: 3 Ways To Wear A Duffle Coat Courtesy of The Worldly Renowned (& Stylish) Bear :
Words + Styling ~ By Lyle Eero ~ 24 September 2016
Are you acquainted with the gentlemanly Mr. Paddington Brown (of genus Ursidae origin), the worldly renowned anthropomorphic bear — hailing from the deepest, darkest depths of Peru — whose literary (and cinematic/television) adventures have delighted the imaginations of generations of children and adults alike for what is over a half-century of endearing prominence?
Surely you are, but how about the practical and inspiring merits of the varying components of his characteristic signature styling?
Perhaps not as much.
To that account, one could say that Paddington Bear has slyly carried the (heritage-inspired) sartorial torch of his adoptive nation — reflectively providing a textbook education in traditionally practical yet tastefully stylized British (military) nonchalance — as a culturally iconic symbol whose unshakeable penchant for hardwearing utilitarian staple wears (those made to function unfailingly in the most trying and dreary of conditions) is something that gentlemen worldwide should actively take note of in due course of (perhaps) incorporating a touch of his considered wardrobing sense into their own day-to-day styling in one manner or another whether they are beset with navigating through brutal rain showers, heavy winds, or unsettling chills come autumn and winter or not.
Surely you are, but how about the practical and inspiring merits of the varying components of his characteristic signature styling?
Perhaps not as much.
To that account, one could say that Paddington Bear has slyly carried the (heritage-inspired) sartorial torch of his adoptive nation — reflectively providing a textbook education in traditionally practical yet tastefully stylized British (military) nonchalance — as a culturally iconic symbol whose unshakeable penchant for hardwearing utilitarian staple wears (those made to function unfailingly in the most trying and dreary of conditions) is something that gentlemen worldwide should actively take note of in due course of (perhaps) incorporating a touch of his considered wardrobing sense into their own day-to-day styling in one manner or another whether they are beset with navigating through brutal rain showers, heavy winds, or unsettling chills come autumn and winter or not.
Eminently acclaimed for his adventurous spirit, frugal sensibilities and courteous demeanour (kind-hearted + innocently spirited) as much as his trademark styling (which heavily leans upon merited military and civilian classics in equal measure), Paddington is a true gentleman at heart and an enduring cultural mainstay (both domestically in the U.K. and abroad) whose captive draw has persisted since Michael Bond first introduced his endearing creation to the world in October 1958 with his seminal classic A Bear Called Paddington.
A lost refugee of sorts, Paddington was first “found” in Paddington Station (London, England) by the good-natured Brown family (hence his full name: Paddington Brown), who thereafter saw fit in adopting him into their tightly knit family. A life-altering event to be sure that, when discussing his style sense in particular, ultimately altered and fashioned it into becoming quintessentially British at its foundational core; something in which is well evidenced in his dependence upon a few considered trends that were torn straight from the ‘50s British landscape itself.
And most prominent amongst the lot?
The toggled duffle coat.
A lost refugee of sorts, Paddington was first “found” in Paddington Station (London, England) by the good-natured Brown family (hence his full name: Paddington Brown), who thereafter saw fit in adopting him into their tightly knit family. A life-altering event to be sure that, when discussing his style sense in particular, ultimately altered and fashioned it into becoming quintessentially British at its foundational core; something in which is well evidenced in his dependence upon a few considered trends that were torn straight from the ‘50s British landscape itself.
And most prominent amongst the lot?
The toggled duffle coat.
An understated (albeit statement making) piece with unifying qualities that, when combined with the rest of Paddington's casually inclined wardrobe (Wellington boots, bucket hat, battered suitcase), created what stands as a profoundly practical aesthetic whereupon form follows function and rugged heritage sartorialism reigns supreme, the venerable duffle has a certain air of rugged charm and bygone sophistication about it that has made it a suitable choice for almost any occasion — whether formal or casual in nature.
That said, and with the duffle in hand, one could say that Paddington’s overarching style is penny pinching practical essentialism at its technical (and investment worthy) finest, a trademark look that playfully straddles the stylized line between graduated adulthood and carefree childlike innocence in its creative essence.
Styling aside, and in alluding to some of his other redeeming characteristic qualities, Paddington is consistently polite and accommodating to almost a fault (typically addressing people as "Mr", "Mrs" and “Miss”) while owning what is a seemingly boundless capacity for innocently getting into trouble and endeavouring to always “try(ing) so hard to get things right” as consequence. Nevertheless, it must be said that he is indeed otherwise unafraid as well to incur his distain and disapproval upon any who have carelessly forgotten their manners courtesy of his trademark “hard stare” — albeit always in a very civil manner of course.
That said, and with the duffle in hand, one could say that Paddington’s overarching style is penny pinching practical essentialism at its technical (and investment worthy) finest, a trademark look that playfully straddles the stylized line between graduated adulthood and carefree childlike innocence in its creative essence.
Styling aside, and in alluding to some of his other redeeming characteristic qualities, Paddington is consistently polite and accommodating to almost a fault (typically addressing people as "Mr", "Mrs" and “Miss”) while owning what is a seemingly boundless capacity for innocently getting into trouble and endeavouring to always “try(ing) so hard to get things right” as consequence. Nevertheless, it must be said that he is indeed otherwise unafraid as well to incur his distain and disapproval upon any who have carelessly forgotten their manners courtesy of his trademark “hard stare” — albeit always in a very civil manner of course.
