what to wear this autumn: day

Brendan

What are the strongest looks for men's daytime wear?

The military thing has been going around forever and I love that it's back this season. Like the new moody Burberry campaign featuring the guy who played Ian Curtis (actor Sam Riley), it is a smart look with sexy undertones. All you need is one piece – such as a statement coat – and you're done. I have a coat by Paul Smith, which is gorgeous, but I love the fact I also got one second hand in the Portobello market in London for a tenner.

Is it a look for everybody?

Definitely. A lot of Irish men are stocky, like me, and tailoring defines all your best bits and hides the rest. Good jackets make you feel instantly slimmer, taller, tighter. Five years ago it was about being buffed and pumped up, now it's definitely more the skinny look for men. I have a huge collection of jackets. I have always looked six years older than I am since the age of about 14 and have learned to dress accordingly. As I can't do "kooky and cute", I have learned to do classic.

Is there a knack to doing daywear for men?

Don't try too hard, but do make an effort. A woman doesn't want to go around with a peacock! Irish guys do have a reputation for being more conservative in the way they dress but I think that is because it's harder to get good stuff in Ireland. Even in the bigger stores like Reiss and Zara it seems you can't get the good stuff you can get in other countries.

New season essential?

For me, its all about white v-neck t-shirts from American Apparel (www.americanapparel.net), I love them and buy them by the bucketful. For the new season, a good shirt is a really good investment for any man.

Sonya

How does this look encapsulate the new season to you?

The hot pink colour and little puff-ball shape of this dress is great and I love these long leather boots which are about as close as I am going to get to leather trousers this season – twice in a lifetime for that trend is enough, thank you! Next year, skirts are getting much more feminine and this is a nod in that direction.

You are wearing Barbara Bui boots and jacket. What do you like about this label?

Bui is a grown-up designer with a bit of a twist. Her items are not trendy and seasonal but always classics with a bit of an edge, which is definitely my thing. I am all about investment dressing and have pieces in my own wardrobe that are 20 years old and still going strong. If items go out of fashion for a while I vacuum pack and store which is a trick I learned from my mum who was an air hostess and managed to gather an amazing wardrobe on her travels. We grew up with an attic full of fashion gems and I would like to be able to do the same for my children.

Is this a look that would suit everybody?

It's a great look for anyone with a waist to define and also for people who are not that tall, like me. I am five-foot-two and so I am always looking for tricks to make myself look taller – hence my love of high heels and jackets with fitted arms, both good ways to lengthen your silhouette.

If you were to buy just one item this season for daywear what would it be?

This is definitely the year of the coat and a good time to make that investment as there is really good stuff out there on both the high street and designer levels. Any of the classic shapes from the '30s, '40s and '50s are great. The most important thing in coats is that they fit your shoulders. I recently bought a Sportmax one in
Harvey Nicks but you don't have to go designer. Both Wallis and Principles have undergone total transformations over the last while and are now really exciting places to shop.

what to wear this autumn: evening

Brendan

Talk me through this look

For evening wear you cannot beat a timeless black tuxedo, and this one by Dolce and Gabbana is the perfect one for this season. Men hunt in packs and there is nothing like a black tie event to bring out that instinct. It's worth investing in a good tux so that you always have that piece of magic in your wardrobe.

What do you love about this label?

I am not normally a fan of Dolce and Gabbana to be honest – they are a bit showy for me. This season they have won me over with their campaign and when I tried this on it fitted so well I had to have it. I was thinking of a tartan coat but I felt like a Bay City Roller when I tried one on so I went for a skinny suit instead.

Is this a look that would suit everybody?

Absolutely. From grungey kid to middle youth man, there is something about tuxes that just do it for everyone. You can be a little bit Pete Doherty, a little bit James Bond, a little bit Paul Newman. There is a confidence about tuxedos – watch the way men swagger when they wear them. Very sexy.

Is there a knack to doing eveningwear for men?

The main thing is to not overplay the role, you know all that tapping cigarettes on boxes and posing at the bar. You really have to be classic and not cheesy. Waistcoats are great. Leave the bottom button undone which is a Saville Row thing. George Lamb from 'BBLB' has made bow ties cool again. Just make sure you don't open your bow tie and top button until later. It looks silly.

If you buy just one thing in evening wear this season what would it be?

A black single-breasted fitted suit is very rat pack. A timeless classic.

Sonya

What's the secret to a good evening look for you?

It is all about the dress for me, not just this season but every season, and this one is a forever dress - a total investment piece. It is key in terms of structure – the one
shoulder and hourglass shape is so elegant – and it's an heirloom look that just won't date. Even if it
misses a few beats from year to year, this is a classical look that will always be in fashion.

What do you love about this label?

Roland Mouret just knows women's bodies and I am a huge fan. I already have two pieces –
one dress and one top. His clothes are just so comfortable and
confidence-building to wear, and I love the fact that every dress is individual, coming with a blank name tag for its owner to fill in.

Is this a look that would suit everybody?

Definitely. Classical evening wear like this really can be worn by anybody and, in my opinion, everyone needs a really gorgeous black evening dress in their wardrobe.

If you were to buy just one thing in evening wear next season what would it be?

There was loads of drama on the catwalks this season and lots of directional pieces with historical and fantastical references, which was exciting, but not for mere mortals. I don't thing evening wear is necessarily a seasonal buy actually. Unless you have masses of money, buy occasion wear when you see something you love and keep wearing it time and time again as it's not really a fashion thing. Then you can just dress it up with different shoes and
accessories each time.