THE JOURNAL

Illustrated by Mr Calum Heath
It’s hard to believe that ChatGPT launched less than a year ago (30 November 2022, to be precise). Since then, everyone from schoolchildren to tech bros have been discovering how the AI technology can make their lives easier. But, what at first felt like a novelty eventually revealed its true (perhaps sinister) capabilities. As if we didn’t already have enough problems with misinformation spreading on social media, suddenly some dumb bot was about to automate our jobs?
According to a report by Goldman Sachs, up to 300 million jobs worldwide could be replaced by AI tools – and media professions including journalism are one of the top 10 on the chopping block. This automation of mostly mid-career, mid-ability work (omg, it’s me, I’m mid!) encouraged 1,000 scientists and business leaders to sign an open letter asking for the development of AI tools such as ChatGPT to be paused so that safeguards could be put in place to protect human interests. (Yes, it all has more than a whiff of Planet Of The Apes about it.)
All this made us to wonder how the programme would really stand up against even the most hardened professionals: the MR PORTER Fashion Team. ChatGPT can do the grunt work, but there’s no accounting for taste, right? Surely the passion, imagination, forecasting skills and years of experience of our brightest brains can’t be replaced by an algorithm who couldn’t even wear clothes if it wanted to?
To put this to the test, we gathered a list of some of our most pesky and persistent autumn style questions and went to battle. AI vs the humans. Let’s find out who this “Chat Gee Pee Tee” really is.
01.
It’s last-minute city-break time. What are the best ways to style a waterproof jacket without looking like a tourist? And which are the best brands to go for?
ChatGPT: The goal is to create a balanced outfit that blends functionality with style. By opting for timeless and versatile pieces, paying attention to fit and details, you can rock [ed note: cringe] your waterproof jacket while exploring the city without looking like a typical tourist. Choose a waterproof jacket that has a sleek and modern design, with details like clean lines, minimal branding and a tailored fit. A classic raincoat or a lightweight trench coat-style jacket can work well. Stick to neutral colours, like black, navy or olive green, and incorporate different textures to elevate your look. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing. Well-fitted pieces will look more polished and modern compared to baggy or ill-fitting options.
There are several contemporary luxury brands that are known for producing high-quality waterproof jackets for men, including Arc’teryx, renowned for its technical outdoor gear that combines innovative materials and technologies with sleek designs, and Burberry, which offers waterproof jackets that blend traditional British style with modern functionality.
MR PORTER: Lean into the trend for all things technical and pair a colourful waterproof with a neutral look – we’re thinking a simple tee or sweatshirt, shell trousers or sweat shorts and a fresh pair of sneakers. Add a cap to weather the elements and a cross-body bag for all your essentials and you’re set. Stone Island, C.P. Company and Moncler are our picks for this look. For a more formal take, a trench is hard to beat. Go for a preppy vibe with blue jeans, a thick-soled loafer and contrasting socks. Oversized styles from The Row, Nili Lotan and mfpen are some of our favourites this season.
02.
Let’s face it – summer is very nearly over. But while it’s too late in the season for shorts and patterned shirts, we’re not ready for those autumn wardrobe greys and blacks. How can we inject a bit of colour into new-season outfits in a way that makes sense in the city?
ChatGPT: Adding a pop of colour to your outfits during the transitional period between summer and autumn is a great way to maintain a vibrant look while adapting to the changing season. Remember, the key is to choose colours that work well with the existing pieces in your wardrobe. Add colour through accessories like vibrant ties, pocket squares or even colourful socks. These small touches can make a big impact on your overall appearance.
Swap out your regular jeans for coloured chinos or trousers in shades like burgundy, olive green or mustard. Try experimenting with colour-blocking, too, by combining complementary or contrasting colours in different pieces of your outfit or create a tonal look by wearing different shades of the same colour. This can add depth and sophistication to your ensemble. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, opt for frames in a bold or unexpected colour.
MR PORTER: Accessories are our suggestion here, too – statement, block-colour bags form Bottega Veneta, LOEWE and Jacquemus will looks fresh and see you into the new season and beyond.
You can also try a block-colour crewneck T-shirt or a fine knit under your suits or blazers to brighten things up. Invest in a pair of retro-inspired sneakers – we love the myriad colourways of adidas Originals – to add some personality to an otherwise pared-back outfit.
03.
It’s easy to find yourself stuck wearing the same sweaters and jackets over everything once the weather turns. What are some interesting ways to style lightweight knitwear for autumn?
ChatGPT: Lightweight knitwear can be a great way to add variety and creativity to your outfits. Experiment with pattern mixing by pairing a subtly patterned knit sweater with a different patterned scarf or accessory. Make sure the patterns complement each other in terms of scale and colour. Or layer two lightweight knit sweaters in different colours or textures for added warmth and dimension.
You can also combine a knit sweater with other textured items, like corduroy pants, wool trousers or suede boots for a visually interesting ensemble. Button up a lightweight cardigan and wear it as a shirt on its own [ed note: we’ll skip this one]. Wear a rollneck knit sweater under a classic overcoat or opt for a half-zip knit sweater and wear it over a plain T-shirt. Leave the zipper partially open for a relaxed and comfortable vibe.
Remember, the key to stylishly wearing lightweight knitwear in autumn is to experiment with different layers, textures and accessories while keeping your personal style in mind.
MR PORTER: We’re big fans of the knitted vest, which can be dressed down with a crisp white T-shirt or layered over an oversized striped shirt. Cardigans are also a perfect transitional piece that can stand in for a jacket until the weather really turns. Embrace shawl-collar styles from Alanui and TOM FORD, collegiate cardigans from CELINE HOMME, Thom Browne and AMI PARIS or colourful jacquards from Acne Studios and mohair stripes from Marni.
