Photo of a leisurely drive in my father's 1939 Rolls Royce Wraith
Nowadays, driving is seen as more of a chore than a pleasure to some. Heavy traffic and hectic schedules means motoring is about getting from A to B as quickly as possible; the glamorous early years of the horseless carriage have been left on the lay-by like so many empty crisp packets. Far from dressing up in a sumptuous dust coat to take the car out for a spin, functional clothes like comfy trainers, elasticised waistbands and non-wrinkle shirts rule the roads.
But you the car aficionado – with a nice car and fashionable aspirations – don’t surrender yourself to slobbing behind the wheel while you wait for the lights to turn green. Why not inject a little old-school pizzazz into your driving get-up, and go? Your daily commute will seem like a winding drive down the French Riviera if you’re dressed the part – and who knows, it might inspire you to patch up your old banger and go on a proper jaunt on some unknown roads on the Continent. Grab yourself some European breakdown cover, a dapper companion and a few classic driving accessories:
1. Scarf
How to look like a 1950s pin-up babe while cruising in a convertible? Wrap a scarf gracefully over your delicately styled coif before heading out, adding a pair of large dark sunglasses if conditions are bright. Bold patterns on sultry silks will nicely offset that slick of scandalous red lipstick you’re wearing.
Wear while driving: A soft top – if your car has a roof, it’s not only pointless viz. protecting your hairdo, it’s self defeating in terms of trying to look cool. Anyone catching a peep through your driver window is going to think you’re an old lady.
2. Driving gloves
The ideal pair will have soft kid leather, popper fastenings and external seams. Get some that fit tight around the palm but loose around the fingers – glove lovers say you’ll get a better feel for the road and they’ll stop sweaty palms slipping on the wheel (this should be considered a bonus, really, as their true purpose is to make you look like a suave sophisticate). Make sure you’ve used a route planner before you set out: SatNavs can ruin the retro vibe, not to mention it can be tricky to work the fiddly buttons with leather-clad fingers.
Wear while driving: Driving gloves are a sexy addition to any road user’s wardrobe but look exceptionally good when clasping the wheel of old fashioned roadsters, like Hudsons or MGs.
3. Aviator sunglasses
These shades were originally intended for use on high-powered machines, at high altitudes, in high glare – and they give you the air of someone who’s complete mastery over their machine. Since Tom Cruise first went Maverick by wearing them on the road rather than in the clouds, Aviators have been the go-to accessory for the understated yet totally rock ‘n’ roll rebel speedster.
Wear while driving: Larger machines, like Hummers and VW vans. You’ll look potent, intimidating – in control of a both a mighty motor and your own destiny.
4. Driving hat and goggles
A style exemplified by Mr. Toad in Wind and the Willows, the ‘driving hat and goggles’ look is not to be attempted by the faint hearted. Either go for a flat cap or a saucy over-the-ears number – then, find a pair of dark-rimmed leather goggles with thick enough lenses to protect you from the flack your wheels throw up. Accessorise with a beaten up bomber jacket or a racing jacket (see below) and throw a pale white scarf casually around your neck for a devil-may-care, caddish appearance.
Wear while driving: Convertibles, unreliable old bangers with engines that tend to smoke
5. Racing jacket
Give your car the illusion of speed by wearing a thick racing jacket – whether you’re stuck in traffic or on the school run, remember that pace is a state of mind. Decide between an old school leather style or a bright, hi-tech fabric creation (see Ryan Gosling in Drive) – and make sure you find one that nips in at the hips and wrists to stop unpleasant drafts. For ultimate style props, find a design that matches the brand of your car and have a racing seatbelt installed.
Wear while driving: Any car that’s capable of over 30mph.
This is a guest post from Green Flag, the automotive (and fashion!) experts in Europe.
