What to wear for the final leg of winter
10 investment pieces that’ll take you into chilly spring days…
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Even though the mornings are starting to look a little brighter on these shores, the mercury continues to remain at low, low levels. And, if typical British weather is anything to go off – rough rain, sleet and storms – it’s best that you start (if you haven’t already) gathering some hardy wears to protect yourself from the elements.
But, before you button up, we’ve got a few sartorial suggestions for you, ones that are more striking than the winter winds. After all, it’s the season of layering and wrapping up, meaning that it’s the time of year when your full array of attire is showcased to the world – so it’s best you invest right.
If you’re in the market for some winter pieces to see you through to spring, here is an edit of our most stylish, smart and downright cosy recommendations…
Outerwear to Last
Of course, your coat is the first line of frosty defence in the fight against the big chill. However, we’re sure you’ve already spent big on a new mac, down jacket or parka – how else would you have survived the past few months? Instead, we’ve got some suggestions that you can layer underneath your main, big-ticket item – such purchases can be used as a mid-piece in your outfit, but can also be worn on their own during those mercurial January and February days when there’s the odd afternoon of warmth.
For a failsafe option, fall back on something in navy. It’s a flattering style staple, one that’s been in vogue for decades and transcends fashion fads and seasons. We’ve taken a liking to Aubin’s ‘Haycombe Harrington’, an updated version of the classic model it’s based on, featuring double-faced wool blend and large front pockets to stow away your everyday essentials; pair it with a marl-grey t-shirt, and slip it under a more boxy-shaped overcoat for extra cocooning. Benedict Raven has a more casual, sports-luxe piece made from textured organic cotton – this item is better suited for relaxed styles. For those cold winter walks, or if you’re about to hit the slopes, the ‘Ross’ gilet by Shackleton is a windproof yet breathable piece that’s thronged with 850-fill goose down.
Knitwear that McQueen Would Approve Of
Few items evoke images of winter as well as a jumper does – those halcyon scenes of evenings by the log fire, après-ski drinks, or walks in rural Scotland just wouldn’t feel the same if there weren’t a rollneck or a fisherman-style piece in site. Romantic, idyllic notions aside, they’re a practical, versatile item, too, as they not only add insulation but can also be worn on their own when dining indoors or at the bar.
When it comes to this department, it’s worth investing in a few styles in order to keep things on rotate and to switch up your look every few days. For that all-time-classic Steve McQueen aesthetic, invest in this Peregrine waffle crewneck whose easygoing feel and heavy, 100-per-cent British-wool construction speaks of breezy mornings. Aubin’s take, made from a lambswool-and-nylon mix, has a more contemporary quality, due to its slimline rib pattern (for a timeless outfit, we recommend matching this with a single-breasted wool coat). Those wanting a more office-friendly, formal option, Aurélien’s longsleeve polo is defined by its extrafine merino and mother-of-pearl buttons, a slim wardrobe option that’ll have you cutting a dash when wearing with straight-fit wool trousers and a well-tailored mac.
It’s all in the details
Picking up a few accessories is one of the most straightforward ways to upgrade your wardrobe – as we’ve long said, it’s all in the details, whether it’s a well-designed suit lining or the way that your trousers break, and these little things can completely turn around an outfit. Better still, with winter’s prevalent bite, you’ll need to take extra care to cover up where possible.
Sometimes practicality must reign over vanity, so even if you’re having a remarkable hair day, but your ears are starting to feel the frost, we recommend Uniform Standard’s beanie, which has been knitted from luxuriously soft lambswool, and its embellishment-free look means it’ll suit most styles. To inject a little flash of colour into your getup, this cashmere scarf, made by Aurélien, is done out in a rich maroon hue and has a lightweight feel, meaning it won’t make anything from the neckline upwards feel too balmy.
Best foot forward
And finally, to the footwear, the firm foundations and sturdy building blocks for any outfit – and this notion is perhaps most important during the harsh climes of winter than any other season. Indeed, we’re sure you were gifted some pristine, lightweight white sneakers for Christmas, and you’re likely champing at the bit to slip into them, but with January and February largely being defined by dark, moody weather, we’d advise you go for colours that are more in tune with the mood of the moment.
Odds are that you already have a pair of heavy-duty boots on your shoerack, so for something you’ve likely not come across recently, try on Aurélien’s ‘City’ loafers, a leftfield yet beautifully made mid-top creation that has elasticated inserts, making them easy to slip on and off as you travel between your abode, the office, and off-duty venues; their durable anti-slip rubber soles will also prove a saviour during those icy mornings. For something to wear with relaxed items, Uniform Standard’s suede options are renowned for their clean lines and hand-finished details (we particularly like the contrast between the premium Italian suede and the vegetable-tanned calf-leather collar) – a breezy, easy style that will carry you into the light of spring.
Want more style advice? These are the five styles of shoe you need to step up your 2023…
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