How the humble bumbag became the latest must-have accessory for men

While we await the Internet of Things – at which point our clothes will very likely send themselves to the dry-cleaner and, at the very least, cuff buttons will act as smartphones, we must cart our personal technology around with us. No wonder, then, that the humble bumbag is being swiftly elevated to the latest must-have accessory.

Signalling its ascent to high fashion is new Louis Vuitton menswear designer Virgil Abloh’s description of his own solution to maximising on-body storage space: ‘accessomorphosis’ – highlighted in garments shown at his first collection in June that seemingly double as holsters.

Until these land next spring, investigate the proliferation of similar, if less tailored, over-the-shoulder solutions currently available, now upgraded from tourist staple synthetics to include shearling (at Saint Laurent) and Prada’s trademark high-performance nylon. Think of them as your ‘mobile man-drawer’.

The joys of new-generation loafers

As summer fades to autumn, consider parking your car shoes and switching out those premium pumps for something a little more dressy, but just as comfortable.

Clockwise from top: Engraved leather, ￡1,530, Berluti. Soft-leather Chiltern, ￡495, Dunhill. Leather penny loafers, ￡525, George Cleverley at Mr Porter. Leather Glynn penny loafers, ￡275, Paul Smith. Suede Cadogan, ￡525, Crockett & Jones. Suede moccasin loafers, ￡565, Bottega Veneta. Leather tasselled, ￡720, Giorgio Armani

The loafer has been a style staple since Gucci brought its horse-bit slip-on to market more than half a century ago. But today’s even more casual environment calls for something less akin to a moccasin, while mimicking its comfort.

Step forward the unlined loafer, with or without tassels but with a reverse seam that adds length and further distinction to the chiselled toe. Prepare for the frostier months by investing in colourful mid-calf-length hosiery to take full advantage of the lower profile of this new-school dress shoe.

The coat to buy this season

Hemlines may go up and down, but the heft of our outerwear is the single sternest indicator of our inner contentment: and judging by the number of full-length leather coats sent down the catwalk during the recent autumn/winter 2018 shows, it’s fair to say we are all in need of a big, preferably fleece-lined, hug.

Of course, their military forebears were designed to afford no such thing, but then perhaps it’s this implied contradiction that appeals to menswear designers right now. What’s clear is that army-surplus styles have given way to something simultaneously tough and tender, thanks to an abundant use of shearling.

Right now, long (nearly to the floor) belted trenches are perfect for keeping the elements at bay while making the boldest statement possible when it comes to layering up this autumn.

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