gentleman out there.

Location – Lymington, New forest
Models – Oliver Kumawu and Cuts For Him
Photographer – CANO