Herringbone is an iconic pattern that’s synonymous with timeless style. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, this distinctive V-shaped weave emerges as a staple for any fall-ready wardrobe. While its heritage is rooted in traditional tweed and tailoring, herringbone has evolved to become a versatile, modern, and indispensable part of seasonal dressing. This guide will walk you through a detailed, actionable approach to styling herringbone, ensuring your outfits are not just warm, but impeccably chic and effortlessly coordinated.
The Art of the Herringbone: A Foundation for Your Fall Wardrobe
Herringbone’s unique appeal lies in its textured, zig-zag pattern, which adds depth and visual interest without being overly loud. It’s a sophisticated alternative to a solid fabric, providing a subtle yet powerful statement. Mastering herringbone styling is about understanding its texture and tone, then building an outfit around it. Think of it as a neutral with a twist—it pairs well with almost anything but shines brightest when its complementary elements are chosen with intention.
1. The Herringbone Blazer: Your Sartorial Centerpiece
The herringbone blazer is the ultimate fall workhorse. It’s a piece that can transition seamlessly from a professional setting to a casual weekend brunch. The key to styling it is to let the blazer be the star of the show.
Actionable Steps:
- For a Polished Professional Look: Pair a charcoal herringbone blazer with a crisp white button-down shirt and tailored trousers in a solid color like navy, black, or even a deep burgundy. The solid colors provide a clean backdrop that allows the herringbone pattern to pop.
- Example: A grey herringbone blazer over a classic white oxford shirt, paired with slim-fit navy wool trousers and polished leather brogues. This combination is a masterclass in classic menswear that looks sharp and put-together.
- For a Smart-Casual Vibe: Dress down the blazer by layering it over a fine-gauge merino wool turtleneck in a neutral shade like cream or beige. Pair this with dark-wash selvedge denim jeans and a pair of desert boots or sleek leather sneakers.
- Example: A brown herringbone blazer with a black turtleneck, dark indigo jeans, and chukka boots. This outfit is perfect for a weekend outing, blending comfort with a refined aesthetic.
- For a Creative Edge: Experiment with texture. Wear your herringbone blazer over a lightweight knit sweater in a contrasting texture, such as a waffle-knit or cable-knit.
- Example: A salt-and-pepper herringbone blazer worn over a forest green cable-knit sweater, paired with corduroy trousers in a complementary earth tone like camel. This outfit plays with different textures and colors for a rich, visually interesting result.
2. The Herringbone Coat: Your Outerwear Statement
A herringbone coat is not just a piece of clothing; it’s an investment in style. A well-chosen coat in a classic herringbone weave can elevate even the most basic of outfits. The length and cut are crucial for a flattering silhouette.
Actionable Steps:
- The Classic Overcoat: A full-length herringbone overcoat is a power move. To style it, keep the rest of your outfit simple and monochromatic to avoid a cluttered look. A black, grey, or navy herringbone coat works beautifully over an all-black or all-grey ensemble.
- Example: A long, single-breasted grey herringbone coat worn over a black crewneck sweater, black trousers, and black leather boots. The uniform black underlayer provides a stark contrast that highlights the intricate herringbone pattern of the coat.
- The Casual Car Coat: For a more relaxed, everyday look, opt for a shorter, knee-length car coat. This style pairs effortlessly with more casual pieces.
- Example: A brown and white herringbone car coat layered over a simple long-sleeve tee, straight-leg denim, and sneakers. This outfit is practical for daily errands but still carries an element of sophisticated style.
- Layering with Purpose: Use the coat as the final layer of a textured outfit. Wear it over a chunky knit sweater and tailored trousers.
- Example: A heavy tweed herringbone coat over a beige turtleneck and grey flannel trousers. The combination of different textures—tweed, knit, and flannel—creates a luxurious, layered look perfect for colder weather.
3. Herringbone Trousers: A Masterclass in Texture
Herringbone trousers are a sophisticated alternative to plain wool or cotton pants. They add a subtle pattern that elevates your legwear, but they must be styled carefully to prevent the look from becoming too busy.
Actionable Steps:
- Pair with Solids: The golden rule for patterned trousers is to pair them with solid tops. A simple, well-fitting sweater or a tailored shirt is your best friend.
- Example: Charcoal herringbone wool trousers paired with a black cashmere crewneck sweater and leather loafers. The rich texture of the cashmere provides a luxurious contrast to the woven pattern of the trousers.
- Build a Coordinated Suit: For a bold, cohesive look, wear herringbone trousers with a matching herringbone blazer.
- Example: A full grey herringbone suit, paired with a simple white shirt and a dark tie. This is a powerful, elegant statement, especially for formal occasions or business meetings.
- Casual Approach: Dress down herringbone trousers with a rugged, casual piece on top.
- Example: Brown herringbone trousers with a simple chambray shirt and a pair of work boots. This unexpected pairing of tailored trousers with a durable, casual top creates a unique and modern aesthetic.
4. Herringbone Skirts and Dresses: Feminine Flair with a Heritage Weave
Herringbone is not exclusive to menswear. When used in skirts and dresses, it brings a sense of structure and timeless elegance that works beautifully for fall.
Actionable Steps:
- The A-Line Skirt: A herringbone A-line skirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
- Example: A high-waisted black and white herringbone A-line skirt paired with a simple black knit top, black tights, and ankle boots. Add a structured black leather belt to cinch the waist and define the silhouette. This is a classic, flattering silhouette that’s perfect for the office or a casual day out.
- The Shift Dress: A herringbone shift dress is an easy, one-and-done outfit. The key is to accessorize thoughtfully.
