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For those who follow the calendar of seasons, autumn begins this year on September 22. Though in many places the temperatures aren't truly cool yet, the fall season is basically here. So in anticipation of what is perhaps, for many, the most favorite season of the year, I've reached back into the HTJ Archives to revisit the Brooks Brothers 1980 Fall & Winter catalog. Shetland, tweed and corduroy have been on my mind if only for the value they hold in anticipation of cooler weather ahead. In spite of its age, this catalog might easily serve as a guide for the coming seasons. In 1980, Brooks Brothers firmly understood the concept of "Brooks Brothers" and the requisite style that this entailed. Nearly every page of this catalog has something that I would consider purchasing today, which is not always the case with the contemporary version of this clothier. Perhaps there is something here for even The Brethren to learn about their own past. Natural shoulder three button herringbone tweed and district check jackets that, of course, could be worn by a young man as he ages into his middle years and beyond. The same could be said of the worsted flannel trousers and blazers here as well. There are also a variety of "Makers" button down collar oxford cloth shirts in a variety of colors that had a very soft collar. One of my favorites, the blue graph check button down is also offered here. About the only place to find this cloth today is Mercer & Sons. Brooks also offered a variety of saddle shouldered Shetland wool sweaters from Scotland - an essential for the chilly autumn and winter evenings and great when worn under an old down vest while out shopping or walking the dog. In 1980 Brooks Brothers also offered standard candy stripe shirts in four colors: brown, yellow, wine and blue. It is sort of remarkable that the similar shades of brown and wine were offered together. I've had all of these except the brown, which would probably look great with a grey herringbone jacket and an olive madder tie. The patch corduroy trousers, so wildly late 70s and early 80s, still stand the test of time. The list could go on and on. It's a great little reminder of the power of the concept that is Brooks Brothers.
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Herringbone is the backbone of a traditional wardrobe. Brown, grey and olive are the standards that will stand the test of time.
A corduroy jacket will grow soft with age, and can often function in place of a lightweight jacket when out and about town. Forget the tie and throw one on with khakis or cords and loafers.
Supima cotton in the original colors of ercu, pink, yellow, white, green, yellow and, of course, blue.
Supima in brown, yellow, wine and blue candy stripes. Candy has never been so sweet.
Who would have thought that in 1980 this was an illustration of a future blogger? Amazing the perspective time gives.
Over thirty years on, and all of these shoes are still classics. This is perhaps why Brooks Brothers still offers them, and they would, of course, be foolish not to. It would also be foolish not to follow the suggestions offered in this small catalog for the upcoming fall season - fall colors and cooler weather will just feel better.
