The fashion briefing

The Briefing is being ­controversial featuring a man in leather ­trousers. ­But when the ­oracle that is Balenciaga includes them in its menswear ­autumn/­winter ­collection, it’s time to take note. The saving grace of these? A ­modern shape. But this is one of ­designer Nicolas ­Ghesquière’s strengths. On a less racy note: so love those trainers. Plus, the wearing of two coats ­layered is hot news. In fact, this ­collection offers lots of great jackets, from snug ­bombers in red or grey, to a hooded duffel coat that can turn into a mini-cape. Photograph: PR company handout

The idea of men carrying a bag has come full circle. Now that the sight of man-with-satchel doesn’t cause slack-jaw horror, the briefcase has waltzed back on the scene. The high street, until this tan leather M&S attache popped up, has been a briefcase-barren landscape. This is a goodie, featuring a faux suede ­interior with various compartments, but most importantly, it reeks of 1970s Gucci. Delight. £139.50, marksandspencer.com Photograph: PR company handout

The Uniqlo +J collection designer by Jil Sander, minimalist par ­excellence, has a spring delivery this week. The colour palette is all muted neutrals, brown, white and black, with flashes of blue – orangey-red comes in the ­second drop in March. Key looks: ­elegant shirt-blouses, classy skirts and outerwear in ­technical fabrics – ideal for layering. Menswear divides between utility and ­tailoring. On sale 3 ­February, 1am ­online, 10am in stores. £59.99, uniqlo.com Photograph: PR company handout

Sandro. Think pared back, French, ­feminine. It is loved by some of the chicest ladies in the land: Marion Cotillard, Audrey Tautou and Alexa Chung. Set up in 1984 by ­Evelyne Chétrite and her ­husband, it sells ­gloriously simple clothes to ­complement an understated wardrobe. This ­double-breasted jacket, with ­buttons of gold, is so new Paris Vogue editor-in-chief, ­Emmanuelle Alt. There is also menswear. The ­Briefing is ­actually toying with a pair of the label’s bashed-up blue jeans. £260, sandro-paris.com Photograph: PR company handout

If you had to guess where this shoe was from – someone on the fashion desk shouted Acne – Clarks would not be the obvious choice. But that, dear shoppers, is the origin of this ­footwear triumph, a style known as Thai Dance, and one that boasts fine details, such as the contrast heel and buckle. Next month: the ­Piccadilly branch celebrates Clarks ­Originals with a pop-up shop and live musical action. Toe-tapping all round then. £59.99, available 17 February, clarks.co.uk Photograph: PR company handout