The Art of Getting Dressed: Rose Forde’s AW26 Menswear Edit at Bicester Village

A well-considered wardrobe is not necessarily about having more clothes. It is about understanding proportion, knowing what works for you and choosing pieces with a little more thought. For acclaimed menswear stylist and creative consultant Rose Forde, that philosophy comes down to three words: “sartorial, considered and curated”.

As the latest fashion authority to feature in Bicester Village's Stylist Sessions, Forde brings her perspective on modern menswear to a curated edit that puts tailoring, statement outerwear and personal expression at the forefront of AW26. Featuring pieces from Jil Sander, Givenchy, Maison Margiela and Thom Browne, among others, the selection encourages a more considered approach to seasonal dressing, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and longevity rather than fleeting trends.

For Forde, the art of getting dressed lies in the details. “Every piece and layer is thoughtful in colour, texture, silhouette, shape, personality, and fabric contrast,” she explains. With layering continuing to influence how men approach their wardrobes, she sees an opportunity to move beyond simply dressing for the weather. “Day-to-day styling becomes much more curated, put together, and personalised, offering a great opportunity for individual expression.”

When it comes to investment dressing this season, one item stands out above the rest: the statement coat. Whether a traditional Crombie or something more directional, such as a cocoon silhouette, Forde believes the right outerwear should have a life well beyond one winter. “If a coat truly reflects your personal style choices – whether that's bold or subtle – it's never going to fall out of fashion and will last for years to come.”

The appeal is in its ability to transform even the simplest outfit. Forde points to a leather Saint Laurent trench, a sculptural minimalist coat from Jil Sander or a deconstructed, artisanal design from Maison Margiela as examples of how a strong outer layer can give jeans and knitwear an entirely different character. It is an argument for investing in pieces that do the talking without requiring an overly complicated outfit.

But before considering brands or individual garments, Forde believes men should pay closer attention to fit. “I always start with silhouette and fit. If something fits well and complements a person's body type and shape, it instantly feels genuine.” Understanding proportion is essential to making a look feel personal rather than forced. Higher-waisted trousers can elongate the legs, while structured shoulders can bring definition to a coat. “It's about understanding what works for your frame,” she says. “Pairing complementary pieces that flatter your body is the foundation of a look that feels authentic to you, not just trend-led.”

There is also a more playful side to the AW26 wardrobe. Forde identifies a renewed interest in bourgeois and aristocratic codes, particularly in evening and formal dressing, with designers such as Jonathan Anderson and Michael Ryder, alongside brands like Dunhill, exploring traditional references with a contemporary perspective.

The result is a less rigid interpretation of formality. “There's a playful subversion of traditional formality – for instance, wearing a dress shirt slightly scruffy under a knit with jeans.” With party season approaching, she sees eveningwear as an opportunity for men to experiment rather than simply follow convention.

Art is another important influence on Forde's approach, particularly when it comes to colour. “There's a massive colour explosion happening right now,” she says, pointing to Jil Sander as a label doing this particularly well. Her advice for introducing more expressive combinations into everyday dressing is to look beyond fashion itself. “Look at a favourite painting, graphic, or piece of art, notice why you like those specific colour combinations, and replicate them in your outfits.” It is a straightforward way to approach colour with a little more imagination.

For men looking to make a few strategic additions this season, Forde has five recommendations: a formal shirt that can be dressed down with jeans or worn for evening occasions; relaxed, oversized outerwear; more playful layering details, from a jumper draped over the shoulders to a glimpse of contrasting socks; knitwear in a bold colour; and a formal dress shoe.

The last is particularly telling. After years of sneakers dominating almost every dress code, Forde believes it is time to reconsider the smarter shoe. “Move past the 'sneaker and suit' era,” she advises. A good loafer, she suggests, can work just as effortlessly with jeans, a shirt and an oversized coat as it does with tailoring.

Through Stylist Sessions, Bicester Village offers a different perspective on its selection of luxury boutiques, inviting established fashion voices to share the pieces and styling approaches that inform their own work. Forde's edit is a reminder that a well-dressed wardrobe is built less on chasing what is new and more on understanding what is worth wearing.