Where’s Will? Mary drags Will off for a styling session at newly opened Cromwell’s in Oakham
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OW THAT WILL is a bestselling author we decided it was time we smartened him up. As many of you will know he is usually to be found either in shorts or jeans, the inevitable walking boots, a gilet and, depending on the time of year, a tweed cap. Well this will not do now that he has become a minor celebrity! Oliver’s moved from Uppingham to Mill Street in Oakham in April 2021 and sold women’s clothes with men’s upstairs. It has done so well that owner David has now split the shops with Cromwell’s, solely for men, opening on the High Street on November 1, run by Matthew. And David and Matthew are just the pair to sort Will out and give him a few tips. Cromwell’s specialises in casual and casual/smart clothes so David, who came to style Will, was not going to terrify him! ‘We sell relaxed smart clothes and shoes, and accessories too,’ says David. ‘We stock Danish designs which use eco-fabrics where possible. The fabrics are good quality that last and wash and iron well. The clothes are mainly classic designs so not too ‘out there’ but with up to date colours, fabrics and
patterns. ‘Matthew and I style quite a few of the men who come into the shop. Men are generally terrible online shoppers buying only what they know and sticking to the same style year after year. Will agreed: ‘there’s no way I can be bothered to return anything so I just buy what I know and is safe.’ Will and I had a quick look around the shop and were pleasantly surprised by the prices, nothing too steep and good value with shirts starting at £35. There was plenty of choice and Will immediately honed in on a terracotta coloured zipped sweater. David very quickly assessed Will (without either of us noticing) and soon had something for him to try on. The aforementioned terracotta coloured sweater, a patterned shirt that Will said he would never have picked and jog jeans which David says fly out of the shop. I can see why as they are soft with stretch and Will can verify for their comfort. David even got Will in some suede Chelsea boots which he didn’t think would fit him - they did. And he looked great! Still like Will but a more ‘on trend’ one. I could tell that he was comfortable in everything that he had on. David gave him the odd tweak here and there and that was it. And then for the second outfit. This was slightly smarter with black trousers, patterned grey shirt and a leather jacket. Whilst Will was changing David filled me in a bit about styling. ‘The look at the moment for men is skinny, tight jeans and over-sized tops. But we’re not all 20 and built like whippets, so it’s not a look that suits everyone, or many men to be honest.' Will is broad-chested with shortish legs in relation to his body and is the wrong shape for skinny jeans. I have to admit that it was me who suggested this, with Will shouting down the stairs, ‘I heard that!’ ‘If you’re broader, tailored clothing works well,’ says David. ‘A slimmer tailored fit is neater and can look really smart. And broad chests carry off slimmer tailored shirts well. Will’s dark colouring means strong, deeper colours work better on him. He should avoid creams and beiges as they can make him look washed out (particularly in the winter) and never wear stripes, but patterns are fine. Short jackets will suit Will’s build and height. Jackets to mid thigh will make you
look shorter. And always wear your shirt tucked in, this gives an illusion of height too.’ And then Will appeared in the next look. I’ve known Will for over 20 years and don’t think I’ve ever seen him wear black. The smart black trousers were an excellent cut and suited him. The leather jacket did too, but wasn’t quite Will (or the one we know anyway). But what was good was for Will to try what David suggested then he could accept or reject what he was given. And what was brilliant is that Will would never have tried some of the clothes David picked for him. The patterned shirt with the terracotta jumper, for example, but he really liked it and appreciated David’s tips and advice. David obviously knows what he is doing. ‘We are more than happy to make suggestions to our customers and there’s absolutely no pressure to buy. Many of our gents come in a few times to try things on before making a purchase, and that’s fine with us. Thankfully we are finding since the lockdowns people have discovered their high streets again and since re-opening we are getting lots of support which is what all of us retailers need.’ And the final word must go to Will. ‘Like a lot of men I am not keen on clothes shopping online, and I tend to buy exactly the same items over and over again because I don’t dare make a change without seeing, touching and trying a new shirt, for example for size, fit and feel. So to be able to pop into a friendly shop with a well-priced range of smart casual clothing is really important. You can’t beat having somebody with experience and knowledge to steer you in the right direction, particularly if you are looking for something different. If you don’t want to just keep buying the same jeans, shirts and jackets over and again, or you want something a bit special for Friday or Saturday night then you won’t go far wrong here. And it feels good to shop on the actual high street again.’ Oliver’s, Mill Street Oakham. Cromwell’s, 17 High Street Oakham 07426 871859 @cromwellsmenswear_oakham @oliversandcooakham
26 December 2021 / theactivemag.com
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