Lastly, fine-gauge knitted polo shirts are a perennial for layering under suits and blazers in place of poplin shirts for a more casual yet considered approach.
04.
One minute it’s sunny and then it’s cold. Can you give us some tips for dressing for unpredictable weather and still looking good?
ChatGPT: Dressing for unpredictable weather while maintaining a stylish look can be a bit challenging, but with the right strategies, you can master it. Wear shoes that are suitable for both sunny and colder conditions. Classic sneakers, leather boots or versatile loafers are great options that can adapt to different weather scenarios.
Also, look for clothing items that can be converted, such as jackets with removable liners or convertible pants with zip-off legs [ed note: OK, Dad]. These items can adapt to changing conditions with minimal effort.
Consider wearing clothing made from adaptable or breathable fabrics and quick-drying materials. This will help you stay comfortable regardless of temperature changes and sudden showers. A classic trench coat is a timeless option for unpredictable weather, offering style and functionality.
MR PORTER: Mastering layering is the key here – make sure you’ve always got something you can take off or put on, so think T-shirt underneath an overshirt, a light trench over a denim jacket, or a gilet to add warmth under a lightweight jacket.
Transition out of your summer sandals by adding a thick sock to slides or clogs – we love Suicoke and Birkenstock with KAPITAL or Rostersox. A fail-safe pairing is a sweatshirt or long-sleeve T-shirt with shorts to get the best of both worlds.
05.
Accessorising with men’s jewellery can difficult. What are some low-key styles to try out for the end of summer?
ChatGPT: Opt for simple and thin bracelets made from materials like leather, cord, or metal. A braided leather bracelet can add a touch of texture to your wrist without being too flashy. A single bracelet or a stack of two can add a touch of personality without being overwhelming. A classic watch is also a timeless accessory: choose one with a clean and minimalist design for a low-key style.
Signet rings can be a sophisticated addition, and if you’re more comfortable with jewellery, try layering necklaces of varying lengths and styles for a relaxed and bohemian vibe. A pendant with your initials or those of a loved one can be a personal and meaningful addition to your outfit [ed note: if you’re a teenage girl].
MR PORTER: Layer up bracelets to add interest to your day-today look, mixing colours and scale for a curated selection. Or, go for a simple gold or silver chain. These are always easy to incorporate into any outfit and work just as well over a white T-shirt as under a silk shirt.
Don’t be afraid to mix metals – look to Spinelli Kilcollin, who master this with their simple yet elevated styles.
06.
Our working weeks are usually a mixture of client meetings, working from home and office days, so putting together a work wardrobe is more difficult than ever. How should the modern man dress for today’s workplace?
ChatGPT: Dressing for a modern workplace requires a versatile and flexible wardrobe. Stock up on staples like tailored blazers, well-fitted dress shirts and classic chinos or trousers in neutral colours. Investing in high-quality, well-constructed and properly tailored pieces that will last and maintain their appearance over time also makes sense.
Have a few versatile outerwear options like a tailored coat, a lightweight trench or a classic bomber jacket that can be worn over various outfits and accessorise thoughtfully with a minimalist watch, tie bar or a pocket square. Opt for dress shirts in subtle patterns, textured fabrics or with contrast collars and cuffs to add interest to your outfits [ed note: see Seinfeld, “The Puffy Shirt”].
Learn how to dress down your outfits while still looking put-together, too. For example, pairing a blazer with dark jeans and a crisp T-shirt. By combining classic pieces with contemporary elements and paying attention to fit and quality, you can achieve a stylish and polished look that’s adaptable.
MR PORTER: Invest in good-quality staples. Think a great grey crewneck sweatshirt that can be worn with a blazer and drawstring trousers for meetings or dressed down with clean blue jeans for days at home. The same is true of a white Oxford shirt, chunky loafers and a smart wool coat.
Upgrade your bag, too. Remember that the details are key and make all the difference. A Porter-Yoshida & Co tote works in all eventualities and adds polish to an otherwise casual look.
Make sure you have a go-to coat or jacket for each season to finish off any look. A combination of a canvas chore jacket, a light-weight parka or trench, a wool coat and a down jacket will see you through anything.
With shoes, less is more. Make sure your white sneakers are box-fresh, loafers and Derbies are polished and you have a sturdy pair of boots for when the weather turns.
The verdict.
We’re not too proud to admit that this AI tool has come up with some acceptable suggestions, but for those who have used ChatGPT before, you might be able to tell that these answers are heavily edited. It took me (a person, hello), to sift through the extensive and repetitive responses and pick out the best ideas from the bunch.
I’ve saved you from some of the worst doozies, too (leaf-design jewellery and turtlenecks under a blazer? Non, merci).
ChatGPT man is a very particular type of man. He’s not a bad man, but he’s a bit bland. He’s a swirling mass of every accepted and generic opinion on the internet. He’s a taco without hot sauce and cocktail without a twist. He’s fine. But is fine really enough?
While AI can sift through the web and find some popular opinions to regurgitate back at us, it does not have the editor’s ability to pick and choose for its audience. Our fashion team can not only provide advice based on their own personal style, but can also give options that account for differences in taste and opinion. And, what’s more, they can apply these to specific examples.
We don’t just want to know that mixing silhouettes is an interesting way to do add interest to your autumn wardrobe, we want to know which pieces that they recommend and that go together. It’s that deep knowledge of brands, collections, fashion history and changing trends that makes the MR PORTER Team irreplaceable. It’s the ability to predict instead of just reflecting back what is already there.
With ChatGPT, the idea is there, but not the execution. We humans aren’t useless just yet.