David Beckham has become the poster child for a new style trend that's sweeping Britain - and it's all about embracing country chic in an era of urban cool. Dubbed the "Rads" by fashion insiders, this look is characterized by tweed blazers, corduroy trousers, and a dash of rustic charm.
The trend, which has been gaining momentum over the past few seasons, owes a debt to Guy Ritchie's iconic "cosplay-farmer" look. Ritchie's 2024 Netflix hit series The Gentlemen was an early instigator of the trend, and it seems that David Beckham's latest stint as guest editor of Country Life magazine has helped propel it into the mainstream.
Beckham's own take on the look is effortlessly cool - whether he's tending to a veg patch or strutting down a catwalk in a sleek tweed blazer. But what really sets the Rads apart is their emphasis on subtle, functional pieces that evoke a sense of old money style without breaking the bank.
"Men are looking for stuff that's a little more classic, but not formal," says Jason Diamond, an author and cultural commentator who credits the rise of the trend to a growing desire among men to express themselves through fashion. "The country gentleman thing does a great job of combining stylish with just the right amount of rugged - it's not too ruffled that it's not suitable for going out to dinner or a party."
Of course, the Rads are all about layering up and experimenting with texture and pattern. From cable-knit jumpers to waxed jackets, there's no shortage of options for men looking to add a dash of country chic to their wardrobe. And with high-street retailers like M&S and John Lewis now selling off-the-rack versions of countryside staples, it's easier than ever to get in on the trend.
So how can you look like a rich autumn dad without breaking the bank? Start by investing in a few key pieces - think half-zip jumper, Barbour jacket, or Blundstone boots. Then, layer up with texture and pattern - and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find one that works for you.
After all, as Davis says, "the British pastoral ideal feels like escape - slow, rooted and tactile." And what's more escape-worthy than a warm, tweedy coat on a chilly autumn morning?
The trend, which has been gaining momentum over the past few seasons, owes a debt to Guy Ritchie's iconic "cosplay-farmer" look. Ritchie's 2024 Netflix hit series The Gentlemen was an early instigator of the trend, and it seems that David Beckham's latest stint as guest editor of Country Life magazine has helped propel it into the mainstream.
Beckham's own take on the look is effortlessly cool - whether he's tending to a veg patch or strutting down a catwalk in a sleek tweed blazer. But what really sets the Rads apart is their emphasis on subtle, functional pieces that evoke a sense of old money style without breaking the bank.
"Men are looking for stuff that's a little more classic, but not formal," says Jason Diamond, an author and cultural commentator who credits the rise of the trend to a growing desire among men to express themselves through fashion. "The country gentleman thing does a great job of combining stylish with just the right amount of rugged - it's not too ruffled that it's not suitable for going out to dinner or a party."
Of course, the Rads are all about layering up and experimenting with texture and pattern. From cable-knit jumpers to waxed jackets, there's no shortage of options for men looking to add a dash of country chic to their wardrobe. And with high-street retailers like M&S and John Lewis now selling off-the-rack versions of countryside staples, it's easier than ever to get in on the trend.
So how can you look like a rich autumn dad without breaking the bank? Start by investing in a few key pieces - think half-zip jumper, Barbour jacket, or Blundstone boots. Then, layer up with texture and pattern - and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find one that works for you.
After all, as Davis says, "the British pastoral ideal feels like escape - slow, rooted and tactile." And what's more escape-worthy than a warm, tweedy coat on a chilly autumn morning?