Rebecca Perry Blog

What did Keats say about autumn? Season of Aran jumpers and tweed jackets?

Something like that. The month started in the thick of a November fog and, having spent the weekend in the forever romantic city of Bath, I’ve come over all lyrical. Everyone in Bath seemed to be wearing tweed and camel and corduroy all at once, and why not? They’re not classics for nothing.

And I’m feeling pretty smug about a grey and black herringbone tweed jacket I’ve got my hands on. Although I’m not averse to Prada’s take on the classic, mine is from Gap. And credit to Gap for creating something so good, I want to wear it every day.

The secret, I believe, is in its slouch. It’s not one of those pinched-in, waisted tweed jackets that can make you feel all elbowy and busty and school marmish. It’s more mannish than that. Alain Delon-ish, Ted Hughes-ish, if we’re being specific. It’s roomy enough to wear a knit comfortably underneath and light enough not to overheat while you’re about it. It has good big pockets that you can hang your hands in.

Wool and tweed are meant to be together – a tweed jacket over a sloppy cashmere roll-neck is another way to channel the poets (and the still-in-vogue ’70s). But a contrast is nice, too. Tweed with an unbuttoned, slippy silk shirt and a fine gold necklace? Yes, please. Dark tweed and a black chiffon dress or ankle-length skirt? That sounds like a party I want to be invited to.

Jazzy tweeds, however, I am yet to be convinced by. I hazard that if Bertie Wooster had ever attempted to sneak a mauve tweed waistcoat or somesuch into his wardrobe, Jeeves would have removed it sharpish with a pursed lip and a bulging vein at the temple. And I would back the chap up all the way. Jeeves knows. Coloured tweeds belong to cushions and throws. Keep your sartorial tweeds sober.

http://www.graziaprom.co.uk/green-prom-dresses