Talking trousers: Brideshead fashion

The way we Waugh

Brideshead gets revisited again this autumn when a new film version is released. The clothes look great, though I do feel this is where I came in, all those years ago. The 1981 TV series (above) had a huge effect on my wardrobe. I wasn’t alone. When I went up to university, it was the default style — second-hand clothes shops had plenty of 1930s tweed suits, evening wear, shirts and shoes, their owners just then shuffling off the mortal coil. And it was about this time that Jeremy Hackett started selling clothes — second-hand ones he picked up on market stalls.

This time, you don’t need to run the risk of moths. You can re-create the look with new stuff from Hackett, right down to the last collar stud. The company has even signed up Matthew Goode, who plays Charles Ryder in the new film (with Ben Whishaw as Sebastian Flyte), to model its clothes. Others are getting in on the act, too, including the high street.

In the end, though, give or take a trouser pleat here, a narrower lapel there, you have to say that it is pretty much classic English style. All those shops around Piccadilly and St James’s (such as John Lobb, James Lock & Co, New & Lingwood and Cordings) have been quietly selling this stuff since the beginning of the last century.

Fair play

Nearly everything you might buy from Hackett this season has a whiff of Brideshead. I especially like the Fair Isle tank top (£39.50). It wasn’t only Charles Ryder who wore them, however: who could forget David Jason as Granville in Open All Hours?

Street chic

Here’s evidence of fashion trickle-down — even Benetton has gone all Brideshead this autumn: shirt, £27, V-neck knit, £39.50, jacket, £110, trousers, £55, and bow tie, from £10, from Benetton

Tone up

I’ve had a pair of these for years. I can’t say I wear them that often, but they’re great for parties and watching cricket. If I played sax in a jazz combo, I’d probably wear them a lot more. Two-tone brogues, £300, by Church’s

The hat fits

Wearing a hat is now all about seeking attention, but there’s one classic design that it's still possible to get away with — a brown felt hat with a narrow ribbon that has various names, depending on the shop. I go to Bates, where it’s called a Racing Hat (£85; bates-hats.co.uk). Don’t wear it if you’re under 25 — you’ll look a prat. Buy a Pete Doherty trilby thing from Topman instead.

Timeless appeal

Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet and Floris Special No 127 date from 1902 and 1890 respectively. They might be a bit poncey — citrus and lavender dominating the Penhaligon’s; bergamot and orange, the Floris — but they’re more sophisticated than most of the smelly swill put out these days. Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet Eau de Toilette, from £50 for 50ml. Floris Special 127, £46.50 for 100ml