January is a tough month. There’s the Christmas comedown. A tax return to complete. Dreary weather. A five-week wait for your next pay-check. Blue Monday... the list goes on. And your styling takes a hit, too. December’s party-ready outfits are a fleeting memory and comfort is the key concern. Who really wants to wear anything other than loungewear when you can’t afford to go out anyway?
But wait. What light through yonder window breaks? Why it’s Seth Rogen in a cosy cardy and matching slides. The actor-potter-stoner strolled into the Jimmy Kimmel Live! studios this week in the kind of ensemble that you should rely heavily upon this month. Forget the suit, that came later. Just look at the earth hues! The mix of wheat and caramel toned Birkenstocks, turned-up chinos and V-neck jacket prove that variations of brown can complement each other well – and require minimal mental energy to style.
The key to a one-tone look, and to stop it veering into grandad territory, is a combination of textures. In between film making and pottery, it seems The Fabelmans actor has been keeping track of the spring/summer ’23 runway and has used it as casualwear inspo. British designer Erdem paired his ombre knits with similar-shaded suit trousers, while Etro showcased moss satin trousers with a corresponding chest-baring jumper. Despite being known for his surrealist designs, JW Anderson presented a more pub-friendly iteration, styling leather shorts with a hole-y rollneck. And Craig Green being Craig Green, he had a futuristic take, presenting a deconstructed peach top with quilted trousers.
Universal Works Cardigan in Stone Wool Fleece
Universal Works Cardigan in Stone Wool Fleece
Rogen, though, has gone much more low-key, with what looks to be a jacket by Universal Works. The British workwear-inspired brand was founded in 2009 by David Keyte, and the Midlands-born designer crafts pieces that are as equally suited to the farm as they are to Soho Farmhouse. Functionality is at the brand’s forefront, as shown by this wool-blend fleece which makes an apt layer for commutes and lazy day strolls alike. Better yet, it’s currently on sale – take it as a sign that a bit of retail therapy will help you through the month ahead.
