Q. I have started to commute to London and although I do not travel in every day I find myself constantly wearing the wrong kit in the wrong place. A Barbour looks dreadful in London — equally a Crombie or a Chesterfield looks somehow provocative at Westbury station. I can’t be expected to carry two coats at all times. How do other commuters solve this conundrum?
M.C., Somerset
A. Head for Cordings at 19 Piccadilly, London W1 (www.cordings.co.uk). Your particular needs will be met by a classic ‘covert coat’ (£425) suitable for wear in both country and town and favoured by social types as diverse as the late Lord Deedes, Damien Hirst and Alex James. This horsehair- and thorn-resistant three-quarter-length overcoat comes in tan, charcoal or tweed and can be individualised for you by the addition of a velvet collar. Covert coats were originally worn by young bucks in the hunting field, and as the edges became frayed on the cuffs they would simply sew on another hem.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in