- Example: A grey herringbone shift dress worn with a pair of knee-high leather boots and a long, fine-chain necklace. Layer a simple, solid-color wool coat over it for warmth. This outfit is chic, comfortable, and requires minimal effort.
- Layering for Depth: Use a herringbone skirt as a base for a layered outfit.
- Example: A charcoal herringbone pencil skirt paired with a thin-gauge turtleneck, a tailored camel blazer, and a pair of tall leather boots. The layers add complexity and warmth, while the neutral color palette keeps the outfit sophisticated.
5. Herringbone Accessories: The Finishing Touches
If you’re not ready to commit to a full herringbone garment, accessories are the perfect way to introduce the pattern into your wardrobe. They offer a subtle nod to the trend without overwhelming your outfit.
Actionable Steps:
- The Scarf: A herringbone scarf is a simple yet effective way to add texture and a touch of heritage to your fall look.
- Example: A multi-colored herringbone scarf wrapped around the neck of a solid navy peacoat. The pattern on the scarf adds a point of interest and breaks up the monotony of the solid outerwear.
- The Bag: A handbag or tote with a herringbone pattern can serve as a statement piece against a simple outfit.
- Example: A black and white herringbone tote bag carried with an all-black outfit of a leather jacket, black jeans, and boots. The bag becomes the focal point, providing a sophisticated texture contrast.
- The Hat: A herringbone flat cap or newsboy cap adds a classic, slightly retro feel to a casual outfit.
- Example: A tweed herringbone flat cap worn with a field jacket, a henley shirt, and dark denim. This creates a rustic, heritage-inspired look that’s perfect for a weekend in the countryside.
6. The Art of Combining Patterns: When to Mix and Match
While herringbone is a pattern, its subtle, textured nature often allows it to act as a quasi-solid. This makes it an excellent candidate for strategic pattern mixing, but it requires a careful hand.
Actionable Steps:
- Herringbone with Stripes: The most foolproof pattern combination is herringbone with stripes. The two patterns complement each other without clashing.
- Example: A grey herringbone blazer layered over a classic navy and white Breton striped shirt. The horizontal lines of the stripe contrast beautifully with the V-shape of the herringbone, creating a dynamic yet harmonious look.
- Herringbone with Checks: This is a more advanced pairing, but it can be done successfully. The key is to ensure the scale of the patterns is different. A large-scale check works best with a small, subtle herringbone.
- Example: A small-scale grey herringbone trouser paired with a shirt that has a larger gingham check pattern. Keep the color palette cohesive (e.g., all grey tones) to ensure the patterns don’t fight for attention.
- Herringbone and Florals: For a truly modern and unexpected twist, pair a herringbone item with a small-scale floral print. The masculine, structured herringbone provides a grounding element for the softer, more feminine floral.
- Example: A herringbone blazer worn over a delicate floral-print dress. The contrast is bold and stylish, perfect for someone with a confident personal style.
7. Color Coordination with Herringbone: Building a Cohesive Palette
The beauty of herringbone is its ability to serve as a neutral foundation. Most herringbone fabrics are in shades of grey, brown, or navy, making them incredibly easy to style with a wide range of colors.
Actionable Steps:
- Earth Tones: For a classic fall look, pair brown or beige herringbone with other earth tones.
- Example: A brown herringbone jacket with a forest green shirt, camel-colored trousers, and dark brown leather boots. This palette evokes the colors of the season and creates a rich, cohesive feel.
- Monochromatic Schemes: Create an elegant, streamlined look by sticking to a single color family.
- Example: A grey herringbone coat worn over a light grey turtleneck, dark grey trousers, and a pair of polished black boots. The varying shades and textures of grey prevent the outfit from looking flat, and the herringbone pattern adds an additional layer of visual interest.
- Pop of Color: Use a herringbone piece to ground a brighter, more vibrant color.
- Example: A classic grey herringbone blazer over a vibrant mustard yellow sweater. The neutral grey provides the perfect backdrop for the bold color to stand out without being overwhelming. This is a simple but effective way to introduce more color into your fall wardrobe.
8. Herringbone Fabrics and Their Uses: Tweed, Wool, and Beyond
Not all herringbone is created equal. The type of fabric determines the garment’s weight, drape, and overall feel, which in turn influences how you should style it.
Actionable Steps:
- Tweed Herringbone: This is the most traditional form. Tweed is a heavy, durable wool fabric, perfect for structured blazers, coats, and trousers. Because of its weight, it’s best for colder weather and looks best with other robust fabrics like corduroy, flannel, and heavy denim.
- Example: A heavy tweed herringbone blazer paired with a flannel shirt and corduroy trousers. This is the quintessential fall heritage look.
- Lightweight Wool Herringbone: Lighter wool blends are more versatile. They can be used for blazers, skirts, and dresses that are suitable for early fall or a layered look. The drape is softer, making them easier to style with a wider range of fabrics.
- Example: A lightweight wool herringbone skirt worn with a silk blouse and a fine-gauge cardigan. This combination is less rustic and more refined than tweed.
- Cotton Herringbone: This lighter-weight version is perfect for shirts, casual jackets, or even summer suiting. It’s less about warmth and more about texture.
- Example: A cotton herringbone shirt worn unbuttoned over a simple white tee, paired with chinos and sneakers. This is a modern, relaxed take on the classic pattern.
By following these detailed, actionable steps, you can confidently integrate herringbone into your fall wardrobe. From a foundational blazer to a subtle accessory, this timeless pattern is a powerful tool for crafting an aesthetic that is both classic and contemporary. It’s about letting the rich texture and history of the weave do the talking while you build a cohesive, stylish, and practical outfit around it.