As we head into autumn, I'm not quite ready to pack away all of the more summery items of clothing I've pulled to the front of my wardrobe in recent months. True, I often find the more formal nature of winter dressing easier to accommodate (such is my preference for smarter clothes) but, in truth, I also miss the simplicity that accompanies creating sartorial compositions in the warmest periods of the year too.

   A compromise item - one which combines practicality with casual smartness - comes in the form of Original Penguin's The Earl 2.0 Polo Shirt (as illustrated). Available in a number of colours, the dark green hue in this illustration makes for a subtle seasonal nod and can be used to anchor an outfit with a sober and understated splash of colour - as such, it's an item which can be worn by itself or "dressed up" by implementing the use of a blazer, cardigan or sport jacket. Whilst personal preference means I will more than likely team these with slacks and check trousers, with wing-tip brogues able to create something of a laconic "bowling" style look, it's also very easy to "dress down" the shirt too simply by teaming them with jeans.

   The second take on Original Penguin's classic design is one which has made a number of minor, albeit much welcomed, changes and improvements on the initial model; the three button placket has been shortened somewhat and the collar has been made a touch narrower - version 2.0 is, as such, even sleeker and more sophisticated than the classic original. The piping, trim and, of course, embroidered Original Penguin logo all remain