It's often said that a lot can happen in a week, and it's never been truer than at this week's London Collections: Men. The great and the good of the menswear world gathered at various locations across the capital to greedily eye up all that AW16 had to offer. There were a few stubbornly persistent designs (exposed necks in winter are increasingly looking to be a thing of the past) while others took unlikely sources as inspiration (teddy bear fur is no longer just a suitable covering for soft toys, but for grown men too). So, what does this all mean for modern menswear? We've put together a list of the most important takeaways from the showcase. Planning next winter's wardrobe starts here.
There's never been a better time to buy a rollneck jumper. Wear it now, wear it next winter, keep the cold at bay and negate the need for a scarf. For those early adopters who are fast reaching rollneck fatigue, there's good news; rollnecks for AW16 come in all shapes and sizes. From the subtlest of high necks to the swathes of fabric that head high northwards, this knitwear shows no signs of vacating the winter wardrobes of menswear's sharpest dressers.
Let's start with the bad news. Suede is a fabric that needs love, care and constant attention, plus if the weather forecast is looking a little downcast, it's best left at home. The good news? When it comes to quiet luxury, there's no more tasteful choice. The attendees of London Collections: Men only knew this too well. Worn chiefly on collared jackets, the streets were awash with suede which ranged from darkest black to tawny sand. No, it may not have been the most practical of options for London's rainy skies, but its sartorial merits were unequivocal.
Those who invested in a camel coat for this winter can rest smug in the knowledge that it was money well spent. The attendees of London Collections: Men AW16 showcased the surprising versatility of this outerwear classic and showed why nobody is ready to retire this design just yet.
Take note though, traditional boxy variations gave way to loose slouchy designs and long haired fuzzy fabrics (more on that later) have emerged as the stylish man's variant of choice.
It may be safe, it may be sobering and it may often be said that head-to-toe black is the preserve of funerals, but many of London Collections: Men's attendees begged to differ.
Proving its timeless appeal, black was layered liberally both at the shows and on the streets. Take Tinie Tempah's example above as your cue and add interest to your look via cut and texture.
Tired of navy, grey and the aforementioned black? Be inspired by London Collections: Men's best dressed and be seen in green. The appeal? Green offers as much or as little impact as you like.
From deepest forest to attention-grabbing aqua green, variants of this shade offer a whole multitude of ways to add colour to your look. If we were forced to choose one shade of green that came out as king we'd plump for teal - skilfully worn above.
As the home of Savile Row, there'll always be a special place in London menswear's imagination for the suit in all its formal glory, but as of now, men on the street are continuing to embrace the suit worn with casual attire.
That means shirts are still being shunned in favour of T-shirts and trainers are a more than foot-friendly choice than brogues.
Yes, you are reading this correctly, teddy bear coats are looking to be big news in menswear next winter.
Need proof that this fabric is just as suitable for grown men as soft toys? Take the above (ASAP Rocky) who spearheaded the charge of men who took refuge from the elements in this charmingly childlike design. Much like its close cousin - the shearling coat - the teddy bear coat almost makes you wish for icy winds and a chance to wear.
We're singling it out as the most potentially divisive outerwear that men will be reaching for come next winter.
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