The ‘Downton Abbey’ effect is still in full swing as AW12 see’s designers turn to the history books for heritage-inspired prints and silhouettes. The AW12 shows saw a wealth of English gentry inspired apparel being showcased down the catwalks, with major players Burberry taking the crown for nailing Britain’s ‘Costume Nationale’.

For an immediate nod to this sartorial trend, hats are key and a plethora of styles were seen: Croches at Ralph Lauren, flat caps from Burberry and Vivienne Westwood accessorized flared suits with the baker boy hat for a 70s twist to tweed.

To transfer this covetable trend to your eyewear for true country cool, your frames offeryou an inning. For adiverse all day wear option, tortoiseshell prints are a fail safe. Circular shapes will add an air of prep as well as a 90s edge, whilst cat-eyes for the ladies will result in more ‘Miss Moneypenny’. If you’re looking to invest in something bolder, Burberry’s offers their iconic check on the arms of this season’s collection or shop from Gucci’s range of bold acetates in rich browns with gold detailing for a more regal slant.

Gents should peruse Prada’s semi-rimmed offerings this season, with the taste-makers using wood detailing to play down otherwise tech-focussed designs and for those of you who actually plan on enjoying the great outdoors, add a UVA protective shade to your prescription for optimum clarity.