All characteristic matters taken into account (styling through personality), Paddington is living proof that style icons (and gentlemen for that matter) can come in all shapes and sizes (and forms/species as well). Moreover, his signature style works to further solidify the belief that the smartest way to dress often lays in the form of practical simplicity — that nothing overly ostentatious or unnecessary need apply.
As such, and from his courtly mannerisms and disposition through his dependable wardrobe, Paddington’s fashion sense and genteel character are true testaments to mankind without any shred of questionable doubt.
Which is precisely why that — at the end of the day — no man should be ashamed of taking sensible styling cues from what is effectively a cartoon bear, especially when taking into account his definitively sound signature styling uniformity and its highly regimented (and heritage merited) wardrobe foundation.
So. how do you best adopt his style as your own?
Well, here’s 3 considered ways to accomplish just that (and to style your duffle coat throughout season and well into the next).
As such, and from his courtly mannerisms and disposition through his dependable wardrobe, Paddington’s fashion sense and genteel character are true testaments to mankind without any shred of questionable doubt.
Which is precisely why that — at the end of the day — no man should be ashamed of taking sensible styling cues from what is effectively a cartoon bear, especially when taking into account his definitively sound signature styling uniformity and its highly regimented (and heritage merited) wardrobe foundation.
So. how do you best adopt his style as your own?
Well, here’s 3 considered ways to accomplish just that (and to style your duffle coat throughout season and well into the next).
Paddington’s style is (as was previously alluded to) quintessentially British at heart — Naval duffle coats, reliable (Hunter) Wellington boots, and waterproof bucket hats galore. That said, a gent need not slavishly endeavour to adopting each piece in unison should he desire bringing a touch of the venerable bear's style into his own day-to-day repertoire. On the contrary, he should rather actively experiment with each respective component to see what works (and with what pre-existing pieces in his wardrobe) for him and doesn’t — and proceed accordingly as such.
For most, this will likely start and end with his iconic toggled duffle coat, the one piece that many would be quick to immediately identify him with (and know him best by) if pressed for a hasty reply…
For most, this will likely start and end with his iconic toggled duffle coat, the one piece that many would be quick to immediately identify him with (and know him best by) if pressed for a hasty reply…
As for how to style your duffle, Paddington traditionally prefers his be fashioned in a vibrant royal blue hue and worn in conjunction with his quintessential red Wellington boots (in which he was first gifted in1964) and anavy, red or yellow bucket hat. Should you follow his lead (step-for-step)? I say why not, just add a pair of supple brown cords (as an ode to his naturally furry legs) and a naturally coloured Donegal cable-knit fisherman's sweater (for layered warmth and visual texture) and you will be prepared for just about any casual-leaning late autumn/early winter eventuality that may present itself — with the full Paddington seal of sartorial approval well in hand.
Besides staying true to form with an authentic (piece-for-piece) interpretive take, how else could you bring some Paddington-esque style vibes to your wardrobe? Well, the duffle coat is a nonnegotiable , essential cog (as well as the piece de resistance in this feature) to any prospective look, but should a bright blue colour rest a tad out of your comfort zone then you could also channel his look with a pleasant desert tone such as a khaki/tan (or even a saturated solid, herringbone or even grey tweed?) as well. And should you opt for going this route, then my suggestion would be to wear it with dark rinse slim fit jeans, a navy turtleneck knit sweater/polka dot button-down shirt, and either wellies (brown or red) or a pair of like-minded L.L. Bean duck boots. (as is styled and demonstrated above). On the other hand, and on a completely formal level, you could also nonchalantly throw it over your business suits (in such an instance I'd opt for a sophisticated navy duffle) for those frigid morning commutes should any such notion suddenly creep up upon you. 
Beyond that, and should you desire making a true statement with you duffle in an elevated manner, there is also a slew of loud and proud plaids (such as black watch) as well as bold hues such as red or burnt orange at your disposal that will have you sticking out for all the right reasons — but be full warned that it takes elevated sartorial gravitas to pull off either of those (attention seeking?) options.
However you choose to proceed with the precise styling specifics of your duffle, you can rest assuredly in comfort knowing that it will continually function as the finishing sartorial cherry that rests atop the entirety of your wardrobe. Point being is that the duffle now comes in a wide variance of fits, fabrications (from wool and tweed through cotton), shapes (from cropped through three-quarter length) and colours (many of which were outlined above), which in itself ultimately means that no matter what catches your sartorial fancy there is surely a duffle coat that will cater to your every styling whim and desire. As such, and taking the variable components of every one of these three looks in as a whole entity (duffle included), one could say (without equivocation) that any wardrobe that is influenced (in one way or another) by Paddington’s versatile style sense is one characteristically equipped to handle any and all of Mother Nature's cold weather seasonal fluctuations and demands. It is, in other words, investment worthy style that perfectly fuses together functional reliability and tastefully stylized nonchalance into one easy-to-wear package. 
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Markedly nonchalant, sensibly investment worthy, and both functionally stylish and technically utilitarian, Paddington’s signature styling and his characteristically loose-fitting trademark toggled duffle coat are both inarguably ensconced in enduring sartorial merit and tastefully considered fashionability. And it is to just such an account that one could say that both are truly timeless additions to the inspirationally iconic menswear pantheon indeed. Well done Mr. Brown, well done indeed! 
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Personal musings and opinions…
What do you think of the iconic duffle coat and Paddington's style in general? Do you own one/how do you like to wear it?
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your opinion…
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Chime in below (or via social media) to share your opinion…
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