Menswear tips: this season, I will mostly be wearing...

A peacoat still acceptable, or should it be replaced by a blazer? Cap or beanie hat? Every self-respecting male should heed the sartorial advice that these retail menswear experts share with Harriet Walker

Jeremy Langmead Editor-in-chief, MrPorter.com

Who is your style inspiration?

It varies, but at the moment it’s the actor Edward Fox. He’s always been impeccably turned out, but his tweed suits, handmade shoes, perfectly placed tie knots and penchant for a double-breasted cardigan jacket seem so right.

What’s your must-have this season?

I don’t think there is one. The idea of a must-have for men is an uncomfortable one. However, there are some great pieces this autumn that I certainly covet: a double-breasted, fitted tweed jacket by the French brand Ami; the Charlie Brown sweater by US designer Michael Bastian and a pair of washed leather Cormac boots by O’Keeffe.

Which trends are you focusing on for autumn?

Two trends to enjoy this autumn are the country look, and the dandy one: the first is all about tweeds, corduroys, boots, waxed jackets and chunky sweaters; the second is the dashing return of the velvet jacket. These look great dressed up for evening, or down with jeans for daywear.

What’s the best investment buy of the season?

If you can only buy one thing, invest in a coat. It’s the quickest way to update your wardrobe and the first item anyone sees when you walk into a room. If on a budget, I would recommend the navy wool coat by Ami, or the black peacoat by NN07.

Give us your best shopping tip for men?

I have to say this – shop online, spend time researching, get your clothes delivered to you, try them on in the comfort of your home and with your entire wardrobe to mix and match with, and if it doesn’t fit, MrPorter.com will collect from you for free. Easy.

All clothing available from mrporter.com

Stacey Smith, Menswear buyer at Matches

What’s your men’s must-have this season?

A good jacket will see you through autumn and beyond, and will form the centrepiece of your wardrobe. A biker – like this one by A Sauvage – is always a sound choice: you can wear it over a graphic tee, and layer it over knitwear as the temperature drops. We’re also championing this wool and leather version by Acne; the mix of textures makes it a great update of a classic style.

What’s your most important trend for autumn?

We loved the deep, boozy reds we saw on the catwalks. A great shade to lift your wardrobe but not garish; see Ami’s heavy-duty burgundy roll neck.

What are the best affordable and investment buys of the season?

Any well-dressed man knows the devil is in the detail – tatty accessories can ruin even the best of looks. Anderson’s belts are colourful and make an affordable way to lift an off-duty look; or you could invest in Lanvin’s tartan trainers.

Who’s your style inspiration?

For me, no one comes close to Marcello Mastroianni in La Dolce Vita. It’s the way he wears impeccably pristine tailoring with such a sense of ease.

What’s your best shopping tip?

We offer a private shopping service – our team assess what you need for the season ahead and offer suggestions.

All clothes available from matches.com

Lee Douros, Menswear buyer at My-wardrobe.com

What’s your must-have this season?

One of the most important purchases is a winter coat, with temperatures dropping so quickly now. I’ve got my eye on a Burberry Brit coat this season. It has subtle military details, like epaulettes and double-breasted buttoning, which work well as part of the military trend that we saw on the catwalks. The ceylon brown colour [that’s ‘tea’ to us civilians – Ed] is a fresh take on standard camel coats.

What’s your most important trend for autumn?

There’s a feeling of a smartening up within menswear this season. Field jackets make way for blazers, polo tops for smarter shirts.

What’s the best investment buy for the season?

This striking Fair Isle knit by Barbour is a great investment piece and an on-trend pattern for the season. It also has great longevity as you will be able to wear it throughout the autumn; layer it under coats for winter – and it’s the perfect Christmas jumper to boot!

Who’s your style inspiration?

I can’t say one person gives me all the inspiration I need; I get it from friends and people around me, from the catwalks of my favourite designers, from well-styled editorial shoots, and from street-style blogs.

What’s your best shopping tip?

I think men let themselves down so often by not investing in good-quality shoes. Scuffed, old shoes really pull down a good outfit. Investing in three or four good pairs will see you through a few years of wear, as long as you take care of the leather.

All clothing available from mywardrobe.com

Jake Bancroft Menswear buyer, Coggles.com

What's your must-have this season?

I think a new piece of outerwear is always a good choice. A deconstructed blazer with a slight point of difference is a great seasonal piece. The Our Legacy three-button blazer looks great with an oversized 'T' and the cuff turned back.

What's your most important trend for autumn?

Always keep an eye on tailoring. Look for the introduction of technical fabrics to add a touch of sportswear to a contemporary outfit. Brooklyn We Go Hard (BWGH) are having a great season with their sweats, and working on collaborations with Opening Ceremony and Maison Kitsuné.

What's the best investment buy of the season?

A good pair of shoes is worth every penny and can transform an outfit. Anything from the Common Projects range is key to my wardrobe.

Best shopping tip?

Take a little time on the extras. There's increasing awareness of the importance of fragrance and grooming. Comme des Garçons has recently released its new 'Amazing Green' fragrance, very subtle but fresh and energising with notes of dew mist, gunpowder and jungle leaves.

Who's your style inspiration?

I'm not a huge fan of looking for complete inspiration from someone, but for effortless style, Jean-Paul Belmondo (Breathless): trim trouser with a cuff and crease, deconstructed blazers and oversized shirting barely buttoned up.

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Adam Kelly, Menswear buying manager, Selfridges

What's your must-have for this season?

Oxblood red is a great alternative to black; look out for gorgeous autumnal shades from Marni and Margiela.

What are the most important trends?

Sportswear has been re-imagined in some really fresh, high-end ways. Bomber jackets are going nowhere – we saw many interpretations at the shows. McQ and Margiela in particular have beautiful ones.

Give us your best investment for the coming months

If you're looking to branch out into a new designer, Marni is my number-one tip right now. Caps are absolutely huge and a satchel makes a great option for everyday use. This Cambridge Satchel Company version is really current. Dior are one of the brands owning the high-end hi-top this season – I like the understated-ness of their take. And finally, a one-button suit can create a really sharp shape – this is my ultimate investment piece for the season. It lasts forever.

Who's your style inspiration?

Cary Grant and Steve McQueen are icons in their fashion fields.

What's your best shopping tip?

Don't be afraid of accessories.

All clothing available from selfridges.com