What menswear style trends will we see in 2014?

2014 has started with the two great menswear shows, London Collections:Men and Pitto Uomo in Florence. I've tried to identify trends from the Autumn/Winter 2014 collections.

Pitti Uomo January 2014

Menswear changes slowly and developmentally. Look how the shape and structure of men's suits have changed little in over a century. I've focused on styles that I, an older man, would select. My tastes are for the classic with a twist - but don't let this discourage you from being more adventurous. 

Oliver Spencer AW14 - grey tweed jacket and fuller-cut trousers - and wonderful models with real attitude

My post here outlined trends for 2013. Most of these will persist in 2014 and beyond, so here I highlight any significant changes; otherwise assume that everything will be much as before.

• Colours remain essentially drab, with browns and greys being relieved by splashes of colour in trousers, ties, socks, pocket squares etc.
• Bold checks are here to stay - most shows containing tailored suits and jackets with checks. Look out for some superb examples from Duchamp, Marks & Spencer Best of British, Rake, Richard James and Hackett; indeed any high street menswear store.

Hackett AW14

• At last, trousers are beginning to loosen up. Few shows contained those spray-on trousers that are impossible to take off over even remotely-toned calves. Topman's show at LC:M varied between slightly looser cut and very baggy trousers.
• Cravats are returning, ties and pocket squares remain popular.
• Large overcoats and rainwear - perhaps a timely return given the increasingly-obvious results of climate change.

Bold checks from M&S Best of British AW14

• Men's luggage and bags - quality leather holdalls and poachers' or anglers' style bags, which must have adequate storage for phones, iPads and other technology.
• I mentioned polo-neck (roll-neck) jumpers last year - we'll see them layered under blazers, jackets and knitwear. I recall wearing them in this way in the late sixties. I like them as they save the tedium of washing and ironing shirts, particularly if you can find a machine-washable lambswool or merino jumper. Smart casual is looking up.
• Look out for further reports on the blog giving more detail of some of the labels I've mentioned.

Hackett AW14 - layered knits and polo neck jumper