The Tweed Run 2014 - London's stylish cyclists on display

The Tweed Run took place yesterday in weather  hardly conducive to the wearing of tweed, a cloth more suited to the cold and drizzle of the grouse moor than a baking central London. However, over 500 cyclists persevered, looking very stylish in everything from tweed to cotton and linen and riding all sort of machines, from vintage to modern. The women stole the show for me, looking beautiful and elegant in fifties floral dresses or tweeds and breeches, riding elegant town bikes with baskets full of flowers.

Tweed cap from Cambridge Cycle Company

I wore the top half of my Susannah Hall suit, an old pair of Yorkshire-made cycling breeches, Cordings long socks, a Harris tweed tie and English-made Barker brogues. My Tweed Run was unfortunately curtailed by a recurrence of a wretched 11 day-old viral infection which saw me retire half way through. Hopefully I can return next year - it's a wonderful event for sartorialist and cyclist alike.

Ian Covey and his beautiful Roadster from his Vickers Bicycle Company. 
One day I hope to own one. My 1956 Claud Butler is in the foreground.

Tea was served at the first stop at The Guildhall - in proper cups and saucers of course.

This stylish couple was typical of the range of looks on the ride.

Mark Jones who is a cycling artist - to have your machine immortalised, see Velo Art.

Gemma's dad - and his beautiful and totally original Sunbeam machine.

Even woolly cycling jerseys put in an appearance, here with a gorgeous Cinelli

Straight out of WW2 - Woodbine and all.

The irrepressible Guy Hills of Dashing Tweeds.

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